'Not fair': Amanda Staveley now lifts lid on why she left Newcastle United

Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi recently left their posts at Newcastle United and sold their shares to the remaining co-owners, The Reubens and the PIF.

It was a surprise to pretty much everyone and it sparked rumours of many different flavours - it was always part of the plan, there was a rift between the owners, Staveley had ran out of money etc etc. But the reality is, only those involved knew the truth.

Until now, at least. George Caulkin from The Athletic has sat down with Amanda Staveley for a brilliant in-depth interview touching on why she left the club among several other things.

It's a surprisingly candid interview and we learn a lot about Amanda Staveley and what drives her.

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Amanda Staveley cited her Huntington's as a reason why she stepped aside

The big question that many fans need answering right now though, is why she chose to leave Newcastle United, and the answer was actually quite surprising aside from the obvious that it was taking up too much of their time and their son, Alexander, was feeling neglected.

Staveley cites her Huntington's diagnosis as a big factor. Huntington's is a degenerative brain disease that is often fatal and Staveley feels that working keeps her mind active and staves off the effects, but that can also mean that she wants to work too much.

“I always try to see it as a positive. Part of my disease is actually my superpower because it allows me to think in a way that other people just don’t think. I have incredible numeracy, I can analyse complex problems very quickly. And I hold myself to a very high standard. It’s my nature to be involved and that’s probably not fair on Newcastle’s executive team.”

Darren Eales will now be left to his own devices

Newcastle United have recruited the best in the business to work behind the scenes and Amanda Staveley felt that the time was right to step back to allow them to get on with their jobs without interference.

“I’m heartbroken not to be there because I love the club more than anything; the fans, the community, everything. And I would wish to be there every day, but it’s also not fair. The club’s management team need to have the chance to deliver their business plan. We did a great job and it’s been a privilege to be part of it, but they need to be left to do their jobs, too.

“Maybe we were right for Newcastle for those few years. Maybe that’s what they needed. But I’d be useless just standing there doing nothing and it wouldn’t be fair on Darren [Eales] if we’re always there telling them what we think. There’s processes and accountability and they’ll figure it out.”