On This Day – 9th April
It was on this day in 1988 that a young Alan Shearer announced himself on the football scene.
He was only 17 years of age when he made his full first team debut for Southampton at home to Arsenal. It was to be a debut to remember for the young striker.
Arsenal were going through something of a revolution under new manager and former player George Graham. After taking over in the summer of 1986, he won the League Cup in his first season.
This was Graham’s second season in charge and Arsenal were due to play in the League Cup in a fortnight’s time. Arsenal were expected to come away from The Dell with all three points but Alan Shearer had other ideas.
Shearer scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 win for Southampton. Two close-range headers and a tap in from six yards out showed how lethal he could be in the penalty area.
He went on to score a total of 379 career goals before retiring from the game in 2006. He also scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for England.
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