The Stunning Introduction of Alan Shearer

When Arsenal visited the South coast to face Southampton in 1988 without defensive pairing O’Leary and Adams they probably feared the worst. A pairing of Gus Caeser and midfielder Michael Thomas looked anything but secure. This insecurity was partially negated by the news that Southampton star striker Danny Wallace was also ruled out through injury. In his place was a fresh faced 17 year old youth player. What came next was the stunning introduction of Alan Shearer.

Despite his inexperience of top-flight football Shearer was no mug in front of goal however. He had scored 40+ goals at youth level had seen his stature elevated at the club. An all round striker capable of scoring goals of any nature. Born in Newcastle he had joined the Saints at the age of 15 and immediately scored goals for fun.

Shearer Starts

So many that Southampton manager had no qualms in naming Shearer in his starting line-up against the team from North London. If Arsenal thought they were in for an easy afternoon they were quickly brought down to earth after just 5 minutes.

With Arsenal hesitating in defence 17 year old Shearer nipped in to score with his head. Jolted into action Arsenal equalised just 5 minutes later. It appeared they would gain the upper hand but Shearer once again scored with his head after 32 minutes. Arsenal had no answer to his combative attitude, strength and all round play. A third goal from Mark Blake sent Southampton in 3-1 to the good at half time.

Hat-Trick Hero

Shellshocked at half-time manager George Graham read them the riot act. Arsenal would reappear for the second half with their ears ringing and with new vigour. However Alan Shearer completed a dream debut just 4 minutes into the second half. After striking the bar he slotted home a third. The stunning introduction of Alan Shearer was complete.

As a result ,Shearer had become the first player in 21 years to score a league hat-trick on his full debut. He also at 17 years and 240 days had just broken Jimmy Greaves’ record of the youngest player to score a hat-trick in the English top flight. A hero was born. A hero who would later become a legend of English football.

£35 Pay Packet

Despite the heroics of Shearer and his one-man dismantling of Arsenal George Graham was less than impressed.

“They were soft goals, he didn’t really earn them.”

George Graham

Shearer left The Dell that night with the match ball tucked under his arm. The next day he was back with the Youth team training. Cleaning the boots of the first team and performing all the duties a Youth team player performed at the time. Picking up his £35 a week YTS pay packet at the end of the week. Of course in later years his weekly salary was a little more than £35 a week.