An open letter to Amanda Staveley
I doubt Amanda will have the time to read this – she’s too busy working away to make Newcastle United great again – but I felt compelled to write a few words about the lady who made all of this possible on the two year anniversary of the takeover.
Way back in October 2017, she and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi were spotted at St James’ Park, taking in our Premier League clash with Liverpool; a match that ended all square after Joselu’s fortunate finish at the Leazes End.
A four-year rollercoaster followed. It was one she had every reason to get off after bids were rejected and her name dragged through the mud by a certain Mike Ashley, who described talks as “exhausting, frustrating and a complete waste of time.” She didn’t give up, though.
In April 2020, more than two years on from her initial bid, breaking news revealed that PCP were in advanced talks to seal a deal alongside PIF and the Reuben Brothers. Even then, an excruciating delay followed, as the Premier League stalled and rival clubs lobbied against a £300m deal, seeing PIF withdraw their bid – albeit temporarily – in July 2020.
Our hearts sank and so did hers, telling The Athletic she was “absolutely devastated” and “angry” after the takeover bid fell through for the second time. But, once again, she didn’t give up.
Legal proceedings began, fans rallied – which she encouraged after liaising with the NUST – and we FINALLY got the moment we’d all been dreaming of, with a deal announced just after 5pm on 7th October 2021; almost exactly four years on from her first visit to St James’ Park.
That’s just the story of how it all unfolded, yet it shows how fierce, determined and dedicated Amanda was to getting this deal done. Yes, she is an investor and deal broker, but it was clear from day one how much she cared about Newcastle United, our fanbase and bringing the good times back to a city crying out for change at their beloved football club.
Since then, she’s been the perfect custodian for Newcastle United and deserves so much praise and love for keeping the faith when others lost hope.
Thanks you for never giving up on our club. Thank you for always keeping us updated with your plans and speaking with such positivity and passion.
Thank you for your attendance at games – home or away – alongside Mehrdad and Jamie Reuben. After Mike Ashley’s absence became normal, we don’t take your support for granted.
Thank you for appointing Eddie Howe; the perfect man for this exciting project and manager who is already taking this club to the next level and improving every player.
Thank you for engaging with players and showing you care. Investment is one thing, but it’s clear Newcastle United is one big family now when you watch how you hugged and thanked everyone involved after our final home game of last season.
Thank you for dreaming big. Our cup final defeat hurt, but your post-match interview on talkSPORT was inspiring and reinvigorating, vowing to guide the club towards titles in the near future.
Thank you for your involvement in the women’s team. You vowed to work on every department and Wor Lasses are already reaping the rewards of that. You’ve not only helped inspire them to promotion, but left a new generation of young female Newcastle fans desperate to play football.
Thank you for your passion, fierce determination and dedication to the club, which was clear to see in the recent Amazon documentary. It doesn't go unnoticed that you'll stop for a picture or chat with fans and always seem to grateful to be at this football club.
In two years, we've gone from Championship-bound to beating PSG in the Champions League. We are in love with our football club once again. We are a city united and we have you to thank for so much of this. Without your hard work and perseverance, none of this would be possible.
Thank you, Amanda.
