Within moments of becoming a Newcastle United player, Alan Shearer was blown away by the supporters.
On the back of almost winning the Premier League in 1996, Kevin Keegan went big. He broke Newcastle United’s transfer record and the world’s transfer record to bring Alan Shearer to St James’ Park.
Arriving from Blackburn Rovers for £15million, Shearer became Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever. That honour now belongs to Alexander Isak, who cost £63million in 2022.
The local lad received a true Geordie welcome as he was unveiled as a Newcastle United player, resulting in Shearer making a vow to the Toon Army.
- READ MORE: Who is Alan Shearer? Stats, Height, Wife, Daughter, Net Worth
Alan Shearer made ‘success’ vow after signing for Newcastle United
After signing for Newcastle United on 30th July 1996, Shearer was presented to the fans and the media alongside manager Kevin Keegan.
During the press conference, Shearer admitted that he was stunned by the reception he got from a fanbase that had been starved of success.
“Nothing should surprise me with the fans of Newcastle, but the reception that has been given to me, it certainly has done,” he said in the summer of 1996.
“If any club or any supporters deserve success then it’s this club. Hopefully I’ll help with the rest of the players to try and bring that to them.”
How close Alan Shearer came to winning a trophy with Newcastle United
Shearer tried to change Newcastle United’s fortunes. He wanted more than anyone to bring success to Tyneside and the Toon Army.
He certainly did his best, scoring 206 goals to become Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer, with Shearer’s best goal coming against Everton in 2002. However, his history-making strikes were not enough to bring silverware to the club.
During Shearer’s time as a Newcastle United player, he did get close to winning a trophy. He was part of the Magpies side that got to the FA Cup final in 1998 and 1999. However, they were beaten at Wembley two years in a row.
While Shearer tried to give Newcastle United the success it deserves, it did not happen.
That is why what Eddie Howe and co achieved in March 2025 is so special. His Newcastle United team did the unthinkable, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy. They beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, with Alexander Isak’s second half goal proving to be decisive in a 2-1 win.
Those Newcastle United players became legends that day. That is an honour that Shearer deserves too, despite falling short in his pursuit of silverware.
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