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Alan Shearer official PFA interview

1st April 2005

Freddy Shepherd and the Newcastle Journal described it as 'the news every Newcastle fan wanted to hear' - and, sure enough, Alan Shearer's announcement that his retirement plans have been put on hold was certainly music to the ears of everyone connected with the club. But beyond that, Shearer's decision to 'play on' will be welcomed by football followers everywhere - although Premiership defenders may choose to take an alternative view. So Graeme Souness, after weeks of badgering, has finally got his way and can look forward to seeing the modern game's greatest goalscorer turning up first for training, and running himself and others ragged, for another 12 months at least. Editor Dave Smith was all ears as Shearer faced the press this morning.

Q: HAVING MADE THE DECISION TO RETIRE, WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO MAKE THIS ABOUT-TURN?

A:A lot of persuasion from these guys sitting next to me, the chairman and the manager. Also, I spoke to lots of people - my family, coaches, managers, ex players - and what came back to me was unanimous...they all said 'you are playing too well to retire'. They are right. I thought to myself that I can't retire just because, originally, I said I would. Maybe I was a bit too hasty.

Q: WHAT SORT OF BADGERING HAVE YOU HAD TO CONTEND WITH FROM FREDDY AND GRAEME?

A: These two got into my head and made me think. I am doing this because I think my performances have carried on at a level I am content with. Most importantly, the manager and the chairman believe that too. I am confident I can carry on at that level for another year. It was a tough decision but the right one for everyone concerned - especially my wife who I don't think was relishing the prospect of me being at home 24/7!

Q: THE PROGRESS NEWCASTLE APPEAR TO BE MAKING MUST ALSO HAVE COME INTO THE EQUATION?

A:Absolutely. The last few months have been fantastic for everyone, and the spirit in the camp is fantastic too. We can go on to bigger and better things here and I want to be part of what is happening. I also have to say that the support of everyone connected with the club made me reconsider too. The response, via emails, letters, faxes, literally thousands of them, has been incredible. People have been on at me for the last five or six weeks, telling me to look at the big picture. And I did. I thought 'hang on a minute, maybe they have got a point'.

Q: WINNING A MAJOR TROPHY WITH NEWCASTLE IS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU, ISN'T IT?

A: Yes, of course. I want to win two trophies this season (the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup) and then go on to better things next season. This is not a decision I have made overnight, it's something I've been considering for the last few weeks. I have given it some serious thought and I believe I have made the right decision. I'm delighted that my new contract says I will be player-coach and this is a progressive step for me, but as far as the current coaching staff is concerned...nothing changes. Everything carries on as normal.

Q: DID THE FACT THAT YOU ARE CLOSING IN ON JACKIE MILBURN'S GOALSCORING RECORD (200) INFLUENCE YOUR DECISION?

A:I understand and realise what a great man Jackie Milburn was, and how important he was to the football club and this area. But I made the decision to stay on because the foorball club is moving in the right direction, and I want to be part of that, not because I want to break his record. I am staying on because I believe we can win things, and I have seen enough in the last few months to believe that we can really achieve that.

Q: YOU MADE THE DECISION TO RETIRE FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL A FEW YEARS AGO, AND STOOD BY THAT. ANY REGRETS NOW?

A: It was certainly a tough decision to make at the time but, five years down the line, I think it has proved to be the right one because I have maintained the standards people, and myself, want. When you get over 30, if you have a bad game it is because of your age, and you cannot keep everyone happy. You have to try and prove something every week.

Q: YOU SEEM TO HAVE A GENUINE BELIEF THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL IS HAPPENING AT ST.JAMES'?

A: This is a big time for the football club. We are delighted with what's happened this season and confident we are moving in the right direction. I believe I can still play a big part in that future. I am still scoring goals, which is what all forwards are judged on, and hopefully there are a few more to come.