Speaking to the BBC's Look North programme on Thursday evening, Alan Shearer had this to say:
Tell me about your reaction to Kevin getting the job:
"Delighted.
"I was as surprised as a lot of people but what he will bring is tremendous enthusiasm, great commitment and I think he will just bring a spark to the area.
"You saw the reaction to the game on Wednesday evening - that's the effect he has on the area.
"He knows the football club, the people and what they want. And he knows that they want a style of play there - they want to be entertained.
"He certainly did that the last time he was manager and I'm positive he'll do the same again."
Do you want the assistant's job if it's available?
"First and foremost, I don't know whether Kevin wants me as his number two and I don't know whether I want to be a number two.
"He hasn't been in the job very long. He needs to go into the football club, have a look around and see what he needs: whether he needs to bring his own people in or stick with the people who are already there.
"But if he was to ring me then of course I would speak to him because I have great respect for him."
Is it something you're considering already - or not until you get a phone call?
"No I haven't considered it - I haven't had anything to consider to be honest.
"He's his own man - I have tremendous respect for him.
"I worked with him as a player at Newcastle and England and I'm sure he'll do well and whoever he brings in - if anyone - it will be for the benefit of the football club."