STEVE WRAITH has been a Newcastle United season-ticket holder since 1988.
Also an actor, author and boxing promoter, Wraith gives his view on the potential Toon takeover…
I think it is a huge positive for our football club and community to be able to attract investment from the Saudi state.
I appreciate that some may have issues and they are entitled to their opinion, but this is about football to me – nothing more, nothing less.
I work in professional boxing and have witnessed big fights being staged in Saudi Arabia and they have been great for the sport.
There are also owners from Saudi already in the premiership and there have been no issues with them.
The club has huge potential. It is a sleeping giant and with the right owner and healthy investment there is no reason we cannot be back challenging the top six, competing in Europe and trying to win our first domestic trophy since 1955.
New owners need to buy into the area and work with the community on football and non-football related projects.
Amanda Staveley has a connection with the North of England so she understands the area. That is a key to her persistence.
She facilitated the Manchester City takeover so clearly knows how the business side of football works. As a fan I am pleased she did not walk away.
The stadium and training ground have been neglected for 13 years – as has the team. There is a lot to do and Rome was not built in a day – fans will need to be realistic and patient.
There is always an air of caution when the word takeover is mentioned on Tyneside, however this time there is more optimism because of the documentation logged at Companies House.
But it would be typical of Ashley to sell the club when we cannot go out to celebrate.
I have nothing against him personally. He arrived 13 years ago and announced that he bought the club to promote his sports brand globally. He has done exactly that. He is a rich man for a reason and is not stupid.
Had he bought into the ethos of the area and club it could have been so different. I wish him well.
Do I still have reservations? Yes, because it’s not over the line yet. The cans are chilled but not opened just yet.
Let’s pray all the Toon Army come through this tragic pandemic safe and well and then we can all celebrate together in the Bigg Market and Quayside one sunny night.
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