Amazingly the hacks have seen a better North East based player in each of Shearer’s previous campaigns with the club, and he has only managed to finish runner-up twice.
The striker told the Evening Chronicle: "It's a tremendous honour for me and a special one because this is my own area.
"It has come from the writers and media from my own patch and I was beginning to think I had done something wrong to upset them.
"I have now been back home for seven years and to be honest, I have sat there at the annual dinner and watched other people pick up the award - all of them deserved winners, mind you.
"I was delighted when Shay won last year - even though after I had scored 25 goals I thought I had a chance myself of getting it.
"But seriously, he was tops for us last season and the season before and I was pleased he got his reward.
"I am already looking forward to the evening and as usual I will be a little nervous but genuinely very proud.
"It is a great honour for me to represent my home town club anyway and when I look at some of the names who have won the award before, it means a great deal to me."