In an example of how the modern apparatus in football operates, Alan Shearer used his free, publicly-garnered position as pundit for the BBC, to announce his decision to "politely decline" the offer from Blackburn Rovers, to be considered for their vacant manager position.

This is not the first time Shearer has acted in this vain. When the Newcastle post came up for grabs following the departure of Sam Allardyce, speculation linking the Toon legend with his beloved club was feverish.

The locals were drooling over the prospect of a dream team made up of Kevin Keegan and Shearer. Yet, when push came to shove, Shearer turned the opportunity down flat.

With Mark Hughes now based in Eastlands, Shearer's name was once again tagged among the candidates available to take over the reigns at Ewood Park. After all, Shearer's relationship with Rovers is cemented in stone after forming half of the greatest striking partnerships ever to play in the Premier League, the awesome "SAS" (Shearer and [Chris] Sutton).

Sadly though, Shearer has once again opted to stay in his cushty job at the BBC, choosing to dish out mind-numbing analysis rather than getting his kicks from diving back into the deep end of football. This sets a worrying precedent.

With all the talk of foreign players flooding the Premier League, the old chestnut of a lack of top British managers capable of leading the national side has subsided. Nevertheless, the FA are well aware that the current and last manager has come from overseas, a matter which apparently causes the FA much distress. There should be no-doubt that the lack of British managers is a problem that needs an urgent remedy.