Ashley Faces Even More Stick - He's Stopped Shearer's Statue!

Last updated : 21 November 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
The Mail: "The decision to honour record scorer Shearer was announced by former chairman Freddy Shepherd on the night of the revered No 9's testimonial match against Celtic in May 2006.

"The eight-foot statue, costing £65,000, was to stand at the main entry point to the ground, together with a matching one of Newcastle legend Jackie Milburn.

"They were to be cast in bronze and local sculptor Tom Maley was commissioned.
 
"Shepherd also received planning permission for the statues before he sold Newcastle to multi-millionaire Ashley in May 2007."

Shepherd: "I knew nothing about this, it's very disappointing indeed. The statues should have been completed by now."

Sculptor Tom Maley : "There's been a delay for the last nine months due to doubts about future ownership as well as technical reasons, like the size of the statues and where they're positioned. But I'm still hopeful the job will get done eventually."