Alan Shearer believes that St James' Park is like a "different place" after Newcastle United's takeover went through last year. The legendary striker admits he is loving the match day experience once again and says the atmosphere reminds him of his days as the club's number 9.
The former England and Toon captain will mix with supporters at a special 260 dinner, in recognition of his place at the top of the Premier League's all-time top scorer list, with tickets available now. When asked about the feel-good factor around the city since Amanda Staveley and co took over, Shearer said: "It's a different place. "I have spoken of the feeling of what Newcastle fans want.
"They want to work all week, be happy and spend their money at the weekend by going to Newcastle United and then having a few drinks on a Saturday night.
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"It's chalk and cheese to a year ago to what it is now. The city is buzzing and everybody seems happy and everybody is rowing in the same direction, not sniping and arguing with each other.
"That's what Newcastle United does for us and for the region. We live and breathe our football so yeah it's a much healthier city now than it was a few years ago."
United are now on course for survival with even Shearer admitting he was not confident of staying up before Christmas after the club's poor start to the season. But game by game Newcastle have shown improvement.
Shearer said: "Eddie Howe has done an amazing job, where we were, struggled at first, got knocked out the FA Cup too. "But the transformation of some of the players has been remarkable.
"From the position we were in to where we are now. We're not guaranteed safety but it certainly looks like we will be playing Premier League football next season. I wasn't comfortable or confident of saying that at the back end of December early January. We are in a much healthier position."
Shearer said in 2006 when he retired he would view games like any other supporter and since then he has become the country's most influential and leading pundit on Match of the Day. When asked about current striker Chris Wood's presence in attack, Shearer offered encouraging words.
Shearer added: "Chris Wood has been a part of that. He hasn't scored as many goals as he would have liked or we would have wanted but what he has done well is created space for others to go into and take advantage of that.- Hopefully between now and the end of the season he can go on and get a few more goals."
The current holder of the No 9 shirt Callum Wilson has been out injured since the end of last year. Shearer knows that a whole host of names will be linked with the club this summer, but feels Wilson still has a part to play too.
Shearer said: "It'll start within a few weeks and Newcastle will be linked with every single player come the summer. That's not a bad thing compared to where we were 12 months ago! With Callum's injury we've missed that (a goalscorer), our problem was we didn't have somebody to come in and replace him and score the goals. Somebody is going to be lucky enough to come in as a forward and play in that position, I know what it's like.
"Whoever that may be I hope they can go out and score us loads of goals. And get the adulation somebody deserves - I had that and it's an unbelievable feeling. When Callum does play he offers us that threat in behind. "He gives us that nouse in the six-yard box, in terms of where and when to be in the box and put the ball in the back of the net. That is a great skill in itself. "He is superb at doing that and we've missed his goals."
Shearer was speaking at a promo for the 260 dinner which takes place at St James' Park at the Barracks Suite on April 7. Speaking about the dinner, Shearer said: "I can't wait. I have been back to the ground a few times and the place is buzzing like when I was a player.
"Wor Flags do a tremendous job. "The atmosphere is amazing and the ground is buzzing and everybody is happy before, during and after. "I am looking forward to mixing with the fans, having a few drinks and having a great night."
To be at the Shearer dinner, go to https://www.260dinner.co.uk/ for ticket information.
