Shearer: We can't let £15M pot slip


By Matthew Jones
August 13 2003

Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle not to take Partizan Belgrade lightly tonight as they go into the Champions League Qualifiers knowing that there is £15M at stake. Newcastle United's Alan Shearer has urged his teammates not to take Partizan Belgrade lightly tonight as they face them in the Champions League qualifiers.

£15 million is at stake for the qualifiers, and Shearer is keen for the club to earn some extra cash.

Shearer admitted: "We all know how massive this tie is for the club and for our season.

"It would be a near disaster if we were knocked out - and we cannot allow this to happen. It's a huge game for everyone.

"We all want more of this. The experiences of last season are still so clear, we all want more of those nights like the one in Milan, it was unforgettable.

"But I repeat, we must first earn that right."

He added, "I can look back five years ago when we faced them in the Cup Winners' Cup and remember the atmosphere here - it was one of the most hostile I've ever played in.

"It really will be something. And in the opening 20 minutes our first priority must be to stop them scoring. Then, after that, we can think about other things.

"But for that opening period it will be very tough."

Bookmark or share this story with: