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Newcastle announce name-change for Shearer's bar after legend Alan slams board
THE bar dedicated to Alan Shearer at Newcastle's St James' Park is to be refurbished and renamed.
Signs at Shearer's Bar were removed yesterday, hours after the Magpies' record scorer criticised the club over the appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football.
The development, however, was a coincidence and the start of a major redevelopment programme which will see the bar reopen next month as 'Nine'.
Shearer said: "There was no consultation, I was simply informed by email of their decision to change the name. It was not a question of me agreeing or disagreeing.
"It’s their ground and it’s up to the owners what they do with it. It won’t stop me buying my season tickets and supporting the team."
Speculation had mounted that the name-change had been a direct response to Shearer's criticism of his former club, where he cited manging director Derek Llambias' resignation as a key issue at Newcastle.
"I’m shocked at the news that Kinnear has been appointed and Derek Llambias is going," said Shearer." It makes you wonder what’s going on behind the scenes at the club.
"There’s a man in charge there who knows what’s going on but many of the fans will be feeling anger and shock.
"I think everyone just hopes that it will be resolved quickly because the start of the season is upon us. Unless you know what’s going on behind the scenes, it’s difficult to know exactly what has happened."
Kinnear didn't endear himself to fans following his arrival, slamming Magpies supporters in a radio interview earlier this week.