Alan Shearer recalls ‘shy’ but hilarious encounter with Newcastle United defender Dan Burn

Dan Burn is a vocal presence on and off the pitch for Newcastle United - but when it comes to meeting childhood hero Alan Shearer, the Blyth-born central defender is a man of very few words.

Back when Burn was on loan at Birmingham City from Fulham for the 2013/14 Championship season, the now 29-year-old found himself in the company of Shearer at Olly Lee’s engagement party.

Shearer, of course, is good friends with Olly’s father Rob having played at St James’ Park between 1996 and 2002, as well as playing for England together.

Burn, a teammate of Olly’s at Birmingham, was invited to his engagement party and little did he know that Shearer would pop over for a conversation.

Clearly starstruck by meeting his boyhood club’s all-time record goalscorer, Shearer explained: “I remember the moment, yeah.

“It was Rob Lee’s son’s party and he had a few people around there. Of course, I was down there as we were all brought up together and know each other’s families very well.

“Dan was there with others. I shook his hand and had a quick drink. Yeah, he didn’t have a lot to say!

“He was rather shy that day.”

Speaking about THAT encounter with Shearer, Burn told the club’s matchday programme in February: “I’d met Rob (Lee) a few times, so I was already starstruck anyway.

“But then we went to the party and Shearer was there. I was like, ‘oh my God, it’s Alan Shearer!’

“I was speaking to Rob and then Shearer came over and said something to me. I replied, but I did not know what to say. I completely bottled it. I just stood there.

“Luckily my wife’s really chatty, so she came over and kind of saved us a bit. But I’ve been gutted ever since. I had one chance to say hello to him, and I couldn’t even get a question out.”

Will it feel a little easier if he meets him now he’s wearing the black and white of Newcastle?

“I hope so,” he replied. “I’ll try and play it cool. But inside, I’ll be fizzing.”