Alan Shearer was born in 1970 in Gosforth, Newcastle. A football-mad youngster, he captained his school side and wowed spectators with his already amazing skills. Determined to make it in the world of football, he decided to leave school at the age of 15 and headed to Southampton where he had been picked up by a professional scout. Shearer quickly became a sought after talent as he moved on to Blackburn Rovers, turning down a lucrative deal at Manchester United in the process, and in a record breaking transfer deal he finally made it back to his beloved North East when he signed for Newcastle United. He is a star player with dedicated leadership skills. As captain of the Toon Army, he inspired his team and proudly leads them out onto the pitch with determination to win. Early in 2006, he equalled the club record of 200 goals set by Newcastle great Jackie Milburn. A footballing legend and hero to the fanatical and faithful Magpies fans, Shearer is one of the most important names in modern football. This book charts his rise to first team fame and his happy homecoming to the proud North East.

Euan Reedie has been a sports journalist and football reporter for three years, writing for a variety of leading publications, newspapers and magazines worldwide. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, in September 1976, Euan studied English Literature and French at St Andrews University. He has lived in Plymouth since 1988. Alan Shearer: Captain Fantastic is his first book.