Love me or loathe me; Alan Shearer

Gazza in a later post. England would go on to have a more famous win but for me the win over Holland was as close as England have got to a perfect performance and it included two goals finished of course by Mr Shearer

Shearer ended that summer as a hero and now had a decision who to join before the next season. Manchester United were champions again and were just missing a world class centre forward chasing their Champions League dream. However in winning the title Utd had closed a January 12pt gap over runner up and Shearers home club Newcastle United. The pull of the love for the club resulted in Newcastle signing Shearer to a second league record 15m deal. Along with many highlights he paid them back with two goals in a famous 5 nil win over Utd the following season. He did not however secure his dream and lead them to an trophy despite back to back FA cup finals.

His best ever league goal was this effort in a tie with Everton

After retirement Shearer has been working for the BBC as a pundit. Those of you based outside the UK have been spared this horror show. Boring beyond any possible imagination we were saved for a short period by his shock appointment as Newcastle manager in April 2009. He was given an 8 week stint to try and save the clubs Premier League status. After relegation the club opted to give the permanent job to Chris Hughton. Shearer was interviewed for the Cardiff City job in 2011 and remains a probable manager of the future.

Style wise Shearer was known for his strength, ability to play as a lone striker, ability to create chances for teammates as well as a ruthless ability to take those made for him. Defenders who have faced him have made clear the dislike they had in playing against him, often accusing him of using his elbows in challenges. A constant tactic to physically dominate his marker breaking them mentally and then punishing their mistakes, he was perhaps one of the biggest handfuls in the game. He could also lose his temper. His foul language was on display each and every game and for those of you unhappy with Alan Pardew's head rub this weekend, this is how a Newcastle manager can do violence.

Shearer was perhaps the best finisher in Premier League history. He had the aura in that regard and when combined to his man handling of defenders he was one of the most feared players in the league. One of the best players in the Premier League era do you love or loath Alan Shearer? Please vote and comment just why.

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