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Staveley got emotional when she received a message from a Newcastle United fan page

Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley broke down in tears when she received an emotional message from a Magpies fan page about her time at the club.

Staveley was instrumental in orchestrating the PIF-backed takeover of Newcastle in 2021, acquiring a 10% stake in the club alongside her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi.

The 52-year-old was largely seen as the face of the club during Newcastle's rise from relegation fodder to Champions League football within the first two years of their ownership.

Staveley and Ghodoussi agreed to sell their shares in July 2024 and leave the club as PIF became 85% shareholders and the Reuben family upped their stake in the club to 15%.

At the time, Staveley insisted she would remain a Newcastle fan 'for life' and described it as an 'honour' to have been co-owner of the club.

The message 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 Humphrey asked Staveley how that made her feel she could not hold back the tears.

"That's really hard. God, sorry," Staveley replied.

"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.

"Leaving was the hardest thing I have ever done and took a long time to understand and do what is right for the club and PIF is going to be an incredible partner for Newcastle, and the Reubens.

"We left it in very safe hands. There are so many great people with great hearts who put so much into that club and into the community and in to everything about it.

"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 this week been linked with a takeover of fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, with the Telegraph reporting that her PCP International Finance consortium failed in a bid to buy the club following last week's announcement that Daniel Levy had stood down as Spurs' Executive Chairman.

Spurs confirmed in a statement on Sunday evening that it 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."

Tottenham have released a statement confirming the club is not for sale after two separate takeover bids were rejected by the club's hierarchy

Tottenham have firmly stated the club remains off the market following two "expressions of interest" that were "categorically dismissed" by senior figures.

The North London outfit is currently undergoing structural changes at boardroom level following long-serving chairman Daniel Levy's departure after a quarter-century tenure. This has sparked mounting conjecture regarding a potential ownership change.

Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has been rumoured to be preparing a bid through her PCP International Finance company in recent months, after being spotted at the club's ground during the previous campaign.

However, Spurs have issued a formal declaration rejecting any approaches after confirming interest from external groups, including Staveley's organisation and a Chinese consortium.

The statement declared: "The Board of Tottenham Hotspur Limited is aware of recent media speculation and confirms that its majority shareholder, ENIC Sports and Developments Holdings Ltd, has 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 PCP International Finance Limited and a consortium of investors led by Dr. Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited," reports the Mirror.

"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."

Staveley has been in discussions with potential investors regarding a takeover bid and on Monday morning PCP acknowledged its interest in a possible deal, but stated "it does not intend to make an offer for Tottenham".

Under takeover regulations, the firm is now barred from returning with another proposal for six months. Tottenham's ownership falls under the UK Takeover Code.

Another interested party could submit a formal proposal for the club if welcomed by ENIC's board, or if a competing group announces its intention to launch a bid.

ENIC, which owns nearly 87 per cent of the club, is overseen by British billionaire Joe Lewis, though he has since withdrawn from his position.

His children Charlie and Vivienne are anticipated to assume greater responsibilities, with Peter Charrington representing a significant early appointment from the new leadership as non-executive chairman, taking over from Levy.

Levy's departure came as a surprise, having been at the helm since 2001. Nevertheless, he maintained that "significant progress has been made" despite facing criticism from fans regarding the club's direction and decision-making over the years.

"I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees," Levy said in a statement confirming his departure.

"We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level.

"I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately," he added.

Amanda Staveley is expected to make a statement on Monday regarding her interest in bidding for Tottenham Hotspur after Daniel Levy stepped down as executive chairman

Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley is reportedly set to reveal her intentions regarding a potential bid for Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs announced on Thursday night that Daniel Levy had resigned from his position as executive chairman following almost 25 years in the role. As football.london reported back in May, a major summer of upheaval was expected and Levy's exit from the north London outfit represents the peak of these changes.

A chaotic summer in N17 has seen head coach Ange Postecoglou sacked, with Thomas Frank appointed as his successor. At executive level, Vinai Venkatesham has been appointed as the club's chief executive officer, while Scott Munn has been placed on gardening leave from his position as chief football officer.

And Sky News reports that Staveley is anticipated to outline her intentions on Monday regarding submitting a proposal for Spurs. It is reported that Staveley had been in talks with potential supporters of a takeover bid for the club in recent weeks.

Speaking at Bloomberg's 'Women, Money and Power' event in central London last year, she was questioned about her affection for Newcastle and connections with Tottenham.

"First of all, I think all we can do is thank the amazing Newcastle community and the founders for all the support that we had and and continue to get," she said.

"It's so hard to move on from a club that's amazing. We could never move on from Newcastle and we never will. But yes, we're looking at a number of investment operations.

"We can't say too much at the moment because of you know, rules around it. But we will be able to talk about it, hopefully in the not too distant future."

Regarding Spurs, football.london revealed on Friday that the club's owners, the Lewis family, have no intention of selling the club currently.

"Generations of the Lewis family support this special football club and they want what the fans want – more wins more often," a source close to the family said.

"This is why you have seen recent changes, new leadership and a fresh approach. "In Vinai, Thomas and Peter Charrington, they believe they are backing the right team to deliver on this. This is a new era."

Staveley, along with her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, was part of the consortium that bought Newcastle from Mike Ashley back in 2021, along with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and the Reuben brothers.

Staveley and her husband sold their shares in July 2024, leaving the club in the process.

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£38m man Harvey Barnes got on the scoresheet in South Korea for Newcastle United

Newcastle United star Harvey Barnes insists that pre-season has been a "character" building experience after putting a smile on the fans' faces with a goal against Tottenham Hotspur.

The £38million man could form part of a three-man attack against Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season with the team picking itself in the final third. Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga could lead the line of attack against Unai Emery's side with Alexander Isak's position at the club looking ominous.

Newcastle have not won a game in pre-season but stopped the run of defeats with a 1-1 draw against Spurs thanks to his equaliser in Seoul.

Barnes will be keen to get another goal or two in friendlies against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid ahead of the weekend double header at St James' Park.

Barnes said: "The result isn't the be all and end all but we are at that stage now we want to start picking it up. We need wins and momentum building up for the season.

"It is a mixture for us, confidence and getting into a rhythm. Scoring goals is a habit you want to get into ahead of the new season.

"We have a tough test with two more games, then the season starts."

The ex-Leicester City man then added: "We had lost the last three and you want to pride yourself on winning. We didn't win but we didn't lose and came back from behind which was good.

"It is building that character that we are going to need next year."

The game resulted in a farewell appearance for Son Heung-min who left the field to a guard of honour in Seoul.

Barnes told MBN News: "It was a nice moment. Son was an incredible player in the Premier League, and it was a great joy to have him here.

"His style of play inspires others, myself included. He has been a credit to the Premier League."

The clash also resulted in Seung-soo Park getting a couple of opportunities on the Far East tour. Initially, Park had been set to stay with the Under-21s, but impressed in two cameos.

Barnes said: "Park has made a good impression we obviously have not had a lot of time to see him but in two games he has come on and done very well.

"He was very popular in South Korea, he is an exciting player and we need to give him time to settle in now."

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The Magpies signed off their Far East tour on an action packed night in South Korea

Newcastle United stopped the rot in pre-season by ending a run of defeats with a convincing 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies effectively played the role of party poopers by denting Son Heung-min's chances of ending his Spurs campaign without a win or a goal. And while there was respect with a guard of honour as Son left the field, Newcastle showed the fighting spirit and gamesmanship that has got them into the Champions League in recent times.

Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes grabbed Cristian Romero around the neck during this feisty clash while Joelinton barnstormed his way in to cool things down. This felt like much more of an Eddie Howe type performance on what was also an emotional night as a nation said farewell to Son in a Spurs shirt.

In truth, the main attraction for local fans was understandably Son Heung-min with the South Korea soccer God sending Seoul into meltdown this week. Fans were encamped outside the Tottenham hotel and at the Seoul World Cup Stadium five hours early to catch a glimpse of the star in his last game.

With two minutes gone, Nick Pope did not get the contact he wanted on routine clearance and conceded a corner. From Mathys Tel's corner Jacob Murphy failed to clear with Pape Matar Sarr's effort saved by Pope.

But Newcastle did not fully get over the attack with Brennan Johnson slipped in and Lewis Miley failing to react quickly. Johnson struck the shot from 20-yards out with Dan Burn unable to block and Pope beaten with a low shot.

It was little wonder that Kieran Trippier fumed with his defenders and jumped up and down in anger as Newcastle started in sleepy manner. Newcastle created a chance to level it up on 15 minutes when Anthony Gordon cut it back for Joelinton but it the Brazilian's air shot did not trouble Antonin KInsky.

Gordon was in the thick of it again two minutes later as he struck a shot that was deflected wide to earn Newcastle a corner. Tel cashed in on a horror moment from Matt Targett who lost out down the left-hand side when trying to win a free-kick from the Spurs man.

Tel then motored down the left-hand side but Pope made a fine block with his feet to keep Newcastle in the game. A Bruno Guimaraes cross mid-way through the first half fell for Joelinton but he headed just wide.

A clash between Trippier and Archie Gray resulted in a visit to the field from club doctor Paul Catterson. Gray apologised and Trippier wanted to stay on.

Newcastle drew level seven minutes before the break thanks to a fine finish from Harvey Barnes as he staked his claim for the season on the left-hand side. Joelinton rolled the ball through the middle for Gordon before he released the ex-Leicester man down the flank.

Barnes took six touches before easing his way into the box and striking off the post. The goal was reward for some decent openings from Newcastle and there was a sense of relief as the Magpies celebrated and Local Hero piped out around the PA system.

A minor bust-up resulted in Joelinton squaring up to a posse of Tottenham defenders after a scrap between Bruno and Cristian Romero. Gordon and Son calmed things down before play resumed and Lewis Miley curved one just over.

Jacob Murphy put in a fine cross for Gordon for Newcastle's first big chance of the second half but after firing home the flag went up for an offside.

Newcastle introduced William Osula and Tino Livramento to give themselves some different options for the final half hour. The stadium - and Seoul itself, with millions watching on TV, came to a standstill as Son went off

Both sets of players formed a guard of honour as he was applauded off the field, with South Korean A-listers and K-pop stars in attendance watching on as he left Tottenham and the Premier League for pastures new.

As the camera flicked to to the bench Son was in tears on a night in which the main attraction was inescapable in the Far East world. Late in the game Elanga's clearance resulted in the £55m man clipping James Maddison and causing an injury and the stretcher coming out.

Newcastle made a host of changes in the final stages of the game with Lewis Hall back from injury after five months out and Park Seung-soo getting more minutes. Park played in Miley late on but he struck his effort over the top.

Neither side could win it but Newcastle put in a much-needed performance and will feel better about life going into the end of pre-season. Now if they can only sort out their transfer woes and keep Alexander Isak.

Referee: Kim Kong-Hyeok

Newcastle United round off their pre-season tour of Asia against Spurs

Newcastle United will continue their pre-season preparations with a match against Tottenham Hotspur

Eddie Howe's side have lost their last three friendlies; a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, a late 3-2 loss to Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium, and then a 1-0 reverse against a K-League XI in Suwon. New signing Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy scored the goals for the Magpies against Arsenal but it's been two blanks without Alexander Isak, who has missed the tour.

After their friendly vs Spurs, Newcastle will wrap-up their pre-season with two home fixtures against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid, before kicking-off the Premier League campaign away to Aston Villa on August 16.

With that said, Chronicle Live brings you all the details on how to follow their latest friendly;

When is Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

The match at the Seoul World Cup Stadium - in South Korea - will take place on Sunday, August 3 at 12pm which will be 8pm local time.

How can I watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

Newcastle are live streaming all seven of their pre-season friendlies through the club's website and app.

Magp+ members can watch all matches for £9.99, while Mags members can access them for £19.99. Non-members can purchase the full pre-season package for £29.99.

Alternatively, individual matches are available to stream for £4.99 or £6.99, depending on the fixture.

Official pre-season match passes can be purchased here at https://nufctv.newcastleunited.com/home.

How else can I follow Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United?

Chronicle Live will be in attendance to bring you live updates throughout the match. We have all the build up, team news, match analysis and reaction as it happens - right here.

Newcastle United's remaining pre-season fixtures

August 8: Newcastle vs Espanyol (7.30pm, St James' Park)

August 9: Newcastle vs Atletico Madrid (4pm, St James' Park)

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You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.

Newcastle United are hoping to finally get a pre-season win on the board at the fourth time of asking on Sunday as they take on fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies have endured a tricky tour of Asia so far. They went down narrowly to Arsenal a week ago before losing 1-0 against K-League Select XI in midweek. That followed on from a 4-0 thumping by Celtic before they set off.

Newcastle will go in against a Spurs-heavy crowd at the Seoul World Cup Stadium with thousands set to pay farewell to Son Heung-min in a Tottenham shirt. Newcastle have their own South Korean star for the fans to get excited by though, with Park Seung-soo in line for another appearance.

Eddie Howe will be forced to make a few changes from the K-League game. Joe Willock is out injured, but Bruno Guimareas and Joelinton could start while up front he will be hoping Anthony Gordon and William Osula can find their shooting boots.

We have all the team news, match action and the immediate reaction from the game below.

The Magpies are ready to let their teenage signing run riot in the remaining pre-season games

Newcastle United youngster Park Seung-soo is turning into one of the big plus points of pre-season - and could feature against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night.

Park wooed the Suwong crowd here on Wednesday night and now goes into the tour finale hoping to face off against his hero. Son Heung-min will make his farewell to the Seoul fans in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt after 10 years at the club.

For Park the dream is to play and swap shirts with the king of South Korean football. Speaking before the game, Park, who stands at a sturdy 6ft and has been putting himself about in training, was asked about the legendary figure.

He said: "I am sure it must not have been an easy decision for Son. And since tomorrow could really be his final match with Tottenham, I'd love to swap shirts with him."

A big decision now lies ahead for Eddie Howe with Park as he considers whether to loan him out or keep him with the first team. At one stage he was set to stay with the reserves but his development looks beyond Newcastle's Under-21 side and playing in Premier League 2 may be too easy for him.

Park is excited about his time ahead on Tyneside and said: : "It's a huge honour to join Newcastle United. It's a big step for me and I feel incredibly thankful for the faith the club have shown in me.

"I'm excited to develop here, learn from the coaches, and give everything to become the best player I can be."

Running at defenders is certain to be a hit for St James' Park and the reaction of home fans in either the Espanyol or Atletico Madrid will really send a message home to Park on how big United are.

He said: "My biggest strength is dribbling. I tried to show what I do best when I stepped onto the pitch. I’m glad the moment I was aiming for came out.

"I wanted to entertain fans here tonight, and I am glad things worked out well. I don't usually hear fans' chants during matches, but for some reason, I was able to hear them tonight. They made me feel more confident."

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The Magpies were a couple of players down in training on Friday as they prepared for the clash against Tottenham Hotspur

Newcastle United have now discovered the full extent of Joe Willock's Suwon injury blow.

However, Chronicle Live understands that the former Arsenal player will not have a long lay-off after being stretchered off against the K-League on Wednesday evening in South Korea. Crucially, Willock, who came out worse in a 50-50 late in the game, has not damaged his achilles - which was the first fear as he was carried down the tunnel in midweek.

Newcastle had a lighter session yesterday in Seoul at Seongnam FC's training base, but Willock did not feature. Also absent was Sandro Tonali who, as Chronicle Live revealed yesterday, has suffered a whack to his left leg.

But Willock has remained with the squad and has not travelled home for treatment with a bruised calf the only outcome of his unfortunate moment in Suwon. Tonali is also not badly hurt and could face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the final game of the Coupang Play Series.

Tonali was in great spirits as he took part in a meet and greet with lucky supporters who were drawn out of a ballot to meet the Italian, Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar.

The first-team stars, who were donning the new green away shirt, were part of a promotion for Guinness which also saw fans get free pints with the images of Shola Ameobi and Shay Given emblazoned on the head of the drinks!

The absence of Willock could give Lewis Miley a chance to shine against Spurs and gain his second start of pre-season. The 19-year-old was one of the plus points of the 1-0 loss in Suwon.

Norway Under-20 star Travis Hernes is also being pushed to the front in pre-season following the departure of Sean Longstaff to Leeds.

With Newcastle down to five central midfielders, Hernes may be held back from a loan deal this season.

It's also a chance for Alfie Harrison, still just 19, to remind Howe what he can do after being entrusted to be on the trip to the Far East. The ex-Man City youngster did not make any first-team breakthrough last term and opportunity knocks in Seoul.

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Newcastle United are on the hunt for additional attacking reinforcements after capturing the signature of Anthony Elanga. Only this time it will be a central striker pursued as Eddie Howe seeks competition for Alexander Isak.

That in itself is a hard sell. The sales pitch will essentially involve talk of rivalling Isak for a solo starting spot through the middle but attempting to persuade talent to take up that fight will come with difficulties.

Tottenham Hotspur endured a similar problem when luring players to north London to accompany Harry Kane in their attacking ranks. This is not an impossible task, however, and Spurs are actually proof that you can still find big names to come in and offer competition to your prized asset.

But one other dilemma Newcastle must deal with is the market value and inflated price tags of some of their top targets at the top end of the pitch.

So far this summer, United have seen swoops for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap fall short. Pedro moved for £60m, while Delap had a tempting release clause of £30m.

Since then, there has been speculation over moves for Hugo Ekitike, valued at £86m by Eintracht Frankfurt, and Yoane Wissa, thought to be worth £50m in the eyes of Brentford - who are already dealing with key exits in the form of Thomas Frank, Christian Norgaard and potentially Bryan Mbeumo.

Another name floated is that of Ollie Watkins, who also won’t come cheap despite entering the business years of his career. Yet still some fans on Tyneside will refuse to get excited about a free transfer in the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

It does certainly feels as though this summer market, more than so, has seen prices inflated in a significant way. Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause move seemingly started it off.

Meanwhile, Mbeumo will cost more than that, while some will argue Elanga is not a £55m player just yet. Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to spend £50m on Noni Madueke, which again will be used as a yardstick for attacking valuations in the future.

With north of £100m being squirrelled away for Elanga, a goalkeeper and a central defender - and with limited sellable assets at the club’s disposal - Newcastle may not be able to go big on an Isak competitor.

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