‘I know the owners’ - Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley break Newcastle United silence

Husband of Amanda Staveley, the couple are responsible perhaps more than anyone else for liberating the Magpies from Mike Ashley. Staveley pursued Middle Eastern investment to buy the club in 2017, eventually landing upon the Public Investment Fund (PIF) two years later.

A lengthy takeover saga climaxed in October 2021 to trigger scenes of jubilation around Tyneside. This marked the start of a new ambitious era at St James’ Park after 14 years of stagnation under Ashley.

Staveley and Ghodoussi played a key role in the early post-takeover era which saw Newcastle rise from relegation certainties to a Champions League side. A year later, however, and both reluctantly left having already reduced their shares to six per cent.

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PIF and the Reuben family absorbed their remaining equity and the love affair came to an end. But they were in attendance at Wembley to see the fruits of their labour grow less than 12 months later and the Magpies won the Carabao Cup.

Speaking to ITV, Ghodoussi opened up about the emotional final against Liverpool earlier this month. He also vowed that Newcastle are in good hands and PIF’s ambition remains unfazed.

“It was a learning curve,” Ghodoussi said when asked about the 2023 final loss to Manchester United. “It was incredible to be in a final so quickly from taking over and maybe we weren’t ready before it. 

“But it bode us really well having gone through that experience. Coming back to it this time, the players were so desperate to win. I didn’t sit down. I watched that full game standing up. It was so amazing when that final whistle went. We were there as fans, our son was there and crying tears of joy. 

“There is no ceiling. I know the aspirations that the current ownership have. We’re going to watch and see (where Newcastle go) but they don’t have a ceiling.

Staveley reflected on how she was able to enjoy the final as a fan and mingle with the Newcastle faithful. The Ripon-born businesswoman was proud to spend the day as “Wor Mandy” rather than in the boardroom.

“It was extraordinary,” Staveley added. “For us, we got to enjoy the day with the fans on the train. We travelled on the train and were able to thank people for the support which meant a great deal to us. We took a lot of selfies, it was so nice.

“It was lovely seeing Ant & Dec because we go full circle back to when we acquired the club from Mike. They were saying to us ‘Don’t give up!’ To have them close to us that day was special. 

“I realised (at full-time) just how important that cup win was. It really hit home. I saw it on everybody’s face. All the tears, all the hugs and the kisses. I felt really privileged to be ‘Wor Mandy’ that day. It was really lovely.”

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