JACK Walker admitted today he was "absolutely devastated" at losing Alan Shearer (pictured) to Newcastle United.

But there is also understanding at the club that the temptation to return home to Tyneside would prove too much to resist.

Nevertheless, Mr Walker did everything in his power to persuade the striker to stay, including sending his own personal jet to fly Shearer and Rovers chairman to Jersey towards the end of last week for more talking.

"We had a tremendous relationship and we still have," said Mr Walker.

"I thought he was happy at the club and to find out that there has been nothing that I or the chairman, in hours of negotiations, have been able to do to make him change his mind has left me absolutely devastated.

"We know he has always had an ambition to play for Newcastle and he wanted to go home."

Rovers chairman Robert Coar, involved in the rounds of talks lasting six or seven hours at a time said: "Once Alan had made the decision to go, we had to accept the role of unwilling sellers.

"But life goes on, no matter how disappointed we are. Other people in the squad might now find they have a chance to do a job."

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan said: "It is a signing for the people of Newcastle" and promised a full statement when they return from a tour of the Far East.

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