NEWCASTLE United legend Alan Shearer does not believe the special relationship he shares with the Magpies' fanatical following could be damaged should he ever return to manage his beloved club.

The record-breaking striker has enjoyed a special bond with Newcastle supporters ever since he favoured a move to his hometown club - from Blackburn Rovers - over fierce rivals Manchester United in 1996.

When Kevin Keegan paid £15m for his signature it was felt Shearer was the missing piece of the Newcastle jigsaw and it was only a matter of time before the club delivered a much sought-after trophy.

Unfortunately the silverware famine continued during his ten years in the number nine shirt, but it wasn't all doom and gloom.

Shearer led the club on several memorable sorties in the FA Cup, Champions League and UEFA Cup competitions during his time, winning plaudits for his loyalty from fans and breaking dozens of goalscoring records along the way. It all culminated in the Premier League's record goalscorer creating more history by breaking former legend Jackie Milburn's mammoth 200-goal record in his final season on Tyneside. It had stood for almost 50 years.

If there was ever any doubt about the bond Shearer shared with his hometown crowd then his emotional testimonial against Celtic confirmed it. More than 52,000 supporters turned up at St James' Park to give him a send off never to be forgotten.

The 37-year-old moved in to TV and media work immediately after the match but reiterated his ambition to return and manage the club he once supported as a boy in the Gallowgate End.

But wouldn't there be a danger that relationship could be soured if the club's fortunes plummeted while he was in charge? Shearer evidently does not believe so.

Speaking at the launch of his book, My Illustrated Career, he said: "I'm really enjoying my life and I am happy with my TV work, which is keeping me busy. But I would like to manage one day.

"If I got to 50 or 55 and I hadn't done it then it would be nagging away at me."

He mischievously added: "I didn't say it would happen (be a manager) at Newcastle did I? That is you (the Press) presuming things.

"Management does interest me otherwise I wouldn't have done my coaching badges. I've just finished my A Licence, which was two years of hard work.

"If it comes along (managing Newcastle) then I'm sure you'll know about it. I'm happy what I'm doing at the moment.

"It hasn't crossed my mind (about spoiling his relationship with the fans) but you never know, it might improve it."

Current Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has just had his first setback since taking over from Glenn Roeder in the summer.

Allardyce saw his United side lose for the first time this term at relegation-tipped Derby County.

But despite the club's first reversal in six league and cup outings, Shearer has backed the former Bolton chief to embark on a successful new era at St James' Park. The club's former skipper believes the structure is finally in place at Newcastle to end the club's wretched run without winning a trophy.

"Taking Monday night away, it is a very positive start to the season," said Shearer, who netted 206 times for United.

"It's a new era for the club and they have a lot of new players.

"It will take time for them to gel but I don't think there is a lot out there to beat.

"They could finish seventh or eighth this season and then give him (Allardyce) time and I'm sure they will kick on from there.

"It all looks very positive but everything is going to be judged on what happens on the field, as it always is. Monday was disappointing but I'm sure they will try to pick up on Sunday."