Owen Joins Beardsley And Robledo At No 10

Last updated : 31 August 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

Michael Owen has revealed Alan Shearer even offered to give up Newcastle's famous number nine jersey in a bid to persuade him to move to St James' Park. But the number TEN was good enough for George Robledo, Vic Keeble, George Eastham, Ivor Allchurch, John Tudor, Peter Beardsley and Craig Bellamy ... so Owen is in grand company.

"Alan was a great help throughout and instrumental in my decision," writes Owen in The Times. "I had spoken to him many times over the past few weeks and he should work for the Newcastle tourist board when he finishes playing football.

"He even offered to give up his number nine shirt but I have declined. Number 10 will do for me. I will regard playing alongside him in his last season as an honour. He has been, and still is, a great striker and there is no way that Newcastle should be where they are in the table with that calibre of player.

"I have been watching the TV and seen the queues at the club shop. From what I can tell 99% of the fans are delighted that I have chosen Newcastle and are not wondering about how I got there.

"I have a lot of good memories of scoring goals at St James' Park - including a hat-trick on my first visit with Liverpool. I was clapped off by the home fans that afternoon and I only hope I can give them plenty of other reasons to cheer me.

"It will be like winning the World Cup to win a trophy."