Why Amanda Staveley wasn’t at St James’ Park for Newcastle United’s win v Brentford

It was far from vintage but Newcastle United did what they needed to do versus Brentford and returned to winning ways just at the right time.

Heading into yesterday’s fixture at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side, after hammering Aston Villa on the opening day of the new Premier League season, were on a run of three straight defeats after losing to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The international break, however, allowed Howe’s men time to regroup. And with a first Champions League game in 20 years on the horizon against AC Milan in just three days’ time, it was imperative United regained some good feeling.

And it all went to plan against Brentford. Maybe not performance-wise but certainly the result as Callum Wilson’s 64th-minute penalty claimed three points.

There was a sigh of relief around St James’ Park when the full-time blew. And a glance up the directors’ box, although co-owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben were present, there was one notable absence.

Amanda Staveley, a regular both home and away, revealed hours before the game she wasn’t able to attend after travelling to San Francisco for work but sent her love and support to Howe & Co.

Posting on Instagram, the Newcastle director said: “Brilliant few days in San Francisco.

“Travelling for work is hard when it means missing family and a match, but my heart is always on the pitch with the team #howaythelads#nufc 🖤🤍”

Reacting to result, fellow co-owner Jamie Reuben said: “Great to be back at SJP for a deserved win - atmosphere incredible again @NUFC. Onto Milan @ghodoussi”