Newcastle United have announced plans to rename and refurbish Shearer's bar at St James' Park.

The eatery, which was named after the club's legendary striker Alan Shearer, was originally launched in 2004 beneath the Gallowgate end of the stadium.

Following Shearer's public criticism of the club for appointing Joe Kinnear as director of football, the club have announced plans to give the venue a "new look", as well as the new name Nine.

Newcastle United director John Irving told the club's official website: "Shearer's bar was immensely popular when it was first launched in 2004 but its popularity has dwindled over the years as this part of Newcastle has developed and new bars have opened around it.

"In transforming the site and opening the bar up to a wider range of visitors, it was important that a new name remained in keeping with the club's history and heritage and Nine is certainly faithful to that.

"We have liaised directly with Alan to keep him abreast of the plans, which he has been appreciative of, and we're looking forward to launching Nine next month."

The sign was taken down today.