‘That’s really hard’ – Amanda Staveley breaks down in tears over Newcastle message
Former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley could not contain her emotions upon hearing a heartfelt message from a club supporter.
The 52-year-old as well as her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi acquired a ten per cent stake in the Magpies having been instrumental in the Toon’s £300milion takeover in 2021.
Newcastle were in crisis before being bought by the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, whose investment in the January 2022 winter window helped steer them clear of relegation.
The following season, Newcastle would go on to finish fourth to secure Champions League football – while also reaching the Carabao Cup final.
And in Staveley’s final season, the Magpies finished in seventh spot while enjoying a run to the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier competition.
Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign, both Staveley and Ghodoussi sold their shares to the PIF along with the Reuben family, who had owned 10 per cent prior.
But Staveley remains a popular figure amongst the club’s fanbase, not only for being pivotal in their takeover, but due to her love and and passion for Newcastle.
And during her appearance on the High Performance Podcast, she was overcome with emotion when host Jake Humphrey read out a message from a fan paying tribute to her contribution to the team.
What did the Newcastle fan say about Amanda Staveley?
The message read: “We are grateful for the investment, for the progress on the pitch and finally being able to see our club compete again. But a football club is more than just a business.
“It is a community, it is a family. And families thrive on communication, warmth and understanding.
“Without Mandy leading the charge in that regard Newcastle United risks losing a vital connection with its soul – the loyal, passionate black-and-white army.
“For the club to rediscover its voice, to reconnect with its fans and to bring back some of that much-needed warmth that Amanda Staveley so brilliantly provided.”
How did Amanda Stavley react?
Staveley was immediately seen wiping away tears after being left touched by the message.
She said: “That’s really hard. God, sorry.”
After composing herself, she then added: “That is really hard because that is really lovely and that is why I went into Newcastle because the fans are just so incredible and they really are.
“Leaving was the hardest thing I have ever done and took a long time to understand and do what is right for the club and PIF is going to be an incredible partner for Newcastle, and the Reubens.
“We left it in very safe hands. There are so many great people with great hearts who put so much into that club and into the community and in to everything about it.
“So for me it was a privilege. Every day I would go to work and think, ‘God, I am so lucky to do this job.'”
It’s not the first time that Staveley has been reduced to tears by Newcastle fans.
She revealed last year that she cried upon seeing the banner that was unfurled for her and Ghodoussi before their 1-0 win against Southampton.
Alongside a picture of the duo was a message which simply read: “Thank you.”
To which Staveley took to social media to say: “I am both humbled and grateful for all the heartfelt messages of support today: I read every one, and I wish I could reply to you all personally.
“Seeing pictures of the stadium today made me cry – thank you to Wor flags for all your incredible work today and over the last few years.
“I know better than most, the incredible work you all put in at every game.
“Our fans are the best – and there is nowhere better than St James’.
“I will always be your Geordie girl… Wor Mandy.”
Staveley has recently been in the news amid speculation she could be involved in a consortium to buy Tottenham Hotspur.
However, talkSPORT understands that she has no intention to lodge a bid for the club.
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