ALAN Shearer last night revealed the news all Newcastle United fans were desperate to hear - he's in talks with chairman Freddy Shepherd about staying at St James' Park next season.

Shearer had initially ruled himself out of extending his stay at the club beyond the end of his playing career after making a commitment to work for the BBC in the foreseeable future. But the Magpies' goalscoring legend has acknowledged there is a distinct possibility he could still play a role at his home-town club next season.

It may not be as assistant to Glenn Roeder, but Shearer is sure to be given an ambassadorial role at St James' Park while he fulfils his television commitments and completes his coaching badges.

Roeder hinted as much in his press conference prior to United's final league fixture against Chelsea and it now looks like becoming a reality.

"This has always been my football club. Even when I was at school I used to come and pay to watch my heroes, so the club will always be with me and be part of me," admitted the 35-year-old striker. "I'll never sever my ties. The club will never leave me.

"There are still talks ongoing between myself and the chairman but I can't say too much because nothing has been finalised."

Shearer will take a final bow in front of his adoring Geordie public against Celtic tonight after ten prolific years as a player.

The former England striker confessed he isn't usually an emotional person but admits the poignant occasion could evoke a stirring effect within him this time.

Shearer has had some incredible highs and lows for his home-town club and revealed several hold particular resonance.

"My first game here against Wimbledon (a 2-0 win) was special because I achieved something that I've always wanted to do: play here, score a goal and wear the number nine shirt," he reflected.

"But what will stick with me forever will be after I got the record 201st goal against Portsmouth. There have been a few that have been special but the fans lifted the roof off for me. There was spell of about ten minutes after I scored the goal where the fans were still going crazy, and when people talk about the hairs on the back of your neck standing up that was definitely the case for me that day.

"The two semi-finals (FA Cup) at Old Trafford stand out. I'm not sure the stand has ever rocked like that in other games. The Inter Milan (Champions League) game where there were 15,000 Newcastle fans there.

"There have been disappointments as well. The two (FA Cup) finals we played in. It was just our luck that we played one team that was going for the double and the other going for the treble.

"But the biggest disappointment for me was the Sporting Lisbon game last year when we did so well to get our noses in front and get a good lead. That was a bad week because we went on to play the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United with all those injuries and suspensions. But you have to have both the good times and the bad times. It hasn't been plain-sailing in my ten years here."

Shearer confessed the enormity of his final day as a player hasn't sunk in yet and probably won't until the curtain opens on the new 2006/07 campaign.

He acknowledged he will miss the St James' Park dressing room.

He said: "I'll probably miss the banter with the lads. You speak to players who have retired or left the game and the majority say they miss the dressing room.

"I'm very good friends with everyone in the Newcastle dressing room and that won't change. But I'll miss the day-to-day mickey-taking. Its not for the faint-hearted I can tell you."

Shearer's testimonial tonight will not only see his career come full circle but evoke fond memories of another famous goodbye. The sheet metal worker's son from Gosforth was a ball boy at arguably the most emotional farewell ever witnessed at St James' Park.

Twenty-two years ago former manager Kevin Keegan waved 'auf wiedersehen' following his two-year spell on Tyneside after a benefit match against European Champions Liverpool. A Keegan penalty and a 25-yard Terry McDermott volley sealed a 2-2 draw at St James' Park.

"I remember Terry Mac's goal. I'm sure it was let in (by Bruce Grobbelaar)!"said Shearer, who hopes to raise £1m for charity from the proceeds of the game.

"I remember walking around in a ridiculous blue track suit which has come back to haunt me with my pals.

"When I look back it was fairytale stuff. I remember it greatly when he was flown away in a helicopter.

"I don't think I'll be flown away in a helicopter. I'll not be a ball boy but I'll be in the dugout and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it.

"It'll be a great night and I know that everyone in the club will be looking forward to it."

Although Shearer's knee injury means he won't be able to play in the farewell fixture, which will include several former fans' favourites, he still hopes to hobble on at some stage.

He said: "I went through a list of players who have a great affinity with the fans and certainly Sir Les (Ferdinand) and Gary Speed do.

"They were great servants to Newcastle United and when I rang them up there was never any hesitation from them to play a part and it will be really great to see them pull on a black and white shirt again.

"I'll be wearing my black and white kit and I might have a friendly word with the referee with ten seconds to go so I can come on and take a penalty."

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