Newcastle United fans have applauded the move from the club’s owners to rename St James’ Park’s main bar and return to its much-loved former name of Shearer’s. Opened in 2004 and named after Toon legend Alan Shearer, it had been run as the Nine Bar since 2013.
The decision to change the name came under the ownership of Mike Ashley and left fans outraged at what they saw as a mark of disrespect to the club’s all-time record goalscorer. Reports at the time quoted the then finance director of the club, John Irving as saying: “Shearer's Bar was immensely popular when it was first launched in 2004, but its popularity has dwindled over the years as this part of Newcastle has developed and new bars have opened around it.”
After the takeover of the club in October 2022, the new owners had strongly hinted that a return to its former name was on the agenda. Less than six months later, the owners - led by Amanda Staveley - have followed up on their promise, and the signage has now gone up on the entrance to the bar.
READ MORE: Alan Shearer verdict on St James' Park statue - and bar renaming
The bar had closed for a full revamp after the last home game - the 2-1 victory over Brighton. The hope is to have it back open in time for the game against Wovles on April 8th.
Speaking to Gary Neville earlier this year, Shearer was asked about the potential of the bar being renamed. He said: “I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe that’s one of the things the new owners might do. I know they spoke about moving the statue, which is obviously very, very kind. So we’ll see what happens."
Plans have been submitted to the city council by the club to move Shearer’s statue from land outside of St James’ Park to a spot right next to Sir Bobby Robson. This is another move by the new owners welcomed by fans.
