(Football news) The mood around St. James’ Park is jubilant to say the least, a quick peek at the Premier League table would suggest that it’s definitely not because of their recent results as the Magpies are currently 19th in the league and without a win in any competition since the start of the season. It’s a testament to how transformative owners can be in changing the fortunes of the club. For those who have followed England’s top flight for the last 15 years, the rise of Manchester City has happened right before your very eyes and the only person responsible for that is their owner Sheikh Mansour.
It’s unthinkable now to discuss the team favourite to win the Premier League without Manchester City being in the discussion and fairly so. Since 2011, the blue half of Manchester have won it five times and it’s not purely down to investment as their neighbours Manchester United have proved. Investment done correctly reaps rewards but without a direction, it’s money spent on a ship with no sailor. For Newcastle, it’s been a rocky road under the ownership of Mike Ashley with two consecutive bottom half finishes in the league.They have been relegated twice, a travesty for such a big club and their owner has been notoriously frugal with investments, with an average of £9.3 million per year.
The club is now owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) with 80% share, 10% by the Reuben Brothers and 10% by Amanda Staveley. In an interview, Staveley has reiterated her ambition to see Newcastle United on top of the league by saying “Do we want to win the Premier League within five to 10 years? Yes. This takeover is hugely transformative. We want to see trophies. But trophies need investment, time, patience and teamwork. Of course we have the same ambitions as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in terms of trophies. Absolutely, but that will take time.”
If Manchester City’s journey as a powerhouse in England is anything to go by, Newcastle will need time and a big influx of money if they are serious about competing for the Premier League title. For the likes of Chelsea and Man City, the attraction of playing in London or Manchester was another deciding factor in players joining the club when they had no pedigree. Would Haaland or Mbappe be keen to join a project in cold and rainy Newcastle in the North East at the moment? Seems unlikely as the club will have to start moving up the table before seriously worrying the big teams in England. Financial Fair Play is another factor that must be taken into consideration as an unlimited transfer kitty does not equal to being able to spend that kind of cash.
It seems like Steve Bruce’s days as Newcastle United’s manager are numbered with fans calling for his resignation long before the takeover took place. It’s the perfect opportunity for the new owners to instantly win over their fans by sacking Bruce and appointing someone that would reflect their ambitions for the club. Someone like Antonio Conte would mean serious business if he is willing to embark on a very long term project at the club. The dark clouds have finally departed over Tyneside and a new era begins at Newcastle United. Time will tell how it pans out.
