possible scenario

Dont know much about how betting coups work but perhaps the delay isn't caused by gethin dragging his feet perhaps its Houghton delaying in case he gets the chance at Villa. Someone puts Shearers name in the frameto force his hand, or maybe just the fact that McLeish looks bound for Villa now may see him named tomorrow.
If it is Shearer its got to be considered great news for the club. There is no way he's going to give up his cushy MOTD job unless the Malaysians are paying him well and have promised enough money to give him a very good shout at promotion. He's not going to blow any chance he has of other bigger managerial jobs by taking a job where theres no money to spend and a relegation battle on the cards.