From the Shields Gazette (where else):

FOOTBALL legend Pele could be on his way to Tyneside to pay tribute to Alan Shearer next month.

The Brazilian genius is being lined up as a possible star guest at a dinner in honour of the Newcastle United captain, organised by the Variety Club of Great Britain, on August 23. Bob Gladwin, chairman of the organising committee, said: "I have spoken to Pele's agent Celso Grellet in Sao Paulo and he is seeing what he can do. "I suppose it is helped by the fact that both Alan and Pele have links with Umbro. And so too is the fact that Celso Grellet has heard of Alan. "We are still waiting for confirmation but the signs are encouraging. "We feel it would really be the icing on the cake on the night. For we could have the greatest player in the world paying tribute to one of the world's greatest goalscorers." Most of Shearer's managers past and present will be in attendance on his big evening, which is being staged at Newcastle Civic Centre. The likes of Bobby Robson, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Terry Venables will be there - although, not surprisingly, there will be no Ruud Gullit. Anyone wanting a table for the evening should ring the Alan Shearer tribute hotline on 245 0100.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2001

Answers

Alan & Pele?

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2001

Sign him!!

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2001

As coach would be nice

Didn't Bobby say he didn't want some fancy dan ex-player, he preffered grass roots boy Wadsworth? Well they don't come more fancy- dannier than Pele do they?

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2001