Alan Shearer, Newcastle United’s record all time goalscorer, England legend and arguably the greatest striker not just of a generation but in Premier League history.

Born in Gosforth, Newcastle, Shearer scored 206 goals for the Magpies during his 10 seasons with the club.

A Premier League winner with Blackburn (130 goals in 171 games), Shearer never did get that illusive trophy at Newcastle, despite runners up medals in Cup and League. And whilst he insists that he’s never regretted signing for his boyhood club when he had the choice to play anywhere in the world, and having knocked back Sir Alex at Manchester United on more than one occasion, his loyalty did mean his trophy cabinet is lighter in silverware that it should have been.

His transfer from Blackburn to Newcastle was, at the time, a World Record transfer fee at £15m. Shearer only played for 3 clubs. His first being Southampton, where he scored a hattrick on his debut. For England too, he was immense with 30 goals in 63 games. An achievement made all the more impressive given the competition for places at the time with Sherringham, Cole, Ferdinand, Beardsley, Fowler all fighting for a starting place.

On retirement Alan Shearer CBE moved to a career in broadcasting, covering international tournaments and the Premier League with Match of the Day. A great deal more that just ‘a sheet metal workers son from Newcastle’!