Amanda Staveley's Emotional Farewell: A Deep Connection with Newcastle United Endures

Amanda Staveley’s departure from Newcastle United marks not just the end of an era for the club, but also a deeply personal chapter in her life. After seven years of tireless efforts, setbacks, and eventual triumphs, Staveley reflects on her tumultuous journey with an emotional farewell, encapsulating the bittersweet feeling of leaving a club she has come to regard as part of her very being. Sipping coffee in a central London hotel, Staveley shares the weight of her decision to sell her minority stake in Newcastle, a choice driven by various factors, including her battle with Huntington's disease. "I'm devastated. It's such a wonderful club," she admits, revealing how entwined her identity has become with the club’s fate. For Staveley, Newcastle was not just a business venture; it became a passion that often overshadowed her family life, particularly her son, Lexi, who has grown to love the club as much as she does. Staveley, who was instrumental in a controversial takeover led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, acknowledges the monumental task of steering the club back from the brink when she first took over. With a hands-on approach, she and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, took on multiple roles within the club, engaging in everything from commercial decisions to fan interactions, all while trying to build a cohesive management team. As the club began to flourish under the guidance of head coach Eddie Howe, Staveley recognized the need for a professional executive team to take Newcastle to its next phase, prompting her decision to step back. Yet, stepping away is not merely a matter of relinquishing control; it is also tied to the realities of her health. “I have a degenerative disease in Huntington's and I need to work,” she states candidly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an active mind. Staveley describes how her condition can be both a burden and a source of resilience, driving her to be constantly engaged and challenged. Reflecting on her time at St James' Park, Staveley shares a sense of pride in what she and her team accomplished. The club has seen remarkable progress, including a resurgence in both performance and fan engagement, culminating in a return to the Champions League after a two-decade hiatus. However, she is clear that her love for Newcastle and its community has never been transactional; it is rooted in a genuine affection for the passion and spirit of the fans. Despite her departure, Staveley assures supporters that the club is in capable hands. She speaks warmly of the Reuben family and PIF, emphasizing their commitment to the club's future. "They will treasure it as much as I treasure Newcastle," she affirms, confident that the foundations laid during her stewardship will support continued growth. Her emotional farewell extends beyond the men’s team, as she also takes pride in the strides made with Newcastle's women's team, which she has passionately supported. The formal integration of the women's setup into the club, coupled with their recent professional achievements, stands as a testament to her vision of inclusivity and support for all facets of Newcastle United. Now, as Staveley turns her attention to new projects and opportunities, including potential investments in football, she remains hopeful for her future. “I would love to come back for matches. I’m a Geordie now,” she quips, hinting at the lasting connection she has forged with the club and its supporters. As the conversation draws to a close, she expresses heartfelt gratitude to the fans who embraced her and her vision during her tenure. “Thank you so much for trusting us,” she says, a closing sentiment that encapsulates the deep bond she formed with the Newcastle community. Staveley’s chapter with Newcastle United may be concluding, but her enduring love for the club reflects a relationship that will undoubtedly linger on in both her heart and the hearts of the fans she leaves behind.