Newcastle United boardroom change imminent as PIF set Eddie Howe make-or-break 2024-25 goal
Newcastle United are set to add another figure to their ever-expanding boardroom, according to reports.
A hierarchical shift over the summer saw co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrddad Ghodoussi walk away after two-and-a-half years. The couple had been the public face of the Saudi-backed takeover but reluctantly sold their shares, with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Reuben brothers gaining more influence.
Dan Ashworth also ended his long-winded saga by moving to Manchester United. Paul Mitchell replaced him as sporting director - an appointment under scrutiny following a poor transfer window.
He brought James Bunce in as a performance analyst to help combat last season's inuury woes. Like Mitchell's arrival, that also added a potentially volatile dynamic to the Toon make-up but Eddie Howe was complimentary about the fitness guru a fortnight ago.
Brad Miller joining as Chief Operating Officer added another cog to the wheel at St James’ Park. Yasir Al Rumayyan, as chairman, sits at the top of the tree, with Darren Eales, the CEO, running the club on a day-to-day basis.
PIF appointed Abdulmajid Ahmed Alhagbani and Asma Mohammed Rezeeq soon after the takeover to shore up their 85 per cent stake. The i now report the Magpies are looking for another face with closer ties to the Reubens.
As it stands, Jamie, son of David, is the only Reuben representative on the board. The piece also claims Al-Rumayyan set Howe the goal of European qualification this season during his recent visit.
Finishing seventh would have guaranteed a Conference League spot had Manchester United not won the FA Cup. Newcastle are currently sixth after five games and host Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.