Alan Shearer is one of the best known names in English football. Heretired from the game as Newcastle United's greatest goalscorer of all-time and perhaps with it, our greatest ever player too.

The Early Years
Born in Newcastle and brought up on a council estate in Gosforth, Shearer - the son of a Sheet Metal worker first took an interest in football at the age of six.
Like most kids in the area, playing in the back street or playing on some rough ground was a way of life. That’s where it all began for Alan.
Everyday he would practice and a football was never too far away or a game, often against older and much bigger kids. With a father who was Newcastle United crazy, football was always a big part of the Shearer family. Like his father Alan became a big Newcastle United fan and as most Newcastle United Supporters dreamed wearing the Black & White shirt.
It wasn't just a dream for Alan, from the first time he could kick a football he wanted to be a professional footballer. With his heart set on becoming a professional footballer, he was soon demonstrating he had enough talent to go all the way.
Alan at the age of 12 captained his school team at Gosforth High School playing in many positions on the park. It was at striker that he appeared to be at his very best.
Alan continued playing his football and enjoying every minute. During his boys club years he played for Cramlington Juniors playing against other future talents such as Peter Beardsley Lee Clarke and Michael Carrick. During his time with Cramlington Juniors Alan was a prolific goalscorer.
A local scout Jack Hickson finally spotting Alan and realised he was something special. Jack Hickson formed a special bond with the Shearer family and later on represented Alan.
 
The Pro Years
Alan finally got a break with Southampton signing apprenticeship terms at the age of 15. Alan from time to time became homesick but Southampton were very sympathetic and allowed him to return home at weekends. Alan finally got his first team chance against Arsenal on the 9th April 1988.
On the day of the game Danny Wallace failed a fitness test which gave Alan his big break. Alan did not disappoint grabbing a hatrick in a 4-2 victory.
Alan got his international break in a friendly against France netting once in a 2-0 victory. In a glittering career for England Alan scored many times.

On the Move
Being the hottest property around Alan attracted the eyes of many teams and in the summer of 1992 Blackburn Rovers tabled a bid of £3.3 Million pound which was too irresistible for Southampton to turn down so Alan made the trip from the south coast to Lancashire to join Kenny Daglish who was the manager. Shearer debut for Blackburn saw him net twice in a 3-3 draw against Blackburn Rovers. Finally in the 1994-95 season Alan received his first real piece of silverware the coveted premiership title with Rovers. Alan also received the PFA player of the season.
As with most Geordies who love football the desire to play in the black and white shirt is immeasurable and Alan got his chance in the 1996-97 season signing for the magpies in a £15million pound transfer. Kevin Keegan the then manager saw Alan as the perfect foil to guide the Magpies to some much needed success. This was not to be but watching Alan play alongside the likes of Les Ferdinand, David Ginola and Peter Beardsley was something Newcastle United fans will never forget. Still playing and regularly notching for England Alan decided on the eve of the Euro 2000 championships to announce his retirement at the end of the tournament to prolong his club career. Although devastating for England it was good news for Newcastle. Alan could walk away with his head held high scoring 30 times in all.
 
And Finally
Having unfortunately failed to win silverware with Newcastle Alan decided to retire from football but there was one last record that Alan wanted to break and that was the record held by Jackie Milburn scoring 200 times in a Black and white shirt. Alan’s dream came true notching his 201st goal at St James at the Gallowgate end on the 4th of February 2006 against Portsmouth in a 2-0 win. Alan finally retired with 206 goals in a black and white shirt the last gaol a penalty being scored at Sunderland on the 17th April 2006 during a 4-1 win. I for one very much doubt English football will ever see the likes again.