In memoriam: Dave Shearer

Scunthorpe United is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Dave Shearer, aged 63.

Born in Inverness, he started his career at Clachnacuddin in the Scottish Highland Football League before interest came from England in 1978, causing him to move to Middlesbrough for £5,000.

For the Boro, he netted a brace on his debut against Chelsea at the age of 19. In total, he netted 30 goals in 112 appearances for the side, including four against Liverpool across his time with the club. His best scoring run came at the start of the 1980-81 campaign when he netted seven goals in his first nine matches. He also ended the season in an identical vein of form, joining Division Four side Wigan Athletic on loan, netting seven in his nine games there.

In 1983, he would join Grimsby Town, representing them for season, making just four appearances before his next move became Gillingham, where he'd become a cult hero. He'd net 42 goals in 93 matches across his three year stay at the Gills - even netting on his debut in a 4-2 win over Leyton Orient.

He would join AFC Bournemouth in October 1987 for £20,000, with Shearer netting three goals in 11 appearances for the Cherries before moving to the Iron for £15,000 four months later. He would net seven goals in 16 matches for United.

It was a short stint at the Old Show Ground for Shearer though, as he made the move back up to the north east in December 1988 for £10,000.

His final transfer was a switch to non-league Billingham Synthonia and after retiring from the game, Shearer returned home to his Scottish roots at Fort William.

The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the club are with Dave's family and friends.