‘I had to change’ - Alan Shearer snubs Newcastle United career and names club’s greatest player

A ruthless 37 goals across all competitions helped Rovers on their way to a historic Premier League title. Shearer repeated that feat the following year - despite Blackburn finishing seventh - to trigger a world-record bid from Newcastle United.

The Magpies battled with Manchester United just weeks after Shearer bagged the Golden Boot at Euro 96. Ultimately, the Gosforth native headed home and was viewed as the missing piece of the jigsaw, with Newcastle still reeling having blown a 12-point lead in the title race.

Silverware never followed on Tyneside despite reaching the FA Cup finals in 1998 and 1999. Shearer does, however, enjoy legendary status, with 206 goals making him Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer.

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A bronze figure of the 54-year-old stands proudly outside of St James’ Park - a feat he has admitted is worth more than any trophy. But speaking to The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer admitted Toon fans never saw his best - that honour went to Blackburn.

“For me, it would probably be 1994-95, at Blackburn,” he said when asked what he considered his peak year. “I think I got 37 goals, with 34 in the league. I realised I started losing a yard of pace in my late 20s because of my serious injuries. 

“I had to change my game. But I think goalscoring-wise, chances and all of that, probably 1994-95 (was my peak).”

Shearer also crowned Peter Beardsley as Newcastle’s greatest-ever player. He enjoyed two spells at the Magpies in the 1980s and 1990s, forming a partnership with Shearer during his debut campaign.

“I wouldn’t ever say myself, so Peter Beardsley I think," Shearer added. "He was unbelievable, he was a great player. I didn’t see Jackie Milburn but certainly in my era, Peter Beardsley.”