Newcastle United – It’s Like Talking To A Brick
In November 2011, after the name of our beloved stadium had been annulled, MAOC (Mike Ashley Out Campaign) launched its first public protest.
Seven members and a bailiff served a notice of requisition on Derek Llambias to take back one supporter’s property.
In an exclusive interview, we talk to the brains behind the project -the brick – and reveal his amazing journey.
1) Why did Harry’s Brick leave SJP?
I just didn’t feel part of it anymore…St.James’ Park I mean.
The name change did it for me; it was the final straw and in a strange sort of way, I have to thank the Fat Controller for making the decision which directly led to my liberation and changed my life.
To be honest with you, I felt restricted, cramped. I felt as though I was getting walked all over in my job. No offence to my near neighbours but after being stuck in the same place for over a decade, I really wanted to see the world and find myself.
Thanks to my original purchaser- who was so pi**ed off at the hijacking of the NUFC brand by S***** D***** – I got chiselled out and I’ve never looked back.
2) Where is Harry’s brick now?
After a couple of wild years, I’m happy to say I’ve settled down with a nice marble fireplace and I spend warm nights by the fire in a four bedroomed semi in Newcastle.
3) What has Harry’s Brick been up to?
The readjustment to the outside world was very difficult to begin with. I now realise I had become institutionalised. Being part of a pathway on St James’ Walk and having to worry about nothing but an occasional seg, or a stray bit of chewing gum, was easy to deal with.
But when I escaped, the world had changed so much. The Crazy paving era had been replaced by expensive cobbles and driveways. I lost control a bit. I started sniffing cement. It became a big problem. With my new found celebrity, I was getting hit upon by all sorts of undesirables – slates, housebricks, you know the sort? They were just interested in my name, not the personality which makes me who I am.
So, I had to escape for a second time and did some travelling, went to see the world.
I had many adventures – too many to record here – but looking back, the most profound was seeing the Great China Wall. That’s where I gained some humility and a true sense of my place in the world. As they say ‘All in all, you’re just another brick in the wall’.
4) What are Harry’s Brick’s hopes for the future?
I’ve had my fun and I’m living the quiet life at the moment. Truthfully (and don’t tell the fireplace) I would like to return to St.James’ Park one day. I miss my friends and the sense of duty and being part of an ambitious project.
I hope the fans and the city can force Ashley Out so you can grant an ageing brick his final wish….take me home!
Next time….read all about Harry’s amazing adventures in the Amazonian jungle and his time spent as ballast in a Junk on the South China Sea.
You can follow the Mike Ashley Out Campaign on Twitter @Mike_Ashley_Out
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