Amanda Staveley reflects on Newcastle United takeover - and opens up on on ‘great’ boardroom addition

Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi have reflected on an “incredible year” since becoming Newcastle United co-owners.

It’s exactly 12 months to the day since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia-led consortium, including PCP Partners - Staveley and Ghodoussi’s company - and RB Sports and Media, completed their £305million takeover of the Magpies.

‘What an incredible year’

“What an incredible year it’s been, we’ve just been so proud of how far we’ve all come together as a club and community,” Staveley told NUFCTV.

“When we took over we were in 19th position, probably most likely to be relegated but look at where we’ve come through this year.

“I remember when the takeover was announced, walking out and meeting all the incredible fans that had been patiently waiting.

“By the time I finished my media interviews, I didn’t get the chance to go up to St James’ Park and see the incredible atmosphere.

“It was just a remarkable day, very special day.”

“The fans have been incredible, Ghodoussi added. “They are everything as far as we’re concerned. I remember the first time we came to St James’ and we were blown away by the supporters.”

“They are part of this journey with us and hope they continue to support us. We are a family, that’s the way we look at it.”

Appointing Darren Eales

Newcastle brought in Dan Ashworth as sporting director in May and he is “responsible for the club’s overarching sporting strategy, football development and recruitment at all age levels, and will work closely with head coach Eddie Howe, academy manager Steve Harper and head of recruitment Steve Nickson.”

Darren Eales, meanwhile, joined from MLS club Atlanta United to help boost United’s commercial streams.

The club’s board now consists of Eales, Ashworth, Staveley, Ghodoussi, Jamie Reuben and Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

Staveley said: “First of all, I just wanted to say how excited we are to secure Darren and worked alongside us as our Chief Executive.

“He’s got an incredible track record of running clubs and growing football clubs. It was a great appointment.

“I have my duties as a board member, led by Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and the board is there to develop the strategy and growth of the club.

“It’s Newcastle United, it’s the most special club in the world. Mehrdad and I will work alongside Darren and Dan (Ashworth), and Eddie Howe to make sure the club is progressing.”

Building Newcastle, not just as a club but as a city

“The community is so important,” Ghodoussi said.

it’s part of the fabric of what Newcastle is. Newcastle is part of the fabric of the city,

“I remember fans referring to St James’ Park as the cathedral at the top of the hill and that is so true.

“Everybody worships the club, so it’s important to have that connectivity with the city and we’re doing that through our discussions with the council.

“We will continue to have talks with them and do as much as we can to Newcastle as a city, not just the club.”

This is just the start

During the opening 12 months, a lot has happened.

Eddie Howe has been appointed as head coach and led United to Premier League safety. Investment has gone into all areas of the club, including the playing squad, training grounds upgrades and academy.

But that is just the start as the owners look to transform Newcastle United into a football powerhouse.

Staveley said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everybody and our fans to allow us the opportunity to grow this brilliant club.

“It’s been a very humbling experience. The support we’ve had from PIF, the Reuben family and supporters has been extraordinary.

“Mehrdad and I just love what we do day-to-day and we love being among the community.”

Ghodoussi said: “The success we’ve had over the last 12 months has been incredible but we’ve worked as a family and team.

“Everybody is pushing in the same direction which is just wonderful to watch.

“We look forward to the next 12 months, five years and 10 years. Hopefully, we’ll have a lot more success ahead of us.”