Time to Retire the Shearer Chant: Let's Celebrate Our Own Heroes!

Reflecting on a Cultural Shift

It's Christmas 2025, and Sunderland is seated comfortably in sixth place in the Premier League, boasting 27 points from 17 games. With international players showcased at the Africa Cup of Nations and a solid squad capable of earning draws against established teams like Brighton, the festive season should feel triumphant for any Sunderland supporter. So, why do I find myself grumbling after our recent match?

This nagging discontent has been bubbling for some time, only coming to a head during our trip to Brighton. Traveling on a packed train from York, I was surrounded by fellow Sunderland believers who shared spirited banter. At King's Cross, I briefly stopped by to wake up my son from his Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul slumber before heading to the Amex Stadium, where the atmosphere pulsed with energy and anticipation.

The Inevitability of Nostalgia

Picture this: an electric fanzone with my mates, pie and pint in hand, watching Chelsea equalize against “the Visitors.” Then, amidst the lively chatter, the chant began:

“Shearer is a w__ker, he wears a w__ker's hat.”

Why are we still fixated on a player who has been retired for nearly two decades? Alan Shearer undeniably ranks among England's greatest strikers. His contribution to Euro 96, particularly his partnership with Teddy Sheringham, still resonates with fond memories for many of us. But here's the catch: he's Newcastle through and through. While I appreciated his performances for the national team, nothing eclipses the memory of Tommy Sørensen denying him a penalty four years later.

Shifting Focus to Our Legends

Here's where it gets intriguing: a significant portion of our fanbase might not even remember Shearer's playing days firsthand; many know him only through documentaries or as a pundit on Match of the Day. It raises the question of relevance. For those die-hard Sunderland fans, shouldn't we be lifting our voices in tribute to our own players? Imagine being at St James' Park and having Niall Quinn or Kevin Phillips whispered on the wind—wouldn't that be a glorious nod to our history?

A Call for Change

I'll be frank: celebrating “the Visitors'” legends in 2025 speaks volumes of an inferiority complex. As a fan, I refuse to let this behavior tarnish the pride we hold as Sunderland supporters. We have our own heroes, both past and present, who deserve the anthem of our chants. Let's rally behind players like Xhaka, Nordi, Talbi, Brobbey, Wilson, Eli, Dan Ballard, and shout for Hume and Roefs. Let's bask in the glory of songs that honor our own, such as Wise Men Say and the tune for Gary Rowell.

As history has shown us, songs can become relics, lost to time if we allow them to linger too long. The Shearer chant was once filled with energy and relevance, but its time has passed. We need fresh anthems—ones infused with the spirit of today's heroes.

A Future of Our Own Making

Let me evoke the first paragraph of this piece once again: “It's time to retire the Shearer song.” Or better yet, let's lead ourselves into a new era of fandom. We have so much to celebrate within our ranks. So, let's hear it for Sunderland and all the talents that adorn our colors. It's high time we reclaim our voices, not in memories of a Mag, but in celebration of our own remarkable legacy!