Alan Shearer!!!! For being such a great sporting ambassador for Newcastle.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Answers

His answer to being asked if he's ever regretted signing for Newcastle:

It is a decision he firmly believes was the right one, although he admitted with a smile that there was a brief moment when he did wonder.

"Perhaps in the first game of my Newcastle career in the Charity Shield when we got thumped 4-0 by Manchester United," he said.

"I felt 'Goodness me, that isn't what I came to Newcastle for'.

"But I made the right decision, I know that. I haven't won silverware, which is disappointing, but playing for Newcastle has been everything I thought it would be and a hell of a lot more."

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Thoroughly deserved, and how magmanimous of him to say he is still happy with his decision to 'come home'. Despite the very considerable financial recompense - which he could have received anywhere - I feel so regretful that he came back here in his prime to help us win some silverware, and it has gone relatively pear-shaped for him.

It would be so nice, both for him and us, if he could be rewarded with a medal to cap everything off, but it looks increasingly unlikely.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

i may throw up

ok he was good in 96-97 but post goodison he's been very average. he's still making 2 mil per for performance that would have resulted in him being run out of town in barca, madrid, turin or milan.

i don't begrudge his salary or some barmy award but, bit of perspective here please.

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

Can't agree George. Alan Shearer's goals took us to 3 Wembley appearances, and have kept us in the PL in the last 3 seasons.

Not a bad effort IMHO, and what a pity we haven't had a few more like him or we might just have won on one of Wembley visits.

You can carry on chundering now.........

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

This is what Bobby Robson had to say said about Alan Shearer after he was awarded the Freedom of the City today:

Bobby Robson was delighted for a man he is constantly urging his younger players to look up to. "He's a great example to the club, to everyone. If Shola Ameobi and Lomana Lua Lua and even young Michael Chopra can't be inspired by that, then they'll never be inspired".
"That's the perfect example, which he is anyway on and off the pitch, in the dressing room, on the training pitch, and generally around the Club. That's why he's got this award. It doesn't go to anybody. It doesn't go to nondescript people, does it?"
What is more, Robson firmly believes that Newcastle still have another three years in which to reap the reward of their ambitious investment back in 1996.
"We haven't had the full usage of the money yet," he said. "He's still got about three good years to give, at least. He's been a good buy, an excellent buy. He's given very good value for money."

-- Anonymous, March 09, 2001

EH ? Just logged on - this happens to be the first thread I read.

George, let's face it. What does Bobby Robson know about football or Alan Shearer or was influence he has or whether he is someone to look up ? Plenty, I would say.

So you could throw up, George? Bit of perspective please ? How long have you got ??? (Not now, Arthur...er, Val.)

I find I am sitting here at the keyboard and suddenly have difficulty typing cos of the geet big Flame-thrower that has appeared in my hands.

Na,na,na,nah, Val. Divennt start another rant. Haven't got the energy tonight. I'm off to make a bacon sammich. Potential flame off, mmmwahhh, mmmwahhh :-))

MABOY! CONGRATULATIONS !!! I'm delighted for you and for ALL of us including you, George.

xxx to all.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Commendable restraint, val - can you please give me some lessons!

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Does this mean he can have treatment in any hospital in Newcastle without joining the waiting list? Hope so!

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Sorry it must be in our upbringing but I tend to lean towards agreeing with George.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2001

He was captain of England and is a great sporting ambassador in these days of utter football tits behaving like arrogant nobs.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2001

......it seems as though "tits behaving like nobs" command more deference and respect, Dougal.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2001