'It means a lot' - Newcastle United fans celebrate return of Shearer's Bar to St James' Park

Delighted Newcastle United fans flocked to Shearer's Bar on Saturday to celebrate the return of its much-loved name.

St James’ Park’s main bar was named after legendary striker Alan Shearer when it opened in 2004 but was renamed Nine Bar in 2013 under the ownership of Mike Ashley. Fans were left outraged by the change and felt it was a mark of disrespect to the club’s all-time record goalscorer.

But, less than six months after the club's historic takeover in October, Newcastle's new owners have reinstated the bar's original name in a move that has been applauded by Toon fans. The bar has been closed since the last home game - the 2-1 victory over Brighton - while it underwent a revamp but it finally reopened to drinkers on Friday night.

Newcastle supporters were quick to pay a visit to the bar on Saturday, where they shared their delight at seeing Shearer's name above the doors once again.

Shaun Menzies, 29, from Wallsend, was among the supporters enjoying prints outside in the sunshine, saying it was the first time he had been to the bar in years following the change. He was joined by pals Jack Fada, 30, and David Murphy, 29, both from South Shields.

"It means a lot to the fans," Shaun said. "I think everyone was disappointed when it changed.

"It has always been Shearer's Bar to us. Even when it was under a different name, we always called it Shearer's still.

"Obviously the new ownership wanted it changed and it's a change we agree with. It is just nice to see it back up because it is Shearer's Bar.

"I haven't been here for years but I had to come to see the signs up. It's great."

Dougie Lander, 69, had travelled up to Newcastle for the weekend with his wife Sandra as the pair had planned to see the Crystal