ALAN Shearer would never have joined Manchester United.

That's the belief of Blackburn Rovers boss Ray Harford, who has been left with the task of finding striking re-inforcements following the England star's departure.

And the manager revealed that Shearer had no ambitions of going abroad once he had decided to leave Ewood.

In a bid to clarify the true nature of Shearer's departure, Harford said: "Alan had half a feeling that Liverpool might be interested. I knew that Everton were interested but he dismissed Everton straight away and he also dismissed going abroad.

"I don't think he was going to Manchester United, ever, because of the way they treated him for three or four years."

Harford believes Shearer left because he needed to take on a new challenge to recreate the excitement he had with England in summer. He said: "I spoke to Alan the day before he played every game for England at Euro 96. It became something of a superstition for us.

"When it got to the stage where he became a 'monster' for the country, I thought it affected him and he wanted that kick again.

"We had a long chat a couple of days before he went, I was very close to him and when he started scoring for England he became famous all over the world."

On Dalglish's departure, Harford revealed: "One thing I would like to say is that Kenny was always very aware of when Shankly packed up at Liverpool and he didn't want to be a big cloud over the club.

"But we wanted him around the place, because of the aura he has.

"He didn't want the day-to-day involvement because he is very family orientated.

"But when he became director of football it was a very loose thing. It went away from us really."

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