Alan Shearer Despite Branfoot's claim to be "in the driving seat", "Saints" failed to include a "sell-on clause" in the contract. Shearer, less than a month off his 22nd birthday, was the most expensive player in British football. In his four years in the Southampton first team, Shearer made a total of 158 appearances in all competitions, scoring 43 goals. Despite making just one goalless appearance as England failed to progress past the Euro 1992 group stages, Shearer was soon subject to an English transfer record-breaking £3.6million bid from Blackburn Rovers. Although there was also interest from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson,
Blackburn Rovers F.C. (2000–01) 20 (1965–66) 31 (2011–12) Walter Crook, 208 (1934–46) Ted Harper, 43, Division 1, 1925–26 Tommy Briggs, 7 v Bristol Rovers, Ewood Park, Division 2, 5 February 1955 8, 1963–64 13, Jack Southworth, 1887–1893 Ronnie Clayton, 56, 1949–1969 Derek Fazackerley, 38, 1969–1987 Harry Dennison, aged 16 yrs and 155 days against Bristol City, Division 1, 8 April 1911 Bob Crompton, 40 yrs and 150 days against Bradford, Division 1, 23 February 1920 24 games including 3 consecutive FA Cup wins, 1884–86. Still an FA Cup record "Reference for above facts" Blackburn Rovers F.C. Blackburn Rovers Football Club is a professional