Sir Bobby saved Shearer’s career

Last updated : 13 February 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Speaking in a Radio 5 documentary to be aired at 8pm on Thurdsay evening Shearer admits that his relationship with Ruud Gullit and his form were so poor that he considered leaving.

"I was down in the dumps here when he came to Newcastle. I would have had to leave, that's how bad it was," he said.

"I was playing in a certain way that wasn't good for the team and wasn't good for myself.

"He came in and spotted that and analysed me. He had a chat with me and he changed me around.

"He saved my career in a way because I wasn't playing well at the time.

"He got me back to playing the way I know I can."