Amanda Staveley breaks silence on sudden Newcastle exit with social media message to fans

Amanda Staveley has broken her silence following her departure from Newcastle United on Friday.

The 51-year-old played a key role in brokering the deal that saw Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) take a majority stake in the Magpies in 2021.

She is the chief executive of PCP Capital Partners, and took a minority 10 per cent stake in Newcastle alongside husband Mehrdad Ghoudoussi upon the Saudi takeover.

The pair's stake was reduced to six per cent earlier this year, and Newcastle announced on Friday that they would be stepping down as co-owners with immediate effect. They have also ceased to be members of the club's board.

Staveley is a popular figure among Magpies fans. Alongside her work with the men's team, she was also a driving force in the development of the club's women's team, which turned professional in 2022 and earned promotion to the second tier Women's Championship earlier this year.

She would release a short statement on the club's official website following the announcement of her departure, describing her time at Newcastle as 'an honour' and adding that herself and Ghoudoussi would 'remain fans for life'.

Now, she has posted a personal message to Newcastle supporters on her Instagram page, writing: "Nothing I write today can ever express my gratitude or describe the debt I owe you all.

"Your support over the last years has been extraordinary, and no fans deserve success more than you.

"Being a small part of your precious Newcastle United has been a privilege, and I will cherish the memories of every single moment.

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"Working with Eddie [Howe], Jason [Tindall] and Becky [Langley, Newcastle Women head coach] has taught me so much. They are truly world class - and I will miss everyone terribly."

She continued: "Mehrdad and I have relished the role we had at the club - we particularly loved working alongside Yasir [Al Rumayyan], our PIF colleagues and Jamie [Reuben] to create a club that will constantly challenge for Europe and will be capable of winning trophies.

"I know PIF and RB will continue to be remarkable custodians - and the club will receive the required support over the coming years."