Amanda Staveley issues damning 95-word statement after Newcastle United backlash and reveals potential new sponsor

Amanda Staveley has hit out at those who criticised Newcastle United’s end-of-season trip to Australia.

The Magpies jetted Down Under following the final game of the Premier League season for two dead rubbers. Pundits and rival supporters criticised the move as a cash grab that derailed player welfare before Euro 2024 and the Copa America.

Toon defender Kieran Trippier also admitted the 21,000-mile-round journey was “hardly ideal” before a busy summer for England. As it turned out, thousands of Australian fans turned up to watch Newcastle in Melbourne - to mixed success.

Eddie Howe’s side beat Spurs on penalties at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground before a youthful outfit lost 8-0 to the A-League All Stars. The trip is understood to have boosted Newcastle’s coffers by around £2.5million - a fee that helps create wriggle room on the balance sheet.

Co-owner Staveley defended the fixtures as “crucial” to growing the club commercially and hinted at a possible future sponsor deal. She wrote on Instagram: “I've seen a lot of comments about the NUFC Australia trip which I'd like to address. Besides being a shareholder, I am first and foremost a fan.

“As a fan, I understand that this trip was controversial. However, personal opinions aside, revenue-generating trips are crucial to a club’s commercial success.

“The decision to go was taken by management, and ultimately I have to support their decisions. Nobody wants a fresh team ready for the new season more than me, and we are doing everything we can to support our manager in achieving this.”