THE goal king has finally abdicated.

Alan Shearer bid a final fond and farewell to a prolific football career as a striker - and his adoring Geordie public - last night in an emotional testimonial fixture against SPL champions Celtic.

The scenes at St James' Park even surpassed that of former manager Kevin Keegan's farewell fixture as a player 22 years ago, a game in which Shearer was a ballboy, when Newcastle drew 2-2 with Keegan's former side Liverpool.

Shearer may not have been whisked away in a helicopter as his former boss had been but the proceedings were just as eventful on the terraces as the St James' Park stadium rocked in a cauldron of noise from start to finish.

The atmosphere was more reminiscent to the club's memorable FA Cup semi-finals at Old Trafford than an end of season testimonial fixture.

Former fans' favourites Les Ferdinand, Robert Lee and Gary Speed started on the bench with Steve Watson getting the nod from his caretaker boss for the evening Glenn Roeder.

They all entered the pitch to a rapturous applause.

And big Jack Charlton - who was in fine voice belting out the Geordie national anthem, The Blaydon Races - Jimmy Nail, Brendon Foster, Paul Gascoigne, Sir John Hall and 52,000 other devoted Shearer followers, Ant and Dec included, cheered the Magpies on from the stands.

The sea of 50,000 black and white scarves waving furiously above Newcastle fans' heads had to be seen to be believed and was a sight to behold.

Shearer was presented with a plethora of awards after the game, by the Premier League, The FA and from chairman Freddy Shepherd.

And he told the fans: "I thank you all so much for the support you have given me.

"I have done it, done it my way and lived the dream, so thanks very much.

"What has gone on won't sink in until next season when, for the first time, I won't be running out on the pitch. I want it to go on and I don't want this night to end.

"You really can't replace this place, it's impossible.''

He added: "My very first game here against Wimbledon, I said I achieved my dream, playing at St James' Park and scoring in the No 9 shirt.

"I think the biggest and best moment was this season, against Portsmouth, scoring my 201st goal.

"To do that and beat the legendary Jackie Milburn . . .''

The match was a competitive affair, which lacked any real quality until Albert Luque smashed a volley past Hoops' goalkeeper David Marshall from five yards in the 70th minute.

Lee rolled back the years when he spread a 30 yard ball out to Peter Ramage, who cut inside and found the Spaniard at the far post.

The United fullback then turned villain when a ball over the top caught him out and he fouled Maloney in the box eight minutes later.

Maloney leveled convincingly from the spot, before John Hartson put the visitors 2-1 ahead with a fine header two minutes later.

And it was only fitting Ferdinand was involved in the equaliser when he turned on a dustbin lid to fire in off a Celtic defender in the 90th minute.

But the script needed a happy ending and the big fella provided it himself.

Shearer entered the proceedings in injury-time to deliver the piece de resistance from the penalty spot for the very last time at the Gallowgate End to round off a memorable career.

The result was academic.

The occasion was all about the Magpies fanatical following having a final chance to show their appreciation to the Tyneside record-breaking goalscoring machine. And they did so in fine voice.

The Newcastle striker may not have delivered that elusive piece of silverware to the United faithful but he left 206 memorable goals for them to treasure.

And, coincidence or not, another little momento has been left in every season ticket holder's book as a constant reminder of the Geordie legend's goal scoring feats.

United's Premier League clash with Charlton between Christmas and new year was postponed due to the weather. It was going to be match No 9 in the club's home fixture list, the famous number on the shirt worn by the Magpies striker.

For whatever reasons the club never asked fans to use ticket No 9 when the Addicks returned to fulfill the postponed fixture.

Thanks for the memories Wor Al.

The goal king is dead, long live the king.