posted on October 05, 2006 12:38
Newcastle fan and over-35’s player Lee du Maurier was one of three Pukekohe AFC members to attend a gala dinner in honour of ex-England captain Alan Shearer at Eden Park on Wednesday.
Club mates Andy Finlayson and Steve Upfold joined Lee as part of a 500-strong crowd who enjoyed a meal and the chance to listen to Shearer sound-off on a host of football topics including his time at Newcastle, his experiences for England and his plans for retirement.
The evening was emceed by former Radio Sport breakfast host Martin Devlin and was also attended by several well-known New Zealand football personalities including Sky TV presenter Dennis Katsanos, fellow presenter and former All White Mark Elrick and Oceania Footballer of the Century Wynton Rufer.
While paying patrons tucked into their meals and the wine flowed, Newcastle’s record goal scorer described life as a professional footballer to an enthralled crowd.
Devlin covered a host of subjects including Shearer’s “nearly” transfer to Manchester United before he eventually chose to return to his home town of Newcastle and play for his boyhood hero Kevin Keegan who was the Toon manager at the time.
Shearer’s move set the (then) world transfer record of 15 million pounds in 1996 and by the time he had played his last match earlier this year, Shearer had amassed a slew of records including the Newcastle scoring record with a total of 206 goals for the Barcodes.
Shearer nominated Newcastle team mate Rob Lee his best friend in football and said Les Ferdinand was his favourite strike partner after their prolific 1996/97 season.
He said Arsenal central defender Tony Adams as the toughest opponent he had faced at club level.
Little time was spent however on Ruud Gullit who managed Newcastle after Keegan departed in 1998 and was infamous as the manager who dropped Shearer.
The ex-England skipper, who retired from international football after the 2002 World Cup in France having scored 30 goals in 63 appearances, covered his time in the national team with particular focus on England’s run to the semifinals of Euro 96.
Shearer opted for Teddy Sheringham when asked for his favourite international strike partner and the duo were a major factor as the hosts progressed to the last four of the 1996 tournament before losing to Germany on penalties at Wembley.
The former skipper says Wayne Rooney is an incredible talent and added that the Manchester United striker’s aggressive streak is a trait that most “footballing geniuses” possess.
When asked for the best player he had played against, Shearer chose former French skipper and midfield maestro Zinedine Zidane.
Since retiring, Shearer has moved into media work and now acts as an analyst for the BBC.
He also has one eye on a career in management and he is currently completing his relevant coaching badges.
Devlin wrapped up proceedings with an auction of a pair of Shearer’s boots and a training top with each fetching well over $1000, the boots going to a certain former Werder Bremen superstar.
The final act of the night was an autograph session as a giddy Lee and Finn each snared the England legend’s prized signature.
A superb finish to a great night.