Alan Shearer scored so many goals for Newcastle United that he would be excused if he forgot about a few.
He is Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer, finding the net 206 times following a world record move from Blackburn Rovers. It was money well spent at £15million, with Shearer joining Newcastle in July 1996.
It did not take him too long to score his first goal. After failing to find the net in his first two appearances, Shearer got off the mark on 21st August 1996. Newcastle United beat Wimbledon 2-0 at St James’ Park, with Shearer wrapping up the victory with a glorious free-kick in the 88th minute.
Alan Shearer reflects on ‘amazing’ first Newcastle United goal
It was a special way for Shearer to score his first Newcastle United goal, with the forward admitting during an interview with the Premier League’s official YouTube that he was relieved to see his effort find the back of the net.
“I remember everything [about his first goal],” Shearer said in April 2024.
“I remember looking at the goalkeeper in the middle of the goal, thinking if I get enough pace and bend on the ball then I’ve got half a chance. I was always confident of doing that.
“It was my dream to score at St James’ Park. I’d been there as a kid. I’d watched my hero Kevin Keegan and all the Newcastle players score goals.
“But for me to get my first goal at St James’ Park, with being the world’s most expensive player, it was sheer joy and relief in front of all my family. It was an amazing feeling.”
Alan Shearer did not feel the pressure at Newcastle United despite world record fee
Given the tag of being the most expensive player in the world, it would have been easy for Shearer to feel the pressure.
However, the Newcastle United legend saw things completely differently.
“It [the price tag] never weighed me down,” he said.
“I thought if people were crazy enough to pay that fee. £15million now doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but £15million back in 1996 was bizarre. It was a crazy amount of money.
“I enjoyed it. I thought if someone was prepared to have that much faith and belief in me that I had to repay them. Thankfully I did.”
Shearer certainly did repay the faith that was put in him. His first season as a Newcastle United player brought 28 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions, as he quickly proved to be a worthy investment.
By the end of his Toon career, Shearer had 206 goals for the club, surpassing the iconic Jackie Milburn to claim the honour of being Newcastle’s record scorer.
It is an honour that he may never lose. Shearer’s closest active rival is Alexander Isak, who has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for the Magpies.
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