Latics Cult Heroes - Dave Shearer

David Shearer suggested by Phil Winstanley

Qualifying for cult status:- 9 goals in 11 games during a 6 week loan spell in March 1980

Born in Inverness, Scotland in October 1958 - Dave Shearer signed for Wigan Athletic from Middlesbrough on loan on the 17^th March 1980 and made his Latics debut two days later in an away evening game at Halifax Town which ended goalless.

Matches where coming thick and fast and Shearer made his home debut the following Saturday in another goalless draw, Tranmere Rovers providing the opposition.

The next game, Wednesday 26^th March, saw the young striker find his shooting boots with a seven minute hat-trick against Port Vale in a 3:1 win for the Latics.

Shearer went on to score a further six goals for Ian McNeill’s side that campaign, rounding off with a brace against Aldershot on the final day of the 1979/80 season and ending his Latics career with 9 league goals from just 11 matches.

Dave Shearer went on to have a very good career and scored against the Latics on two separate occasions whilst playing for Gillingham, a hat-trick in May 1985 and the Gills goal in a 1:1 draw at Springy in August 1988.

Sadly David Shearer passed away in 2022 aged 63.

Thanks to Jeff Rourke for the player stats and info.

Grab a listen to the latest PWU Podcast featuring a short piece on David Shearer