Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer gives Shearer's bar revamp his seal of approval

Alan Shearer has reacted to his name returning to the St James’ Park bar following its promised revamp. The bar opened as Shearer’s in 2004 - when the club legend was still scoring goals for the Magpies - but a shock rebranding as NINE in 2013 under the Mike Ashley regime left fans feeling outraged.

Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer infamously fell out with Ashley following the club’s relegation in 2009 - with the former captain claiming he was shunned ahead of the 09/10 Championship campaign.

Amanda Staveley told the Athletic that the bar would revert to its original name and Shearer’s statue - situated on Barrack Road - will also be moved onto stadium land. Those plans have since been approved by the council and are expected to take place in due course.

Fans have hailed the decision to rename the bar as the new owners continue to reconnect supporters with the club after 14 years of detachment. Eddie Howe, speaking ahead of Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Everton, also praised the move. He said: “Alan Shearer is one the biggest Newcastle icons that there is and he deserves to be celebrated by me and all the supporters.”

Now, the man himself has given his seal of approval in traditional Shearer style, replying to the club’s official media channel using an emoji that resembles his iconic goal celebration.