Alan Pardew said at the time: "I understand how important that shirt is to the Newcastle fans, because of the players who are linked with it."
Obviously Pardew, new to the Toon job, had done his history and named the icons of No 9 history - Supermac, Les Ferdinand, Wyn the Leap, Wor Jackie and Alan Shearer.
Pardew: "So I won't hand it to anyone."
And, at that time "anyone" happened to be Leon Best, who was our striker.
But the Republic of Ireland international has finally got to wear Shearer shirt ... but at Ewood Park ... not St James' Park
He has been handed the number nine shirt that Shearer wore the year they won the Premiership title.