JUST as they have never forgotten the exploits of Jackie Milburn, North-East football fans will also talk about Alan Shearer for generations to come.

It has been a privilege to have had Shearer playing in the region for so long - and it is great news that he is to continue for another season.

At 34, Shearer might have lost some of the pace of his prime, but he has proved this season that he remains one of the most feared strikers in the Premiership. He would be an asset to any team, including England.

There is, of course, still time for Shearer to overtake Milburn's 200-goal milestone for Newcastle this season.

But he had fallen short of the record, he would surely have looked back with regret in years to come.

Footballers' careers are short and, if he is fit enough to do himself and his club justice, he is surely right to carry on and guarantee is place in the record books as the Magpies' most prolific marksman.

We are seeing sporting history in the making and it is not only Newcastle supporters who should be celebrating the extension of a legendary career, but all true sports fans.