Newcastle chief makes promise in rare statement ahead of takeover anniversary

Newcastle's Saudi chief has vowed the club will eventually "challenge for trophies domestically and in Europe."

Club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who runs the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, has made the pledge as the first anniversary of their controversial takeover of Tyneside club is marked on Friday. Al-Rumayyan has released a rare statement to Toon supporters thanking them for their role in transforming the mood around the club in the past 12 months of rebuilding.

The businessman, who is also the driving force behind the LIV Golf Series that has split the sport, admits Newcastle still have a "long way to go" before meeting their goals. But having spent £210m on eight players in the past two transfer windows, Newcastle are no longer a side threatened by relegation as they were last season, and Eddie Howe is leading their development on the pitch.

Al Rumayyan said: "A year ago,we told you that we wanted to build, over time, a consistently successful team. And we told you that we were focused on long-term success. There is still a long way to go, but each season is a building block towards our objective - to challenge for trophies both domestically and in Europe.

"The club we are building is made up of people who understand our long-term vision, and who understand the patience and persistence that it will take to achieve those goals. Those values are reflected in the players that we bring to the club. Bringing the women's team into direct ownership of the Club is a part of that plan.

"Progress won't always be smooth - but we will always forge ahead. You can rest assured that we are all working very hard to drive the Club forward. The support of our fans and the Newcastle community is an incredible motivation for us. It will never be taken for granted."

Newcastle face Brentford on Saturday 366 days after the £305m Saudi buy-out was completed looking to push into the top six with a win. Rumayyan has taken in several games and addressed the players last January after an FA Cup defeat.

He added: "Thank you for your incredible support. I am very conscious of the contributions that you all make - on and off the field. Football clubs are driven by their fans. This club's fans are more passionate and more committed than any others. I have seen for myself on many occasions how Newcastle fans have lifted our team.

"As we mark the first anniversary of our takeover of the Club, it seemed appropriate to take the time to say thank you - on behalf of the Newcastle Board. The first game after the takeover will live long in my memory. The feeling of pride at holding the black and white scarf as I entered the stadium.

"The collective roar of 52,000 of you and the unrivalled, electric atmosphere of St. James' Park on match-day. I will never forget the warmth of your welcome to my fellow board members and me on that October day." The owners, who include 10pc stake holders Amanda Staveley and the Reuben family, believe it will take three more transfer windows to get the squad they want to be challengers.

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