Newcastle United make official announcement after 'comprehensive' process

Newcastle United has formally appointed its first-ever Fan Advisory Board (FAB) as part of the club's wider Fan Engagement Plan.

The Magpies received more than 400 applications for the five positions they were recruiting for. The FAB is made up of nine supporters in total and will be tasked with retaining a focus on topics including the club's strategic vision and objectives, business operations, the stadium, key matchday issues, any relevant heritage items, community activities and the club's equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) commitments.

It will meet with the club on three occasions per season, with the club's CEO Darren Eales attending at least one meeting. Sporting and on-field issues will not form part of proposals.

Sarah Medcalf, head of supporter services, said: "We would like to extend a warm welcome to each of our nine FAB members and thank everyone who took the time to apply.

"The five successful applicants have gone through a comprehensive appointment process with input from independent panel members, and we look forward to them joining supporters from three established supporter groups at our first formal meeting in the February."

A shortlist was selected and interviewed by a panel consisting of Ashley Brown, head of governance at the Football Support Association, Abu Ali, managing director of Williams Ali Corporate Finance, and the club’s head of supporter services, Sarah Medcalf.

Following the interview stage, Michael McCarthy and Marion Williams have been appointed to represent season ticket holders alongside members’ representative, Rajat Nayyar. Young supporters will be represented by Thomas Symonds, and US-based Natalie Noyes will join on behalf of international fans.

They join two ‘co-opted’ members from Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) - Paul Karter and Adam Stoker, as well as Joe Ayton, co-opted representative from Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA), and Claire Wintrip from United with Pride (UWP).

Each co-opted representative will have a three-year tenure, while all other positions will have two-year tenures.

The FAB will select their chair and vice-chair and will convene for the first time at an informal meeting this month before a first formal meeting in February.