Alan Shearer factfile

• limpper

  3 Apr 09, 13:40

  

  RETURNING HERO ... Newcastle legend Alan Shearer arrives to take charge of his first training session as boss

   

  HERE'S the lowdown on one of Newcastle's all-time greats.

   

  <!-- // Hide column off expanded view section fShowHideSIFRElementColumnOff('column-off-expanded'); // -->

  1970: Born August 13, Newcastle.

  1988: Signs pro with Southampton on April 14 — five days after hitting hat-trick on his full debut.

  1992: England debut at Wembley, scoring in 2-0 win over France. Joins Blackburn in British record £3.3million deal — but suffers knee ligament injury on Boxing Day.

  1994: Voted Footballer of the Year scoring 31 goals in 1993-94 season.

  1995: 34 Prem goals leads Blackburn to their first title for 81 years. Voted PFA Player of the Year.

  1996: Moves to Newcastle in world record £15m deal. Scores 28 goals as Toon finish second in Prem.

  1997: Suffers a broken leg and ruptured ankle ligaments.

  1999: Named England captain.

  2000: Announces international retirement after Euro 2000 finals.

  2005: Scores 201st Newcastle goal to become club’s top scorer — retires at end of that season.

  2008: Turns down offer from Joe Kinnear to join coaching staff at St James’ Park.

  2009: Confirmed as manager at St James’ Park for the final eight games of the season.