Newcastle United co-owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben have heaped praise on the Geordie faithful as they reminisce on their first year in charge of the Magpies. Friday saw Newcastle supporters celebrate the one-year anniversary of the infamous £305m takeover, in which Ghodoussi and Reuben played a huge role in brokering the deal.
Huge strides have been made in the past 12 months, with every aspect of the football club being improved one way or another. More work is on the horizon as the owners attempt to make Newcastle a footballing powerhouse but Ghodoussi has praised fans for their support so far.
"The fans have been incredible. They are everything as far as we are concerned," he told NUFC TV. "I remember the first time we came to St James' and we were bowled over by the supporters. "They are part of this journey with us.
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"We are a family - that is how we look at it. The community is so important, it's part of the fabric of what Newcastle is. Newcastle [United] is part of the fabric of the city.
"I remember fans referring to it as the 'Cathedral at the top of the hill' and that is so true. Everybody kind of worships the club. It's important to have that connectivity with the city."
Reuben hasn't taken as much of the spotlight as his close friend and fellow board member Ghodoussi but has still been visible to supporters during the first year. He also vowed to match every matchday donation made to the NUFC Fans Foodbank.
"We've been long-term investors in Newcastle and it's a city I know well and a city I really love. I must say though, the atmosphere five minutes before kick-off still surprises me every time. It's wonderful to see," Reuben said.
"If I had to pick a specific moment, it would be the last game at home to Arsenal, in front of the tremendous support we received, it was an amazing performance to cap off that season. A culmination of all our efforts and we survived and it was a great place to build from. Going onto the pitch at the end, the atmosphere was amazing and it proved we'd brought the spirit of the Toon back."
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