The Anniversary of the greatest day in Newcastle United’s recent history is today – October 6th is a date that is now etched into the brains of the Toon Army after the Saudi PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers completed their acquisition of the club on this day in 2021.
Now, one year on, Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Godhoussi and Jamie Reuben have spoken to the club media to reflect on the year gone and to look ahead to the future. Additionally, on Thursday, Newcastle United Chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan released a statement via the club.
Statement from Yasir Al-Rumayyan
Twelve months on, the changes in and around the club are there for all to see and that is in no small part to the aforementioned parties who sat down to talk about their experience. All three were extremely complimentary about the fanbase and clearly understand the passion that we as fans have and how much the fortunes of our club affect the mood in the city and surrounding areas.
Mehrdad Gohdoussi in particular was full of praise for the fans, saying: “The fans have been incredible. They are everything as far as we are concerned,” he told NUFC TV. “I remember the first time we came to St James’ and we were bowled over by the supporters. “They are part of this journey with us.
“We are a family – that is how we look at it. The community is so important, it’s part of the fabric of what Newcastle is. Newcastle [United] is part of the fabric of the city.
“I remember fans referring to it as the ‘Cathedral at the top of the hill’ and that is so true. Everybody kind of worships the club. It’s important to have that connectivity with the city.”
While Jamie Reuben highlighted the Arsenal game at the end of last season as a personal favourite moment: “If I had to pick a specific moment, it would be the last game at home to Arsenal, in front of the tremendous support we received, it was an amazing performance to cap off that season. A culmination of all our efforts and we survived and it was a great place to build from. Going onto the pitch at the end, the atmosphere was amazing and it proved we’d brought the spirit of the Toon back.”
Meanwhile, Amanda Staveley was asked to clarify her position within the club following the arrival of CEO, Darren Eales. “He has an incredible track record of running football clubs so this was a great appointment. Obviously I have my duties as a board member led by Yasir Al-Rumayyan.said Staveley.
“And the board is there to develop the strategy and the growth of the club. It’s Newcastle United and it’s the best club in the world.
“Mehrdad and I will work alongside Darren and Dan Ashworth and our head coach, Eddie Howe, to make sure the club is progressing and going forward.”
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