This may be one for debate, and is sure to divide public opinion. Its a question that has been raised countless times when measuring up the achievements in Alan Shearers career. On one hand, he is the all-time top scorer in Premier League history with 260 goals, and the record goalscorer for his hometown club. On the other, he has a but one medal to show for his efforts - from the 94/95 league-winning campaign at Blackburn Rovers. Should he regret spurning the opportunities to link up with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and add the medals that his immense talent deserved? Its a question that only he knows the answer to, but considering his iconic status at the club of his heart - in the region of England where only one football club matters, he probably doesnt lay awake at night cursing his decision.
''Ive got no regrets. Ive had a great career. My dream as a kid was to play for Newcastle United and to score goals at St. James Park. It doesnt matter that I didnt win a trophy because I did it my way and I lived the dream. Unless you come from the area, you wouldnt understand the mentality. Playing for the club is everything. I broke Jackie Milburns record and no one can take that away from me. Ive never had any regrets. - Alan Shearer, April 2006.
Shearer has been cast in bronze outside the steps of the stadium that he used to excitedly scurry up with his father to watch the heroes of his youth - how could he possibly have traded that in for anything else?
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
