Does anyone have a bad word to say about Alan Shearer? He's a legend at Blackburn, Newcastle and as an England player. Even in his private life the 37-year-old Shearer is a true family man, spending much of his time with his young children.

When I was a teenager growing up in Blackburn, it was Shearer's skill and charm that introuced me to the enjoyment football could bring to its supporters. He was an icon at Blackburn. The crowds would constantly sing "Shearer, Shearer" and “There's only one Alan Shearer” to the delight of the player.

He formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Chris Sutton and that SAS pairing brought title joy to Ewood Park in the 1994-95 season with their incredible scoring record. Shearer scored a fantastic 130 goals for Blackburn in only 171 matches. Rovers' fans could feel a goal coming every time Shearer took posession of the ball – what a great feeling for any supporter. We were all distraught to see him leave. But who could think badly of him for wanting to achieve bigger things with an ultimately bigger team, his boyhood team Newcastle United. At least Blackburn recieved £15million for the player.

‘Shearer scored a fantastic 130 goals for Blackburn in only 171 matches. Rovers' fans could feel a goal coming every time Shearer had the ball – what a great feeling...’


Shearer was idolised even more in Newcastle than in his title-winning days at Blackburn. The Gosforth-born striker was the ultimate hero, playing an incredible 404 matches and scoring over 200 goals for the Toon Army over 10 years. Unfortunately, Shearer failed to win a Premier League title with his beloved team, but that didn't stop the fans adoring the striker. Many of them still want Sheaer as their future manager.

Although Shearer retired early from international football at only 30 years of age, the striker managed a brilliant 30 goals in 63 games. He was the star, but again failed to win any major honours with his country. Shearer's life in football didn't stop when he retired from playing professionally. He is still an ambassador for the game – a great one at that. He's also a soccer pundit for BBC television and always has a smile on his face, illustrating his love for the game.

The great man was awarded an OBE for his services to football in 2001 and will always be remembered as a true talent. Alan Shearer is truely my footballing hero.