Amanda Staveley Bids Emotional Farewell to Newcastle United After Seven Transformative Years

Amanda Staveley is stepping away from Newcastle United, a club that has woven itself into the fabric of her life over the past seven years. Her departure is filled with profound emotion, as she reflects on her time at St. James' Park, which has become a significant part of her identity. “I'm devastated,” she says, expressing the bittersweet nature of leaving a club she deeply loves. “It feels very painful.” Staveley, who played a pivotal role in the controversial Saudi Arabia-led takeover of Newcastle, has been more than just a financial backer; she was effectively the face of the club during a tumultuous period. Her journey began with attempts to purchase Newcastle that were met with resistance, but her tenacity paid off when the acquisition was finally completed in October 2021. For her and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, the partnership with Newcastle became all-consuming, involving everything from commercial dealings to fan engagement, a workload that often came at the expense of family time. The decision to sell her minority stake in the club, now reduced from 10% to approximately 6%, stems from both personal and professional considerations. With the club expanding and an executive team firmly in place, Staveley believes it is time for the management to flourish independently. “It just became unfair for us to constantly be there,” she remarks, dispelling any notion of a rift within the organization. “I love my colleagues.” Her tenure at Newcastle has not only been marked by the transformation of the club's fortunes on the pitch—guiding it from relegation battles to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League—but also by a personal battle with Huntington's disease. Staveley candidly shares how this degenerative condition has influenced her life and work ethic. “Every day is precious and I don't want to waste time,” she says. The clarity that comes from this perspective has driven her to stay engaged and active, leading her to conclude that stepping back would not only be detrimental to her but also to the club. Amidst her emotional farewell, she emphasizes the importance of continuity within the club. Staveley's commitment to ensuring that the club's management team could thrive without her presence showcases her deep care for Newcastle's future. “They need to be left to do their jobs,” she affirms, highlighting the necessity of accountability and processes that can nurture the club's growth. As Staveley prepares to depart, she leaves behind a legacy of warmth and connection, deeply intertwined with the players and staff. Her relationship with head coach Eddie Howe, in particular, is one of mutual respect and admiration. “He is extraordinary,” she says of Howe, whose leadership has been instrumental in Newcastle's resurgence. Her bittersweet exit is marked by heartfelt messages from players expressing gratitude for her role in their journeys, a testament to the familial atmosphere cultivated during her time at the club. Beyond the men’s team, Staveley has also championed the women's setup, helping to elevate it to professional standards. The successes of the women's team under Newcastle's umbrella are among her proudest achievements, reflecting her commitment to fostering opportunities for young girls in the sport. Moving forward, Staveley has plans to stay within the realm of football, hinting at potential investments in other clubs, including a possible minority stake in Tottenham Hotspur. However, she remains clear that nothing could replicate her love for Newcastle. “I didn’t want to get in Newcastle's way,” she states, affirming her belief that the club’s best interests must always come first. As she closes this chapter, Staveley expresses her gratitude to Newcastle’s fans with palpable emotion. “I can't describe what they mean to me,” she shares, her voice filled with sincerity. “Thank you so much for trusting us.” It’s a heartfelt send-off from a woman whose journey with Newcastle has been nothing short of transformative, both for herself and the club she holds dear.