Shearer's new deal at Newcastle
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Article summary
Alan Shearer will finish his career at Newcastle United FC after signing a new contract until 2005.
Article body
Newcastle United FC captain Alan Shearer has extended his contract at the club until the end of the 2004/05 season.
Welcome boost
The 33-year-old's existing deal was due to expire at the end of the current campaign but he has now signed a one-year extension. The news will lift the side after their failure to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage and a slow start to their Premiership campaign.
Plenty of experience
Shearer, who left Blackburn Rovers FC in 1996 to join Newcastle for a then-world record fee of €21.3m, began his career with Southampton FC, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Arsenal FC in 1988. He also scored 30 times in 63 games for England, finishing top scorer at the 1996 UEFA European Championship.
Dutch duel
Shearer will hope to lead the line when Newcastle, who have just loaned defender Wayne Quinn to first division side West Ham United FC for a month, begin their UEFA Cup campaign. They welcome NAC Breda for the first leg of their first-round tie on 24 September before the return in the Netherlands on 15 October.
