How did Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley become fascinated with football?

Question

Mike Ashley, prior to buying out Newcastle United, watched his very first football match at St James' Park and was struck by the differences between English and American football.

After the match he fell into conversation with lil' Mickey Owen and remarked, 'You know, over in the States, our players wear thick protective clothing. You guys must be frozen stiff in those light clothes.'

'It's not so bad,' said the Mickey. 'Sometimes the ground is covered in snow.'

'You don't say!' exclaimed the American. 'What do you do about the balls? Paint them red?'

'Oh, no,' said Owen. 'We just wear an extra pair of shorts.'

Answer 1

And....

Answer 2

Owen is thick enough to say that, lol.