I doubt Amanda Staveley will read this – she’s too busy working away to make Newcastle United great again – but I had to say a few words about the lady who made all of this possible.
Way back in October 2017, she and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi were spotted at St James’ Park, taking in our Premier League clash with Liverpool; a match that ended all square after Joselu’s fortunate finish at the Leazes End.
The following four years was a rollercoaster and one she had every reason to get off after bids were rejected and her name dragged through the mud by a certain Mike Ashley, who described talks as “exhausting, frustrating and a complete waste of time.” She didn’t give up, though.
In April 2020, more than two years on from her initial bid, breaking news revealed that PCP were in advanced talks to seal a deal alongside PIF and the Reuben Brothers. Even then, an excruciating delay followed, as the Premier League stalled and rival clubs lobbied against a £300m deal, seeing PIF withdraw their bid – albeit temporarily – in July 2020.
Our hearts sank and so did hers, telling The Athletic she was “absolutely devastated” and “angry” after the takeover bid fell through for the second time. But, once again, she didn’t give up.
Legal proceedings began, fans rallied – which she encouraged after liaising with the NUST – and we FINALLY got the moment we’d all been dreaming of, with a deal announced just after 5pm on 7th October 2021; almost exactly four years on from her first visit to St James’ Park.
That’s just the story of how it all unfolded, yet it shows how fierce, determined and dedicated Amanda was to getting this deal done. Yes, she is an investor and deal broker, but it was clear from day one how much she cared about Newcastle United, our fanbase and bringing the good times back to a city crying out for change at their beloved football club.
Since then, she’s been the perfect custodian for Newcastle United and deserves so much praise and love for keeping the faith when others lost hope.
Thanks you for never giving up on our club. Thank you for always keeping us updated with your plans and speaking with such positivity and passion.
Thank you for your attendance at games – home or away – alongside Mehrdad and Jamie Reuben. After Mike Ashley’s absence became normal, we don’t take your support for granted.
Thank you for appointing Eddie Howe; the perfect man for this exciting project and manager who is already taking this club to the next level.
Thank you for engaging with players and showing you care. Investment is one thing, but it’s clear Newcastle United is one big family now when you watch how you hugged and thanked everyone involved after our final home game of the season.
Thank you for dreaming big. Our cup final defeat hurt, but your post-match interview on talkSPORT was inspiring and reinvigorating, vowing to guide the club towards titles in the near future.
Thank you for your involvement in the women’s team. You vowed to work on every department and Wor Lasses are already reaping the rewards of that. You’ve not only helped inspire them to promotion, but left a new generation of young female Newcastle fans desperate to play football.
It’s clear you care deeply. I re-watched the post-match scenes from Monday’s game and it was quite emotional to see you wipe away the tears after that hug and message of thanks to Eddie Howe.
We are in the Champions League. We are in love with our football club once again. We are a city united and we have you to thank. Without your hard work and perseverance, none of this would be possible.
Thank you, Amanda.
Here Here Olly,
When you see the atmosphere at the ground now and the spectacle that is there for everyone to see and be proud of plus the huge potential this club has given some love and investment it highlights the wasted opportunity Mike Ashley had.
We are so proud of everyone connected to this club now.
Joseph(Quote)
Perfect and much more eloquent that Alan Shearer’s ghost written thanks
David Richardson(Quote)
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 well said Olly, I think we all second that mate.
While thanks are being given, thank you for all your hard work with the site this season mate.
I know there were a few technical issues along the way, but the articles have always been well written & plentiful mate.
You & the team have done a great job 👏🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thanks to Amanda and thanks to all concerned and involved in making the take-over happen and to all those involved since the take-over. We are indeed UNITED once again. Thank you
Johnno(Quote)
Thanks mate, that means a lot as I do put the hours in!
Here’s to many more and exciting times ahead for NUFC! 😃
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
thx for writing this up and agree fully. this quote sums it up for me “We are in love with our football club once again” feels like being part of Ted Lasso!
Nicol(Quote)
Yes, massive thanks Olly and I agree with every word you have written.
kimtoon(Quote)
One of my alltime memories is seeing Amanda walking down the street with a smile as wide as the Tyne making a hand gesture that told us all it was DONE!
Thanks for your work too Olly.
georgio(Quote)
Didn’t realise this was now a featured post. Been commenting on the last one! Great job Olly, I know how tough it is trying to come up with these articles. Thanks for keeping things together and giving all of us regular posters a place where we can vent or discuss things without being abused or insulted. We all have different opinions but here I feel everyone is respectful and that’s a in a big way, down to you. 👌👍
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Anyone watching the CL final? Canny match but Milan falling all over the place. This will be tough for City I think.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Thanks a lot, Kim, Georgio, Gilly Toon – much appreciated!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Keep up the good work Olly
PremAndUp(Quote)
Well done City on the treble, no mean feat that.
kimtoon(Quote)
Milan made it tough for City last night and arguably had the better chances – but Rodri’s finish was excellent – a finish you dream of to win the CL.
I always enjoy a Grealish interview as well. All the media training goes out the window & he’s just a kid who loves football again isn’t he 😂.
But the best bit of last night was hearing that CL tune and thinking that’ll be played at SJP next season 😜😜😜
Sharpy17(Quote)
Posts going missing again on here I think
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yeah I posted about Tielmanns going to Villa on a free.
Think he’d have been good back up to Bruno, but not the midfield our squad needs just now – but I do think it makes Villa stronger & that’s bad for us 😡.
A better free transfer option is Jefferson Lerma imo. He’s not my #1 choice for that DCM position but he’s known by Howe, he’s a good player & being free allows our budget to go further on other positions. Once they are strengthened then go big on a DCM.
Sharpy17(Quote)
On a completely different note – SJP looked unreal for the Fender gigs.
How must that have felt for the lad????. Hang the microphone up now bonnylad – it gets no better than that like 🤯🤯.
No seriously though – I know he’s struggled mentally with it all so it was good to see him back 👏🏼🤘🏼.
Also – brilliant to see Brian Johnson rocking SJP too!!
Dunston lad so that must have been special for him too I bet. Great touch by Sam to include him 👏🏼👏🏼.
God it’s a great time to be a Geordie!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
https://youtu.be/X_Q9vSQMZHw
Hairs on the back of the neck stuff that!!! What a place man!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Another great thread from OLLY after a real good seasons of threads
Icedog(Quote)
I’m a big admirer of James Maddison & am pleased & excited about the links or suggestions we are front runners to sign him. But I wondered if I was getting sucked in & is he overrated?!.
I decided to compare him against Bruno Fernandes – a player I think is pretty similar in style & positions (whilst baring in mind BF players for Man Utd competing for top 4 and JM in a mid to bottom end Leicester).
Straight away I’ll acknowledge that JM has played 40 more PL
games than BF:
BF – played 124, goals 44, assists 33.
JM – played 164, goals 43, assists 32.
So to keep it fair, had BF played the same number of games, based on the averages of those stats, he would have 48 goals & 38 assists (rounded off).
When you consider the quality of teams they play for though & the quality around them, I think those stats are pretty impressive to be fair to JM!!.
Likewise when you consider JM cost Leicester £25m in the 18/19 season & BF cost MU £65m in the 19/20 season.
BF is now 28 and valued £75m on transfermarkt. JM is 26 and valued £55m in the same site.
If we can get him for £40-50m and he continues with numbers like that then I think we would be getting a top class player with some of his best years ahead of him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I hope we do get Maddison. These reports of us leading the race though… it’s a very long race as we’ve been chatting to the lad for a season and a half now. You’d think we would have an offer discussed, sorted and ready to go by now.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
i just hope we have all the players Howe wants before pre-season starts nowt worse than getting players in half way through pre -season they never catch up imo
icedog(Quote)
Spot on Ice! Look at Gordon. you’d think he’d be super fit in Jan. Turns out he was – fit for relegation at Everton. Miles off fit for Howe.
georgio(Quote)
Still can’t get used to Eric not posting on here.
kimtoon(Quote)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55CAt89oNs&t=303s
I posted this on the last thread worth a watch. One thing it makes clear is our midfield. This season we have been playing with a progressive no 6 Bruno, and two number 8s Sean and little Joe. Most no 6 play a very disciplined role whereas Bruno has had more freedom and his stats are I understand it, in the top ten in Europe.
What surprises me is the sheer number of no 8s we have been linked with Maddison, Szoboszlai, Veiga, Kudos, Wurtz, none of which are wide men like Diaby
There have been links with no 6s which is good because that gives us more flexibility.
All I am saying is that the press is creating a conundrum that I look forward to Howe’s Poiret like reveal at the end of the transfer window.
PremAndUp(Quote)
LOl LOL
Icedog(Quote)
This young player we have signed for 7mil will imo be a top signing
Icedog(Quote)
I very much enjoyed the season. I was starting to record games to watch them the next day, but now it doesn’t matter what time of night the game is on I pour myself a whisky and sit around in my Newcastle top with a smile on my face.
Don’t read much here anymore but listen to Olly’s podcast, which is why I came a-looking today. Recognised all the names still.
Why doesn’t Eric post anymore? Is there a scandal there I missed?
Anyway, hi to you all. Howay the lads.
Brisvegas(Quote)
So, PIF have now bought 4 clubs in SA and are buying high end players like Benzema and Kante etc… I wonder if they could then loan them to us for a nominal loan fee, and pay the salary etc from SA home club to get around FFP?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Hi Bris! Good to see you back mate. No scandal with Eric, he just stopped posting several months ago and nobody knows why or if anything has happened to him…
Gilly Toon(Quote)
thats a clever thought mate
icedog(Quote)
Agree, that would be great
kimtoon(Quote)
How the hell are Chelsea still able to spend millions and millions on more players? Over £600 billion in the last two windows and still spending, even though they are not in Europe comps? What happened to the 100+ FFP breaches that Man City were charged with and what happened to the charges against Everton? Apparently Caicedo going to Chelsea. Not to mention several others.
FFP is a joke. We keep going on about keeping within FFP rules but nothing happens when teams breach the “rules” 😡😡
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly toon, put very simply .. they’re gambling on future success / sponsorship, and I suspect less than effective punishment for breaches and the ESL
Couple of other points;
I’m not sure chelsea’ve been assessed yet for their spend since the buyout so no broken rules (yet)
PL ffp is much looser than Euro ffp so they have at least a year to sort it out
I prefer Newcastles approach
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
By “put very simply”, I mean I’m over-simplifying it
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Yeah I guess you’re right, and I do like our approach.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Go West – I don’t disagree with you but FFP was supposedly brought in to STOP owners gambling with the fortunes & future fortunes of clubs.
Man City is bad because they are allegedly fiddling the books so they can spend their owners money by making it look like it’s club generated revenue – which is obviously wrong but at least that money exists & is there to be spent.
Chelsea are using predictions!!!.
The mad thing was they actually had a decent squad before spending all of this money anyway!!. They needed a couple of improvements but who doesn’t (Man City).
When he was bidding for Chelsea he must have submitted a proposal on how he would fund recruitment – so they either knew and were find with it, or he’s lied and done it this way instead.
Either way, it’s mental & I really hope it comes back to bite them hard coz I hate Chelsea.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I like to talk transfers as much as anyone but I’m avoiding reacting to every player we get linked with now.
It was inevitable we would be on Sky Sports linked with some at the opening of the window – but it’s more to fill blank space than have any truth to it imo.
I’ll take my lead from Ice. When he tells us his mate has been called in then I’ll get excited.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY,its going be hard as he’s been called in a couple of times but it was just for young kids,he never done Minteh must have been done abroad he thinks,on him I think he will be a real top player imo,he’s big strong and very fast with a eye for goal
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – I’ve only YouTubed the lad but he’s rapid isn’t he?!
It’s very difficult to judge though because the levels are obviously very different & the quality of opponents are not what he’ll face in the PL or CL.
But I agree, the early signs look good and I’m sure with the Youth set up the new owners have put in place, along with all the coaches we now have at every level – give him a few seasons and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him knocking on the first team changing room door.
Speaking of which. Did anyone else see the photos of Elliott Anderson pre season training?.
Firstly – credit to the lad. Shows great professionalism & maturity when he could be out partying and enjoying the down time – I don’t see that getting you into a Howe team though.
Secondly – the kids and absolute beast!! 💪🏻 love to see that from our young players & great example for those behind him wanting to break through as well.
I know we will look for midfielders in the window but I do hope a pathway is there for the likes of him & young Miley – provided they work & earn it – which they certainly seem to be!!.
I’m routing for young Anderson now – I loved seeing the likes of Howey, Clark, Watson, Elliott, Harper all still come through the ranks when we were building under Keegan – would love a similar under Howe if the talent is there.
I’d hate to do a Chelsea & turn your back on all your home grown players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – well said!
georgio(Quote)
My feeling is FFP is actually about protecting the richest clubs. That’s so in PL to control teams outside of the cartel of the big 6 and in Europe to protect Euro teams against the PL money
Lack of consequences for those breaking rules enforces that. The difference in Newcastle/Tottenham shirt sponsorship is an example too.
I know they may not be popular clubs in this forum but I love how teams like villa have emerged this season and West Ham are sticking it to Europe to rattle these cartels along with Newcastle and not to forget Brighton who everyone seems to love
Another reason Newcastle maybe playing by the rules is to avoid agitating the established cartels any more than they already have done. Imagine If nufc emerged as they have done in the last 18 months and immediately threw loads of money around, ignoring ffp.
They’d give the cartels ample excuse to apply the rules and are excluded from their group protection
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Just watched under the skin.
that’s a good few minutes to just sit back and enjoy these times at nufc and anticipate what’s coming
I loved the references to walking up the hill to the cathedral. It was a bit of a ruin when I used to attend every week and still a great experience but it’s something so see now and looks at a different level
Howe again is The highlight. What a gaffer he is.
When he talks about coming into the stadium before a game and you see the images of him totally composed and stoic with all that emotion going on inside, it is another example of how brilliant he is
Also .. quick shout to a top notch media team now in place. Another sign of progress at our club
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
https://youtu.be/VOt5c5xBAiA
this is worth a watch
PremAndUp(Quote)
Cheers Prem
Icedog(Quote)
Joelinton scores on his Brazilian debut!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly – class innit. Few would deserve it more as well imo. The lad has gone through some since joining NUFC – but never gave up.
For such a young lad as he was, the mental toughness he showed & resilience – a Brazilian international man – and a goal scoring one at that 😂
So pleased for him 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s an incredible journey for the lad Sharpy. Who’d have thought this would be where he he could get to when he first arrived with us. Very happy for him. We have two fully fledged Brazilian internationals in our team!
Not to mention, two England internationals too. Chuffed for Calum to get his England goal too.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Yeah Well done Joe and was nice to see Callum come on and get to score a pen the other night.
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM what does Helen think of your new house or does she prefer your old one?
Icedog(Quote)
Al Hilal look to have got Neves! He was a Toon target! Perhaps a loan to the toon so he can get CL games!
And site is playing up again. Missing comments and I have Icedogs details…
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Al Hilal is one of the Saudi clubs owned by PIF
Gilly Toon(Quote)
I watched USA against Mexico & Canada – the Mexico game was shambolic, but I have to say Christian Pulisic was stand out in both games.
I know it’s a different platform to the PL and can’t quite figure it out.
Is Pulisic like Miggy in that he shines for his national side & against the teams they regularly face – but actually the PL is a step too high 🤷🏼♂️. Im not saying they aren’t good enough for the PL – just not as affective.
Harder to judge Pulisic though coz Chelsea just don’t play him enough to say for certain.
He has a similar workrate to Miggy but could he have a better output in terms of goals/assists.
One things for certain. If we wanted to raise our profile out in America then signing Pulisic would certainly do that – the kid is adored out there!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice, Hazel is just glad we have an easier time moving Lewis around. Have one more room to do up now. It’s none stop slog for two years . Never thought it would take this long to do but the garden is massive and needed completely redoing and had to get new gas boiler and pipework put in, plus electrics and new flooring throughout. Then there was the adaptions and the drive and drop kerb. Honestly it’s like a new property . Was hoping to paint outside of bungalow but that may have to be next spring or late this summer now.
Everytime Lew is at 3 night respite i do DIY ,looking forward to actually having a break when he goes away in future.
Site is playing up again.
kimtoon(Quote)
Not sure we can take anything from Englands win considering who we played
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM pleased for you mate but that sounds like a hell of lot of work,people before you must have done nowt,yer site playing up again I’ve got your details lol
Icedog(Quote)
I see both Guler and Ferguson scored last night. Very young but I wish both were in our squad!
Aslo saw a link to a forgotten man – Lucas Torreiro. DM who was at Arsenal. He’s Urugyuan and didn’t get long enough to settle. He’d be cheap.
Finally I wish Maddison would just disappear.
georgio(Quote)
well my mate has been called in for a week?? whats up i wonder
icedog(Quote)
Obviously quite a lot.
No 6 seems to be happening
Decision on Maddison sometime soon
who knows what else.
Good stuff though
PremAndUp(Quote)
Tonali almost done and then DiMarco. Sounds good to me.
georgio(Quote)
I said I didn’t want to get swept up in transfer rumours – but the Tonali one looks more than a rumour now.
I was tested a few times with rumours of Maguire & Cucurella mind 😡😂
Tonali is the Italian Bruno. The kid is excellent & would definitely improve our midfield.
Im happier with him over Barella coz I think he’s stronger in the tackle but brilliant on the ball – can run with it, can see & execute a pass & is quality from a set piece.
We will make signings that secure our position but this is definitely one that pushes us on imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I said to Prem the other week some medicals could be done abroad the sods maybe not telling everything but it looks like this was done a while ago,at least he gave me the hint
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – this is a big signing imo mate & an excellent first signing to show other targets we aren’t messing around.
It’s a big fee & one that suggests to me we’ll probably only make 3 possibly 4 first team signings – but that they are absolutely going quality over quantity.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY,we needed a d/m since Shelley as imo was never up to PL standards just hope he brings the same quality he showed I Italy
Icedog(Quote)
I think we will likely see Neves arrive on loan from Al Hilal. No brainer really. Helps our ffp and he get CL footy, as well as Wolves getting a big fee for him. Not to mention AH paying his salary. 👍
And site messed up again. I had icedogs details. 😬. Olly?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
This wasn’t posted before Olly.
It’s funny how my thinking has been changing, almost by the hour.
1 We need a new no 6 to free up Bruno
2 Seriously Tonali? maybe we can play them as two no6s and play a no10 to unlock parked buses. 4-2-3-1
3 Neves? Why? surely we don’t need another no6
4 Hang on Neves could play No6 and Tonali and Bruno could play no 8s
Funny old Game
PremAndUp(Quote)
that’s certainly a conclusion many others are reaching.
Must admit I’m in the ‘why? ‘ camp if Toonali deals plays out (as looks likely )
Not from a playing perspective.
It may be a little early to stretch FFP boundaries so blatantly while nufc still establishing its place at the top.
CL and PL might go easy on established clubs p155ing around with ffp but maybe a lot harder on nufc to protect their cartels
Then again .. why not because footballing wise it could make sense
phew .. I seem to have escaped problems with creds on the site
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
I can’t imagine playing in midfield and coming up against Joelinton and Tonali!
The new signings though – everyone brought in sees the end of some big heroes of last season. Will Longstaff get a role? Willock? Where will it leave young Anderson and Miley?
Inevitable I guess . . . Tonali looks a really good player.
georgio(Quote)
Hi guys. Sorry to hear you are having issues again & getting other people’s details.
Is this happening for everyone? Would be good to get more info so I can report it. Apologies – thought we’d sorted this!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Can’t say I’ve had anyone else’s details, had a day or 2 with mine missing but stuck them back in & my post loaded 🤷🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
It wasn’t happening to me but just got sharpys info😞
Aye georgio .. I guess change is inevitable but I’m going to miss last seasons team while hopefully enjoying the new lot.
As a start tho, seeing nufc sign (hopefully) rising continental stars from the likes of Milan is still ‘pinch me’ territory.
Can’t fail to whet appetite for next season and hopefully the US series in a few weeks .. need to get an Italian shirt to match my Brazilian one😁
GoWest!Mag(Quote)
Anthony Gordon played well for England U21s yesterday.
But where does he fit in at NUFC??. What’s the plan for him & what position has he been brought in to play?!.
Transfermarkt says he’s a left winger but I’m sure he operated more on the right for Everton – and he played up front for the U21s last night.
I suppose that all means he’s good cover – a good squad player. But did we pay £45m for a squad player?.
We currently have Joelinton, ASM and Isak who can play left.
We have Almiron, Murphy and Gordon that can play right – but according to transfer rumours for a while now, we are after a right sided forward.
Are we likely to sell ASM & one of the right sided players to create that space?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Now I’ve got GoWests 🤦🏼♂️
And my last comment didn’t post 🤦🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Oh, yes it did 🙄🤦🏼♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
My other thinking is all this talk about a new LB.
I don’t see it myself. I think Burn did an excellent job last season & I don’t think Targett was doing a bad job before he got injured.
I know it’s a position that will need an upgrade in quality eventually but I don’t think it’s urgently required this summer.
Whereas RB imo does. Don’t get me wrong, Trippier is class & im not on about replacing him – not yet anyway (referring to his age).
But should he get injured?! – who do we have as cover for him?.
Is Manquillo good enough to be that cover if he’s out for a while?.
Is Ashby ready?
I think we’d be better off prioritising that RB cover good enough to be an eventual replacement for Trippier.
We probably need that player for Schar too. I’m not saying replace Schar now, but a young RCB who can come in as cover & take over eventually.
Sharpy17(Quote)