To paraphrase JFK's famous quote, Big Al has never asked what
the magpies could do for him, but what he could do for them
instead.
He snubbed MUFC to return to his hometown and play for Newcastle
back in 1996 after winning the championship with BRFC a year
before. At St James' park, he did not win any medals in his decade
with the Magpies but stuck with them through thick and thin.
Shearer's last game was against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light,
where he suffered a career-threatening injury. This ruled him out
of the final game of the season in London at Stamford Bridge, in
which Michael Owen is expected to return. It had been a dream of
mine to see them pair up for one last time.
I hope the next person who takes over the No 9 jersey can carry on
the proud tradition.