Tom Maley, a sculptor from Morpeth in Northumberland, has confirmed he plans to contact Mike Ashley in regards to erecting a statue of the Newcastle’s top goalscorer Alan Shearer.
Previous Newcastle owner Freddy Shepherd had contracted the local sculptor, eight years ago, to produce statues of club legends Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn, to be erected outside St James’ Park. The monuments, commemorating two of Newcastle’s most iconic goalscorers, were meant to stand at the main entry point to the ground.
However, after the club changed hands, the deal hit the rocks, as Mike Ashley did not want to commit to the project while trying to sell the club.
This news comes after Alan Shearer, when speaking to Sky Sports, claimed Mike Ashley “binned” the idea upon his arrival at the club.
When questioned as to whether the Magpies would re-consider erecting a statue of the 44-year-old, he said: “There’s half of me built and for whatever reason Mike Ashley didn’t want that.”
“Freddy Shepherd commissioned one when he was owner. But of course he sold the club to Mike Ashley and he binned it for some reason. I think my legs are just hanging around somewhere, they might have to change it because I had hair then.”
In the wake of Alan’s quotes, Tom Maley spoke with the Chronicle, to confirm his intentions to speak with club’s owner, regarding the statues.
“The pieces are done but it hasn’t been cast in bronze,” Maley confirmed.
“The models are just in the workshop at the minute and I’m trying to resurrect the project. I’m speaking to NUFC Fans United and I plan to get in touch with the club this week.”
Tom plans to gather the funds to complete the project by the end of the year.
