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An official news conference this morning confirmed what most Geordies had wanted to hear. Shearer said:
‘One of the reasons I have changed my mind is because of a lot of persuasive talk from these two people here - the chairman Freddy Shepherd and the manager Graeme Souness.
"Yes, it was a tough decision but it was the right one.
"I sat down and analysed my performances this season and I probably haven't scored as many goals as I did last season or the season before.
"But I feel I have contributed a lot more with my general play this season.
"I went through this decision with a lot of people - I spoke to managers, coaches, scouts, friends and to players who have packed in - and what came back was unanimous.
"They all seemed to feel I was playing too well to retire and I thought, well, I can't retire just because I've said it.
"I'm big enough to admit that I did say it, but perhaps I was a bit hasty.
"I did have full intentions to retire but the manager and the chairman got into me.
"And it made me think. I'm doing it because, as I said, I think my performances have carried on at a level I'm content with, and probably more importantly that the manager, the chairman and I believe I can keep doing that for another year.
"It probably wasn't the toughest decision of my career but it was a tough one and I believe it is the right one for everyone concerned.
"I hope we can go on to bigger and better things. The last two or three months have been fantastic for everyone.
"The results have been great and the spirit in the camp is fantastic and I want to be part of what is happening here."
Graeme Souness was keen to reiterate that Newcastle United was ‘Shearer’s club’ and that he would be delighted to one-day hand over the reigns to the number nine:
‘I'm delighted this morning and if all my signings are as good as this then I'll be extremely happy. I've said before I didn't think he was ready to pack it in.
"It's not just Alan Shearer on the pitch I want. I also want Alan around the place, he is an enormous help to me.
"I tried to get into his roots, into his head, telling him, 'This is your club, the club you love, and if you really love it you have got to stay here and help me for another year to be a success and help the club challenge the big boys and win things’. And he has made the right decision for all the right reasons.
"I don't believe it was such a big decision for him. He loves this club, he has a hell of a lot to offer Newcastle - not just goals but every aspect of this club."
Shearer will continue in a player/coach role whilst also admitting that he wants to explore the possibility of management beyond his playing career.