Southgate has cranked up the heat on Shearer by insisting he is in a no-lose situation - even if troubled Toon crash out of the Premier League.
Shearer has taken one point from three games since taking over at St James' Park in an amazing eight game £1.8m deal, but the performances from his side have not improved.
The intial feel-good factor happened in the crowd, but not on the pitch, and Shearer now knows this spell may have made him a king's purse ... but his reputation could go down the pan ... regardless what Southgate says!
Don't Fool Yourself Southgate - Shearer Is Impressing No-One!
The Tyne-Tees derby at St James' Park on May 11 will have a massive say in both clubs' bid to beat the drop.
Southgate: "Alan's in a fortunate position in some respects because he's got nothing to lose in what he's doing.
"I'm sure that he'll get them some results between now and the end of the season.