When it comes to the movers and shakers who made Newcastle United's historic takeover possible, it is safe to say, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, was the outsider of the group. Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi had spent many years studying the club and the city after numerous attempts at brokering previous deals, while the Reuben Family have long-running business ties to region.
Yet 12 months on from the takeover, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Al-Rumayyan has already done a lot to prove he understands the Geordie faithful and the football club his sovereign wealth fund now owns. To mark the one-year anniversary, the United chairman penned an open letter to supporters on Thursday evening, thanking for them for their continued support in what has been a monumental year both on and off the pitch on Tyneside.
"To all the fans of Newcastle United Football Club. Thank you for your incredible support. I am very conscious of the contributions that you all make – on and off the field," Al-Rumayyan wrote. "Football clubs are driven by their fans. And this Club’s fans are more passionate and more committed than any others.
