Amanda Staveley has been speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit today.
This comes just a short while after the brilliant interview she and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi gave to The Athletic, offering another line of communication to fans keen to hear more about the new owners plans moving forward.
Here’s some of the key quotes that have emerged so far, starting with what she had to say after confirming a CEO would be added to the ranks in the near future at Newcastle United:
Amanda Staveley on her role after a CEO arrives:
“We hope we’ll be here long-term.
“We don’t want to do another Premier League deal or divest.
“We want to be shareholders for 20 years.”
“We’re not right CEO material for the club. We’re shareholders.
“We’re trying to find the best CEO and we’ve had some amazing applicants.”
Amanda Staveley on summer plans:
“We won’t overpay for players’
“We walked away from a lot of deals we didn’t think were right [in January].
“What we want is players with heart and integrity who want to be part of the team and to work hard.’
Amanda Staveley when asked if they showed interest in Chelsea:
“We had the opportunity to look at Chelsea – a wonderful club.
“But there was only one club for us…there will only be one club for us.”
Amanda Staveley on PIF and their relationship with the Premier League.
“Once we’d left [visiting Newcastle for the first time] we realised we needed to develop into a global brand so we needed a global partner.
“The wonderful PIF were engaged from day one. They work with us every day.’
“PIF are building a good relationship with the Premier League.
“When everyone got round the table… it [the takeover] happened.
“We look forward to working with co clubs to show there is a separation (between state and PIF).’
Amanda Staveley on Mike Ashley:
“Mike (Ashley) ran the club very efficiently. But he was honest with fans he didn’t have the money to invest.
“He’d taken view he needed to sell but we arrived with a different plan – to be a global brand and a global force.“
Amanda Staveley on sponsorship:
“Many thought Aramco would be everywhere. St James’ belongs to the fans.
“We are custodians, and PIF are aware of that too.
“It will be done with due care and attention.”
