A selection of your e-mails, submitted following Alan Shearer’s decision not to retire at the end of season 2004-05 has he had previously claimed he would. There are also one or two e-mails regarding the Bowyer/Dyer fight, Souness and the general running of the club. Newcastle-Online have kept surnames private to protect the individual and have only edited for spelling/grammar errors:

George - Great news, if nothing else it gives us more time to get the right man in to fill his boots, Yakubu never struck me as an ideal replacement, don’t want to temp fate but the Smogs are welcome to him. One day AS will be a top class manager, and one day it will be at Newcastle, when it happens there will be no doubt he is doing it not for money or status but because like us all he just loves NUFC.

Pria - Praise to Allah. Most Gracious. Most Merciful. I have been praying for this day since I first heard of the dreaded idea of Alan hanging his boots up! Although at times it seemed inevitable, I believe Alan would make the right decision eventually. Alhamdullilah. Thanks Alan. Nobody does it better. How many woke up yesterday and thought they’d seen the worst Toon Army April Fool’s gag? I spent the whole night searching all over the net for tit bits and confirmation of the story. Souness finally did the impossible. I was happy at Shearer’s decision and the next thing I know, what should have been a payback match for our earlier loss at Villa Park, we became tabloid fodder for the next few days once again… oh and we lost 3 guys against Manure. Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer are the new Le Saux and Batty… just what we need eh? Heaven forbid if Faye and Butt get injured. We are a pretty colorful club despite the black & white colors of Newcastle United! Never a dull moment eh?

Bryan M - I think it’s fantastic that he’s staying on. I always thought that he should. 18 goals in 30 starts this season. I defy you to find any other striker at that age scoring so regularly at this level. The man is a total legend and NUFC are just not ready for life without Shearer just yet. We need his leadership and his inspiration. The younger players no doubt idolize him. Taylor has often spoken about the awe he feels training beside him. NUFC needs Shearer it’s a simple as that.

Jon S - I think Shearer is a living legend and his presence at the club at this time is vital. He’s playing well and scoring goals, why should he retire? I’m sure he’ll nick another 20 next season too.

Paul W - This is great news for the club, Souness, the team and the Toon Army. How can Shearer retire when he’s still banging them in at the highest level. He’s not as quick as he once was and does look tired in some games but there are none better at banging them in. Give him the right service and he’ll score goals no matter how old he is. Fantastic news. I’m cock a hoop as our all my mates who follow the Magpies. Now lets win something!

Martin M - No doubt Shearer’s decision not to retire will have been discussed in length. He’s not stupid and knows his own body but I have doubts whether he can cut it for another year I really do. It’s wonderful news for him and the club but I fear we will become more predictable then we are now next year if Shearer plays all the time. I think he might regret his decision if the club continue to struggle and it would be a shame to see him bow out with the club in a bad position. When he joined he was one of the best in the world and we were right up there with Man United as the top club in the country. Happy but concerned.

Rick A - I’m glad Alan Shearer’s staying at the club. He is an excellent leader. However, I think he should concentrate on coaching next season and play only the odd match in an emergency. He is not as fast as he once was and the team have to play too much to him. Alan could still be an inspiration to new striker talent as the forward line re-builds. Let’s not see one of the best strikers ever deteriorate into mediocrity and inconsistency - remember Peter Beardsley in his final season?

Mal R - It is tremendous that Alan is staying. I have followed Newcastle all my life and was there when we won The Intercity Fairs Cup the first time. It would be really great to see Big AL lift it for the second time. So carry on Alan and long may you continue. A life long supporter.

Nick - There is no word that is big enough to explain what this means to me and probably a lot of other fans. To even try would simply not justify the feelings that I had when I woke up this morning and read the news. Newcastle and Shearer forever!

Steve K - When I logged onto your site this morning I thought ha ha, it’s a wind up, an april fool joke but no, it wasn’t and I’m absolutely over the moon that the greatest player I’ve ever saw is to stay on for one more year. He can still do it as he’s shown this year and we can’t afford to cut him loose so this is the perfect decision for all. Congrats Bi Al and I look forward to seeing that arm of your’s in the air more often. An excited Toon exile.

Ally C - Definite mixed feelings on this news. I’m chuffed that Shearer is staying on as I love him to bits and he’s arguably our best ever player. I just don’t want him to retire on a whimper. We stand a great chance of winning silverware this season and for Shearer to hold the trophy on his last appearance would be amazing. Shearer says that he feels the club is moving forward which is fair enough as a reason to stay, I just hope he is up to it. His goal tally in the league isn’t brilliant this season, but his influence on the pitch is irreplaceable. I trust that Shearer feels his body is up to another season of top flight football, because if it isn’t no one would have thought twice if that was his reason for retiring. He has had some horrible injuries and its surprising his body has lasted this long to be honest! One thing though, and I hope Souness has made this clear, he can’t expect to play every minute of every game next season. He should be used in the way Arsenal use Bergkamp - he starts and then tends to come off with about 20 minutes to go and it works well.

Andrew B - I think it’s class how Shearer is staying on as player coach because the striker who ever it is that comes in the summer will be glad to have Shearer by their side plus coaching him/them.

Sarah H - I was there the day Alan was paraded in front of all the fans and I never imagined so many years later that he would become so iconic and important to this club, even at his age which just goes to show how great a player he is and how great a man he is. I’m well pleased for him and for the fans as we need him more than ever now.

Dave A - Today, my feelings are of resignation over Big Al’s U-turn. Great player, could have been a great leader (unconvincing captain in my book), but unarguably past his best. It’s hard not to see this as another example of the club milking this cash cow for one more season whilst putting off the difficulty of replacing AS for another year. Obviously Freddie knows he can’t get a replacement that will generate the excitement required and he’s loath to support Souness in bringing in a journeyman. Maybe he just doesn’t want to spend the money. The faithful will continue to put their hands in their pockets for the tickets, the shirts and memorabilia, allowing the club to make more profit on this legend in decline.

A cynic might think that another year of relative decline, would bring the share price down and allow a more affordable buy-back for Shepherd and Hall, thus gaining them the full control of the club. Shearer should have retired gracefully this season and the vacuum left would have forced the club to replace him with only the best. Sad to say that’s not now going to happen. The only realistic hope is that Shearer will feel so secure in his position having broken Jackie’s record and as player/coach, he’ll bench himself now and again rather than demand a starting place regardless of form. It’s a hope but I’m not too hopeful! I suppose if we lift one of the cups this season then nobody will give damn about next season anyway. As I said, resigned….

Ken - April Fool? That was the first thing that came to my mind when I heard that Shearer decided to play on!! That is just great! To the fans, the manager, the chairman and most importantly to NUFC. Shearer obviously has a lot of hunger left in him and he is our star striker. Who do we have besides the enigmatic Kluivert to partner? Please don’t mention Ameobi… he is hopeless. Bellamy’s future is straying away from St. James’ Park and that leaves us with NOTHING. Souness has to find a 20 + goals a season striker next season. Shearer made Souness’ job a lot more easier if he continue to lead the pack. HOORAY SHEARER!!!!!!

Zebra - Good news I think. AS could still continue to be an asset for the club, however, he has to become a squad player. He can no longer expect to play 90 minutes of every game; 60 minutes or as super sub is when he will be most effective. But will Souness’ blinkers and Alan’s ego allow this? I would think that he will be worth at least 15 goals to us next season.

James - Absolutely brilliant, it gives us more time to find a quality and suitable replacement for Shearer.

KS - Very good news!!! To see Shearer play for Toon one more season will be great!! I simply love it!!

Dev - Pleased isn’t the word. I feel like a huge weight has fell off my back. The truth as we all know is, nobody can replace Alan Shearer. 18 goals this season with almost 10 weeks out. The way he moves defenders around and holds up the ball is second to none. As a coach, who could be better? But… there is more to this U-Turn I think. Shearer truly believes we are almost there. Within a season or 2 we could be up with the best. But still… I think Newcastle are about to get lucky. Watch this space…

Paully - Does Shearer know something we don’t? On first reaction my thoughts were is he mad. The club aren’t going anywhere fast if this season is anything to by, we don’t have funds to compete with the top and the squad isn’t exactly great. Yet he decides to change his mind, something he never ever does. It can’t be money, he’s loaded and it can’t be the lure of being a player coach because that was his designated job anyway for when he retired so what has made him change his mind? Goals? The buzz of playing? Possibly but he’s scored plenty of goals and is on course to grab the record anyway. Something doesn’t seem quite right. Is Freddie going to sell the club or bring in outward investment???? Is that what changed Shearer’s mind? Knowing the club will have money to buy the best!!! I’d love it if that’s why he changed his mind. Time will tell…

Calumn I - Fabulous news for the club and Wor Al. I had a feeling he’d reconsider his planned retirement and when he did I punched the air in delight. So pleased and happy for everyone connected with the club really. Marv-AL-ous!

Sean V - By the time next season kicks in Shearer will be how old, 35? I’m not sure whether he will be able to be as effective as he has been this season and even in some games he has looked tired and in need of a rest. While I’m delighted we are retaining the services of our most influential and experience goal getter for another full season I hope that doesn’t spell the end of a search for his replacement. Best to get that player in NOW so he can learn alongside the master and take up his mantle when he needs rested which he will do every so many games.

Moxy - April the 1st was the greatest day for NUFC since we splashed out all that money on Shearer. April the 2nd was the worst day in the club’s modern era. Those two fools, I can’t even bring myself to type their names, are a disgrace to NUFC and I hope swift action is taken. I hope the club get rid of them ASAP because what they did is ruin what promised to be a great season. Without their services for vital games we can forget about silverware for another year. Gutted and ashamed!

Ron B - I can’t help feel Shearer is doing the club a huge favour here by not retiring as he intended. I believe the club don’t have the money or can’t attract a quality striker so they have sweet talked Shearer into his decision which I have to say came out of the blue and a real shock. I had the Chelsea game down as the last time I’d see Shearer in a Newcastle shirt. There is something wrong with the club if we have to look towards a 35 year old striker to lead the team and to score the goals. Don’t get me wrong he’s been a great player and is still better than half the pretenders but another season of predictable long ball football will ruin us. Lets hope the club have other tricks up their sleeve other than hanging on desperately to an aging legend. I won’t hold my breath.

Lars - I think NUFC fans need to be more patient with Mr. Souness as he needs more time in the job to work through what he needs to do and if the fans aren’t patient he could panic and that could lead to more disasters on the field. We are all eager for success but good things come to those who wait. Keep the faith boys the manager will produce. I have faith in him.

Billy T - Lee B***** is an effing disgrace and should never play for Newcastle again. I knew he’d cause bother one day I just knew it because he’s a vicious thug without a brain. I don’t care about frustrations or off the field problems he may have with Dyer, he should not have done what he did. I am sick and tired of it all and have had enough. I go to the match with my son and daughter, but that’s the last time I bring them along. I don’t care if that looks like an OTT reaction, the club have lost two fans in my kids because I’ll not drag them along to witness such thuggery on the field. Bowyer must be sold and any fine he gets should go back to those who paid their money to watch that pathetic excuse of a match. He has let down everyone and I’m now concerned as to what the knock on effect will be. Just when things were going well too and we looked like a club all in it together this goes and happens. I feel sorry for the Chairman, the manager and the players who have worked hard to make sure we go into the final quarter of the season with something to play for. Have we blown it now, of course we have. We always do. Depressed and angry.

Chris H - Hi, just writing in like you asked to say well done Souness and Shepherd for convincing Shearer to stay on. This is great news and lets face it, there hasn’t been much of that around lately. Lets hope this is the start of a new era, a new Newcastle United. Howay The Lads!!!

Mickey G - I don’t know how I feel. Am I happy with Shearer’s decision or shocked that he’s changed his mind. Wow, where did that come from. I guess it will only be great news if he continues to score goals next year. I’m hopeful but not too expectant. Same old Shearer always scoring… I bloody hope so.

Irv - Typical Toon. If we are going to win something this is how it’s going to happen - the tough way. They’ll bounce back man, just two idiots losing their rag.

Les Toon - What is wrong with our club. Why does it always shoot itself in the foot. I’m not overly concerned with them two having a fight, I can think of far worse to happen on a football pitch but the timing of it and the manner in which it happened, well, it’s going to hurt us that’s for sure. Why couldn’t they have slapped each other in training or after the match. Not in front of everyone and the cameras. We haven’t heard the last of this.

Malcolm - It’s all very well FS talking about Michael Owen but he should be concentrating on those already at the club, namely the manager and some of the players who aren’t right for this club. I’ve tried to be patient with Souness, JJ, OB and that donkey up front but they aren’t good enough. The football we play is horrible and those 3 players couldn’t play Sunday League never mind in the Premiership. What’s happened to that club with all the good youngsters, that club who was looking forward to CL football? It was only a while back we were playing great football and the future looked promising. We are in a mess and FS is to blame for hiring Souness and handing out new contracts to players who aren’t fit enough to play for the club. He can sling his hook with Souness and the wasters because I’ve had enough of his smug face on telly and his wild claims about Owen and whoever else he thinks he can sign. Big changes are needed.

David S - Can I just say how delighted I am with Newcastle United football club. They have handled the Bowyer and Dyer thing superbly and credit must go to the Chairman and the manager for dealing with it quickly and not acting rash. By all means flog them in the summer but we will need their services with all the vital Cup and League matches so the club have done the right thing for once.

Michael O - Fantastic news for everyone. Shearer can’t hang up his boots just yet. Next season is going to be great, I can feel it. Great news. Shearer, Shearer, Shearer!!!!

Chris P - I write in to confess that I must be about the only Toon fan who isn’t happy with Alan Shearer’s decision to stay on for another season. Since buying him he has without a shadow of doubt been Newcastle’s best player, not the best I have had the pleasure of watching, that title would go to the truly great Len White, but now at his age, he is but a drawback to the rest of the side. Sure his goals and leadership are vital but can a club like Newcastle not replace those very things? Apparently not. What will Shearer’s involvement in the first team be once this season is over? Will he start every game? Will he play the full 90 minutes? If so, we can write off next season and brace ourselves for yet more of the long ball game. He should have stuck to his original plan and bowed out as the great striker he is so that Newcastle can move on once and for all. We will now have to wait another season… unless he stays on further. Not good news from the club, but an admission of what I have felt for a long time. The club have no ambition and the real powerhouse at St. James’s wears the No.9.

Paul - Bellamy must be feeling pissed off right now. The club are hypocrites for brushing over the fight club thing and coming out saying Bowyer and Dyer have futures at the club. They have disgraced the club on the field, Bellamy always gave his best on it and was and still is our best player. We’ll miss him more than those two. Bring him back now, patch things up and maybe we can end the season by winning something. We need his pace and desire on the pitch. You don’t have to like who you work with, can’t they all be professional about this? Oh hang on, we aren’t a professional club I forgot. Oh well I’ll be off to Lisbon and Cardiff with my usual hope but that’s all I have. I’m resigned to more heartbreak.