He then went on to become Ruud Gullit's assistant at Newcastle and had a brief spell as caretaker manager at the Tyneside club after the Dutchman's exit in August 1999 before working under Sir Bobby Robson at St James' Park.

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He went on to become to become Ruud Gullit's assistant at Newcastle and had a brief spell as caretaker manager at the Tyneside club after the Dutchman's exit in August 1999 before working under Sir Bobby Robson at St James' Park.

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But he did not appear and Bishop Robson, who is auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, made a statement at the cathedral.

BBC: Cardinal Keith O'Brien

Dundee Utd started well, and Noel Hunt caused problems in the St Mirren defence with an early header from a Robson corner, however Billy Mehmet was able to clear.

BBC: St Mirren 0-3 Dundee United

Shearer also paid tribute to another former Newcastle United manager, Sir Bobby Robson, who died last month, and under whom Shearer played at St James' Park for five years.

BBC: Shearer still wants Newcastle job