Shearer acknowledged that it was tough for Newcastle to lose Anderson, but he also recognized that the player's departure was a result of the club's financial situation under the previous ownership regime (PSR).

Shearer praised Anderson for taking the opportunity to play for Forest and for his subsequent development as a player.

He noted that Anderson was unlikely to have become a regular starter in Newcastle's midfield, but that he has since become one of the main players at Forest and a prominent figure in the English national team.

Shearer expressed his delight at Anderson's progress and acknowledged that he has done well to go from being a bit-part player at Newcastle to a key player at Forest.