Revealed! What happened as Newcastle United owners pay post-Crystal Palace dressing room visit

Eddie Howe fully embraced the visit of non-executive chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan to the Newcastle United dressing room following the 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace.

Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, who own 80% of the football club, attended his third game at St James’ Park since the completion of the takeover in October.

Indeed, it was third time lucky for Al-Rumayyan, with his two previous trips ending in defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and to League One side Cambridge United in the FA Cup.

For that humiliating Cambridge result, Al-Rumayyan went down to the home dressing room to offer his commiserations and support to Howe and his downbeat players.

On Tuesday night however, Al-Rumayyan was able to join in the celebrations - and pose for a team photo - as United moved onto 40 points to all-but seal Premier League safety.

‘Yasir shared a moment with the players

“Yeah, he did come into the dressing room,” Howe admitted after the Palace win. “He shared a moment with the players.

“He didn’t say anything but shared a moment and experienced the highs winning brings. I fully embrace that.

“I feel as close we can be as one, that will benefit everyone.

“You have to be aligned in your vision, that is so important when you are trying to take a club forward into hopefully a successful period.

“You have to be on the same wavelength with your decision-making process because if you’re not aligned then problems occur.

“I think it is a two-way thing, we have to talk regularly, communicate well. And then iron out any differences we may have.

“So far it has been a very positive relationship. January was key. I think we can all see the benefits of what January did for the team.”

Howe in regular contact with Al-Rumayyan

Howe revealed he is regular contact with Al-Rumayyan, who also enjoyed a post-match kickabout with co-owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben, and opened up on his support after the Cambridge defeat, arguably the lowest moment in the club’s campaign.

The 44-year-old said: “We have communications. And I think it is very helpful we do that regularly, regardless of where he is.

“I have to say the chairman came in to see me after that game (Cambridge) and he was excellent. He was really, really good - and I know he was with the players.

“It is so important in difficult moments you keep your head and support each other and it is a big thank you for supporting us that day, as hopefully we have been able to repay that support (with the result).”

Time to begin planning for the summer?

Is now the time to start planning for the summer transfer window?

“I think that will be for another day,” Howe replied.

“I was so pleased that he was here to see the team and share in the experience of what the relationship is like with the supporters.

“It was great for him. And hopefully we are building a solid relationship where we can take the club forward to what lies ahead.”