2005 Newcastle Home – Alan Shearer #9

The 2005/06 season was one of transition for Newcastle United, defined by the final playing year of legendary striker Alan Shearer.

• Premier League:

  • Newcastle finished 7th, qualifying for the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

  • The season started poorly under Graeme Souness, but he was sacked in February 2006 and replaced by Glenn Roeder, who led a strong recovery run.

• Domestic Cups:

  • FA Cup: Reached the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Chelsea (1–0).

  • League Cup: Exited in the round of 16 to Wigan Athletic.

• Europe:

  • Newcastle competed in the 2005/06 UEFA Intertoto Cup, winning it and advancing to the UEFA Cup, but they were knocked out in the group stage.

• Key Storyline: This was the farewell season for Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s greatest-ever player, who retired at the end of the campaign. He famously broke Jackie Milburn’s club scoring record, finishing with 206 goals for Newcastle United.

• Kit: The 2005/06 home jersey, designed by Adidas, featured the club’s iconic black and white stripes, with light blue trim and the “Northern Rock” sponsor logo. It remains one of the most symbolic shirts of Newcastle’s modern history.

2. Player’s Impact – Alan Shearer (2005/06)

Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer, played his final professional season in 2005/06, retiring at 35.

• Appearances: 41 in all competitions.

• Goals: Scored 11 goals in the Premier League and 13 in all competitions.

• Key Moments:

  • Scored his 200th Newcastle goal against Portsmouth in February 2006, overtaking Jackie Milburn’s record.

  • Netted decisive goals that helped Newcastle surge late in the season to secure 7th place.

  • Played his last professional match on April 17, 2006, against Sunderland, where he scored a penalty in a 4–1 victory in the Tyne–Wear derby — the perfect sendoff.

• Role: Shearer remained the team’s leader, captain, and focal point in attack, even in the twilight of his career.

• Legacy: His retirement closed a golden chapter for Newcastle United. Shearer left as the club’s all-time top scorer (206 goals) and the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer (260 goals).

3. Full Squad List – Newcastle United 2005/06

Managers: Graeme Souness (until February 2006), Glenn Roeder (caretaker)

Goalkeepers:

• Shay Given

• Steve Harper

• Tony Caig

Defenders:

• Titus Bramble

• Steven Taylor

• Jean-Alain Boumsong

• Celestine Babayaro

• Robbie Elliott

• Craig Moore

• Stephen Carr

• Peter Ramage

Midfielders:

• Scott Parker (Captain after Shearer’s retirement in summer)

• Nobby Solano

• Emre Belözoğlu

• Charles N’Zogbia

• Albert Luque

• Amdy Faye

• Lee Bowyer

• Kieron Dyer

• James Milner

Forwards:

• Alan Shearer (Captain)

• Michael Owen (injury-hit season, only 11 league appearances)

• Shola Ameobi

• Luque (also used wide)