Alan Shearer shows himself to be a top bloke with lovely gesture for Newcastle fan

Some people will say you should never tweet your heroes, but this is the exception that proves the rule.

Newcastle United fan and occasional JOE contributor Jonny Sharples loves Alan Shearer more than most. So much so, in fact, that he's invited the former Magpies captain round for a cup of tea on more than one occasion. https://twitter.com/JonnyGabriel/status/786128936656920576 While Sharples might be 30 years old, he's a big kid at heart and has made it pretty clear that nothing would please him more than being able to share a cuppa with the former England striker. Indeed, Shearer is the reason he began supporting Newcastle in the first place, despite growing up in Lancashire. https://twitter.com/JonnyGabriel/status/759315257366081536 While some footballers might be taken aback by this kind of fandom, Shearer has embraced it, sending him a birthday card. And not just any card, but one with a personalised message to boot. https://twitter.com/JonnyGabriel/status/802199425150054400 "It was a complete shock - so unexpected that nobody was ready with their camera to get a reaction," Sharples told JOE.

"Apparently my face was a picture but sadly there's no picture of my face." "My sister emailed his agent to organise it all, his agent was already somewhat aware of me apparently. "I'm not sure if that's a good thing or if it means I'm on some kind of watch list. But she asked him if he'd sort out a card and luckily he did."

Having got in touch, Shearer will surely know there's a cup of tea waiting for him if he ever does decide to pay Sharples a visit in person - something which the birthday boy has confirmed.

"Now he's told me how he likes his brew then I'll always have a mug to one side with a teabag and a spoonful of sugar just in case he drops round."

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