Alan Shearer Named His Greatest-Ever Newcastle United Player

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has revealed who he believes to be the greatest-ever Newcastle player. Shearer, who spent 10 years at St James’ Park, is a legend himself for his efforts, netting 260 times in 405 games and holds the record for the most goals in Premier League history.

He also holds multiple Newcastle records that include being their highest-ever goalscorer as well as netting the most European goals for the club while finishing as the league’s top scorer on three occasions, which all came in a row from 1994-1997.

Joining in 1996, he became the world’s most expensive player, signing a deal worth £15million. Adjusted for inflation, a 2019 calculation revealed that he would have cost more than Neymar did when he made his record-breaking move to Paris Saint-Germain. At his best, Shearer was so good that Juventus manager Marcello Lippi ordered his strikeforce, which included David Trezeguet, to go and study his videos, which showed the level of respect and pedigree he held in Europe despite winning just one career trophy at club level.

Alan Shearer to one side with David Beckham (England kit), and Gary Neville (England kit ) and a blackboard with football formation on in background

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One of the best players of his generation, most Geordies will have him as the club’s best-ever player, but Newcastle boasts a long history of iconic figures donning the famous black and white shirt and Shearer has selected one of those as who he regards as the greatest.

Alan Shearer Reveals Newcastle’s Greatest-Ever Player

He named Peter Beardsley from his era as the best

With a rich history of players to choose from Newcastle’s history – including the likes of Kevin Keegan, Paul Gascoigne, Bobby Moncur, Shay Given and Hughie Gallacher – Shearer opted for the much-loved figure of Peter Beardsley ahead of the iconic Jackie Milburn.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said:

“I wouldn’t ever say myself, so Peter Beardsley I think. He was unbelievable, he was a great player. I didn’t see Jackie Milburn but certainly in my era, Peter Beardsley.”

Beardsley was known for technical prowess and individual ability, and he was a key figure across two different spells at the club. Known for his impact on and off the pitch, he is adored by the fans for his time in the North East.

He also captained the side as well and managed 121 goals and 42 assists in 326 games. A two-time Newcastle player of the year, he featured in the PFA Team of the Year on four occasions and was later inducted into the English Hall of Fame.

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In terms of Milburn, he hailed from a different era. He brought great success to the club in the 1950s, scoring more goals than any other player in the club’s history outside of Shearer.

A club icon, he spent almost the entirety of his career with the Magpies, having grown up in that part of the world and helped his side to three FA Cups in 1951, 1952 and 1955. Like Beardsley, he was later inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 22-02-25.