How The Geordie Singer’s ‘Amanda Staveley’ ballad is raising money for NUFC Fans Food Bank

It’s been a big week for Newcastle United fans and now there’s a new Geordie anthem all about it.

The Geordie Singer penned his love song to new owner Amanda Staveley when the takeover was on the verge of completion last year.

The catchy ditty had to be put into hibernation as Mike Ashley continues to reign supreme on Tyneside, but has now come back to life after the club’s sale was completed last week.

What’s more, proceeds from ‘Amanda’ will go towards the NUFC Fans Food Bank to support their efforts.

NewcastleWorld.com caught up with The Geordie Singer and the Food Bank to find out more.

Paul Martin, The Geordie Singer -

Q: Hi Paul, congrats on the track! Tell us a bit more about yourself.

A: “I’ve always been a singer, I used to have quite a lot of success with my Geordie songs in the 90s when Newcastle used to be good in the Shearer days.

“I was in a boyband in the 90s called Crying Out Loud. We played with Boyzone and Peter Andre, we got to the final of The Jonathan Ross Show too.

“Then I was in Majorca for about nine years. I decided to go out there with my family and my kids when they were young.

“I thought it would be a better lifestyle for them, and it was, it was amazing. We came back basically because they shut all the bars, restaurants and hotels so there wasn’t anywhere I could work.

“I always wanted to write Geordie songs, as well as other pop songs. I love writing songs about the North East.

“There’s an album going to print next week and I’ve got tracks called ‘Angel of the North’, ‘Tyne Bridge’, ‘Northumbria’... so it’s songs about the region too.”

Q: How did ‘Amanda’ come about?

A: “I wrote it last year when we were about to be bought and didn’t know if I was going to be able to get it out.

“When the takeover happened I was in dreamland. I could put the song out and we are going to be a big club again.”

Q: How did you end up getting involved with the NUFC Fans Food Bank?

A: “I was talking to Steve Wraithe and he mentioned he knew people at the West End food banks, it sounded perfect. If I can help people feed their families that’s wonderful.

“Now I know what they do, I’ll find other ways to support.

“This morning I had an idea of doing an album with lots of different North East musicians and we can sell that and all the proceeds from that can go to the food bank.

“I’ve been inundated with links and ideas of people already. It’ll get North East talent heard and raise money for the food banks.”

Q: It’s been all change at Newcastle recently, how are you feeling about the future?

A: “We could be the new Manchester City or even better. City won nothing before they got taken over and now are classed as a big club. “Newcastle has always been a big club, just going through a difficult time. In the 90s we were probably the best team to watch.

“If anyone deserves it, it’s the Geordies. We deserve a bit of success after everything we’ve been through.

Paul’s new track ‘Unhappy Halloween’ by Karma is streaming now.

Steve Hastie, NUFC Fans Food Bank

Q: Hi Steve, talk us through what it is the NUFC Fans Food Bank does.

A: “We stand outside St. James’ Park and we encourage fans to donate produce and money to West End Foodbank on match days.

“We started four or five years ago and got inspiration from Liverpool fans who were doing similar on Merseyside.

“When the I, Daniel Blake film came out we saw that and realised we have similar problems as Merseyside does. We got thinking about what we could do on match day and the success we had on the first day saw it take off from there.”

Q: What can people donate to the Food Bank?

A: “People donate all sorts from tin produce to pasta, rice, dried milk, long-life milk, deodorants, toiletries... anything you or I would need to see us through a week. We take cash as well and average around £2,000 per match day.

“Newcastle fans have been fantastic and the number that have come up with fundraising ideas since we started has taken our breath away. We’ve had sponsored walks, sponsored cycles, we had one lad who swam the channel.”

Q: With renewed optimism around the club, what do you think the future holds?

A: “The good thing about Newcastle fans is, despite everything that’s been thrown at us over the years, we’ve always remained optimistic. “When it comes to the match day collections, Newcastle fans will rally around like they always do.

“The club has always been very supportive of what we do and that will no doubt continue.”

You can find the NUFC Fans Food Bank on match days at Strawberry Place, opposite Nine Bar.