Newcastle force Robson out

A strong tip to take over the hotseat is club captain and star striker Alan Shearer.

Robson suggested three years ago that Shearer should be his eventual successor at Newcastle but is the 34-year-old ready to hang up his boots and move into management just yet?

Geordie legend Chris Waddle and BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson give their views on what he should do next.

He's ready to step in Chris Waddle

Shearer will be in charge for the next game. He may even retire from playing before the end of the season, put on a suit and take his place in the dugout.

No way can it be Shearer - it needs to be O'Neill or Bruce, but we're not good enough for either of them From Jim Jones Have your say on 606

Maybe Shearer said to the chairman that he'll hang his boots up but wants Wayne Rooney to replace him. That could have been part of the deal.

Newcastle are a big club, with fantastic support and they should be challenging for honours, but they haven't won a trophy since 1969.

They need a big name to take over now - and I'm sure Shearer will be offered the job.

Too much to handle Mark Lawrenson

The question is does he want the hassle, does he want the aggravation of the job?

We know at the BBC that he wants to work on the media side during the course of the season as well as playing.

But if you're then going to say to Alan Shearer: "Would you take control of the team?", he's probably going to turn around and say: "Yes, but I'll probably need someone with me."

So it will be interesting to hear, if Shearer is asked, what his answer will be.