Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley was left visibly moved after receiving a touching tribute from a Magpies supporters' group about her time at the club. Staveley, 52, was instrumental in orchestrating the £300million Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund-backed takeover of Newcastle in 2021.
She managed to obtain a 10 per cent stake alongside her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, but her influence over the club was deemed to be much bigger. The entrepreneur became a figurehead for the club's remarkable turnaround during Newcastle's extraordinary rise from relegation battlers to Champions League contenders in merely two campaigns under fresh ownership. Staveley and Ghodoussi chose to sell their shares in July 2024, stepping aside as the PIF boosted their control to 85 per cent while the Reuben family increased their holding to 15 per cent. Following her departure, Staveley proclaimed her eternal devotion to Newcastle and described her experience as co-owner as a 'privilege.'
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Some 14 months on, Staveley appeared on the High Performance Podcast to discuss her Newcastle journey. Host Jake Humphrey read out a message from a Magpies supporters' group which sent a wave of emotion over her. The tribute read: "We are grateful for the investment, for the progress on the pitch and finally being able to see our club compete again 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 wor 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."
When asked about her feelings, Staveley was visibly moved, responding: "That's really hard. God, sorry. That is really hard because that is really lovely and that is why I went into Newcastle because the fans are just so incredible and they really are.
"Departing was the most difficult decision I have ever made and required considerable time to comprehend and execute what was best for the club, whilst PIF will prove to be an extraordinary partner for Newcastle, alongside the Reubens.
"We entrusted it to extremely capable hands. There are countless exceptional individuals with generous hearts who dedicate themselves enormously to that club, the community, and everything it represents. So for me it was a privilege. Every day I would go to work and think 'God, I am so lucky to do this job'."
Staveley has been linked this week with a potential takeover of fellow Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. Reports from the Telegraph claim her PCP International Finance consortium's bid to buy the club was unsuccessful soon after Daniel Levy had resigned as Spurs' Executive Chairman.
Spurs confirmed in a statement released on Sunday evening that they had: "received, and unequivocally rejected, separate preliminary expressions of interest in relation to proposals to acquire the entire issued, and to be issued, share capital of ENIC from (i) PCP International Finance... and (ii) a consortium of investors led by Dr. Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited.
"The Board of the Club and ENIC confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the Club."