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A bar dedicated to Alan Shearer at Newcastle United's St James' Park is to be renamed after its popularity "dwindled", the club has said.

Shearer's Bar, which opened in 2004, will be re-launched next month as Nine.

The news followed reports Shearer was "sickened" by events at the club, for which he played 404 games in 10 years.

Director John Irving said the new name was "in keeping with the club's history" and claimed Shearer was "appreciative" of the plans.

The former England captain scored 206 goals for the Magpies and later managed the club in 2009, leading them to relegation from the Premier League.

He has told The Sun he thought United manager Alan Pardew's position had been undermined after a restructure.

Managing director Derek Llambias resigned on Wednesday days after Joe Kinnear was appointed as director of football.

Mr Irving said a transformation of the bar would open it up to a "wider range of visitors".

"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," he said.

The club is planning to raise funds for the former England captain's charity foundation at the opening event.