Football interview: Newcastle legend Alan Shearer discusses love, almost continuing his managerial career and swapping pitch for commentary

A record under pressure

Shearer’s Premier League goals record could face a challenge from Erling Haaland, who has scored 120 goals in four-and-a-bit seasons. If Haaland stays at Manchester City and the club remains in the league, he could eventually pass Shearer’s total.

Harry Kane had also been approaching the record, but his tally stopped at 213 after he left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in 2023. Shearer joked that a move for Haaland to Real Madrid or elsewhere would help protect his mark.

Returning to Newcastle

Shearer moved to Blackburn Rovers in 1992, where he worked with Sir Kenny Dalglish and won the Premier League title. He returned to Newcastle in 1996, describing the move to his boyhood club as a matter of when, not if.

His strongest Newcastle season was his first, in 1996-97, when he scored 25 Premier League goals. He later lost two FA Cup finals with the club and did not win another trophy as a player.

As a boy, Shearer watched Kevin Keegan from the Gallowgate End at St James’ Park. Years later, signing for his childhood hero felt surreal, he recalled.

A short management spell

Shearer’s final managerial role was a brief spell with Newcastle. The club were relegated, and he did not return to the dugout. He joked that signing his contract on April Fool’s Day should have warned him things would not work out. His time in charge ended his attempt to continue in management.

From pitch to punditry

Shearer said live television at 10:30 can be difficult after watching football throughout the day. He also sometimes walks to St James’ Park as a supporter, wearing a cap and keeping his gaze down to avoid a slow journey through the crowds.