Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has been in the news of late.
Staveley was speaking at the Bloomberg Power Players’ summit out in Saudi Arabia this week, sharing how Newcastle have been working on a multi-club model with teams across Belgium, Brazil, Australia and Asia.
While that’s all very exciting indeed, it was her comments on former Newcastle manager Steve Bruce that hit the headlines.
She claimed Bruce (via the Daily Mail) “basically didn’t even want to come to work” following PIF’s takeover, lasting just one game under the new regime before making way for Eddie Howe.
Bruce, of course, was largely an unpopular figure during his time at St James’ Park and was previously criticised by Staveley for not having the team fit enough upon Howe’s arrival.
Staveley, however, has now been criticised herself.
Amanda Staveley: Newcastle co-owner criticised for Steve Bruce comments
Speaking on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan show at 11.15am GMT on 08/03/2024, pundit Martin Keown suggested Staveley’s recent comments on Bruce were unnecessary.
“I think it’s a lack of class, really,” he said.
“I’m not really sure why she’s talking and bringing previous people in. It’s a new regime, let’s move forward.
“I would be disappointed if I was part of Newcastle. Let’s not trouble ourselves with what happened before, let’s look ahead. There’s no need to blame other people.”
Amanda Staveley on Steve Bruce: The past is worth remembering
Bruce clearly didn’t do much to endear himself to Newcastle supporters but after over a thousand games managed, it’s hardly surprising to see him elicit respect from pundits in the game.
With that in mind, it’s only natural to see a few of them support him.
Still, Staveley does appear to be putting the low base in which PIF bought the club into context. The fact is, things were really bleak back then.
With FFP issues impacting Newcastle’s growth this season, it’s worth remembering how far they’ve come. Yes, things are frustrating right now but Staveley appears keen to remind people of what came before to usher in some perspective.
Newcastle are focusing on the future but its important to remember the past. It informs the tricky position the club are in right now.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
