'I am so lucky': Amanda Staveley gets emotional talking about her time at Newcastle United
Just over a year ago, Newcastle United released a shock statement saying that Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi had left the club.
The news stunned the Toon Army as Staveley and Ghodoussi had become the face of the club since they brokered the PIF-backed takeover of the club in 2021. The pair were a constant presence for fans online and in person and seemed to genuinely care about the club, the city and the people.
There was always an understanding that at some point they would step away and let the assembled board take full control, but their departure 14 months ago seemed to come out of nowhere, and while there has been no public acknowledgement, Craig Hope has said from day one, and continues to say to this day, that they didn't leave of their own accord.
Rumours had been circulating recently that Amanda Staveley was looking to get back into football by buying into Tottenham Hotspur, but those rumours were put to bed on Monday.
Amanda Staveley was read a statement by a Newcastle United fan
Amanda Staveley has recently sat down with Jake Humphreys for the High Performance Podcast (h/t The Chronicle), during which he read a statement from a Newcastle fan to Staveley, which triggered some strong emotion from the former co-owner.
"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."
For us, the part about the communication is huge. We've said it many times now, but since Staveley left, the communication from the club has been dire.
Do you want Amanda Staveley back at the club?
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Yes. Things were better when she was here.98%
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No. We have to move forward, not back.2%
Wor Mandy clearly still loves NUFC
That message clearly struck a chord with the financier as Staveley fought back tears with her response.
"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.
"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 into 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'."
