NUFC legend Alan Shearer receives CBE
Shearer was granted the award in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June for his charitable services to the community in his native North East.
Shearer was granted the award in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June for his charitable services to the community in his native North East. He was joined at the Palace by recipients including Dublin-born artist Sir Michael Craig-Martin, who received a knighthood for services to art, and Times columnist Melanie Reid, who was made an MBE for services to journalism and people with disabilities.
Shearer described the ceremony as fabulous'' andnerve-wracking'', despite having received an OBE in 2001. He said; I've done it before but it doesn't get any easier,''.
The former Newcastle footballer, who captained England 34 times, ruled out managing the national side in the future and threw his support behind newly-appointed former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate.
I'm pleased that we have given it to a young, up-and-coming, energetic manager, who has played international football over 50 times and who has played in major tournaments,'' Shearer said.I really want him to do well. I hope he can do well and he deserves it, because he is hard-working, honest and dedicated.''
Alan has also commended the bravery of footballers who have spoken out about historical sex abuse as he was honoured for his charity work. The Premier League's all-time top scorer, who is an ambassador for the NSPCC, said he was saddened'' to hear of further allegations as the scandal continues to engulf the sport.
When asked about the current mood in the world of football, the 46-year-old said;
*We feel very sorry for what's happened to the guys and commend their bravery for coming forward, which hopefully will help others come forward as well.It hasn't been a great period for football - but we have to commend the guys' bravery.''*