Amanda Staveley - linked with a return to the Premier League - became visibly emotional while discussing Newcastle United.
Amanda Staveley was left in tears after receiving a heartfelt message from one Newcastle United supporter.
Few people tried - and ultimately succeeded - to liberate the Magpies from Mike Ashley as much as the Ripon-born businesswoman. A four-year-long quest to buy Newcastle was fulfilled in October 2021, with Staveley - understood to be considering a Premier League return - brokering a deal that attracted the Public Investment Fund and Reuben family to St James’ Park.
Staveley and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, acquired a 10 per cent stake as a result. This later reduced to six per cent before being fully absorbed in July 2024, with PIF and the Reubens increasing their shareholding.
Newcastle United boardroom disarray
Staveley’s exit coincided with Dan Ashworth leaving as sporting director to join Manchester United. He was replaced by Paul Mitchell, who lasted less than a year in the role.
For health reasons, CEO Darren Eales also announced his departure, playing a backseat role until leaving the club last week. Newcastle have endured a chaotic 12 months at boardroom level but will hope David Hopkinson’s arrival as Eales’ replacement can steady the ship.
Many believe United lost a key tie between the owners, board and supporters when Staveley and Ghodoussi left. This sentiment was reflected in a message from one supporter to the former co-owner on a podcast.
Newcastle United message
"We are grateful for the investment, for the progress on the pitch and finally being able to see our club compete again,” a fan wrote to the High Performance Podcast. “But a football club is more than just a business.
"It is a community, it is a family. And families thrive on communication, warmth and understanding. Without Mandy leading the charge in that regard, Newcastle United risks losing a vital connection with its soul.
“The loyal, passionate black-and-white army. For the club to rediscover its voice, to reconnect with its fans and to bring back some of that much-needed warmth that Amanda Staveley so brilliantly provided."
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Amanda Staveley’s teary-eyed response
Staveley was visibly emotional and teary-eyed as the tribute was read. In response, she acknowledged the “privilege” of representing Newcastle.
“That is really hard (to hear) because that is so lovely,” Staveley said. “That is why I went to Newcastle because the fans are just so incredible. They really are, so leaving was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and took a long time to understand.
“You have to do what’s right for the club. PIF are going to be an incredible partner for Newcastle, and the Reubens. So it is left in very safe hands. There’s just so many good people with great hearts who put so much into that club, the community and everything about it.
“For me, it was a privilege. Every day I would go into work thinking ‘God, I am so lucky to do this job’.”
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