Report: Jamie Reuben makes sensational gesture to 'emotional' Amanda Staveley despite bitter Newcastle exit

Amanda Staveley, the former co-owner of Newcastle United, will be in attendance at Wembley Stadium this Sunday as the Magpies take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

Staveley, who played a pivotal role in the club’s transformative Saudi-backed takeover in 2021, remains a beloved figure among Newcastle fans despite stepping away from her official role last summer. Her presence at the final, alongside her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi and other family members, underscores her enduring connection to the club and its supporters.

Newcastle’s journey to the Carabao Cup final marks their second trip to Wembley in three seasons, as they aim to end a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. Over 30,000 Newcastle fans will be in attendance, waving scarves gifted by the club, creating a sea of black and white in support of Eddie Howe’s side.

Staveley’s attendance adds an emotional layer to the occasion, as she was instrumental in laying the foundation for the club’s resurgence during her two-and-a-half years at the helm. Her tireless efforts, alongside Ghodoussi, to keep fans informed and engaged during the takeover process earned her immense respect and admiration on Tyneside.

Staveley’s presence at Wembley was confirmed last week, and her attendance has been warmly welcomed by Newcastle supporters. According to The Sun, her invitation to the final came directly from the club, with minority stakeholder Jamie Reuben extending the gesture.

This move highlights the high regard in which Staveley is still held within the Newcastle hierarchy, particularly for her role in brokering the 2021 takeover from the deeply unpopular Mike Ashley. Despite her departure last summer, Staveley continues to act as an unofficial ambassador for the club, regularly expressing her pride in the team’s achievements on social media.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: Amanda Staveley, British business professional and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi gesture prior to the international friendly match between England and Bosnia & Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 03, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The road to the final has been anything but smooth for Newcastle, but Monday’s 1-0 victory over West Ham provided a timely boost of confidence ahead of the showdown with Liverpool. Staveley, who admitted to being “emotional” after Newcastle’s defeat to Manchester United in the 2023 Carabao Cup final, will be hoping for a different outcome this time around.

Her promise to fans after last year’s heartbreak—that the club would win trophies in the future—could be fulfilled on Sunday, adding a poetic touch to her presence at Wembley.

Staveley’s departure from Newcastle last summer was marked by controversy, as the club navigated Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) by selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to avoid a points deduction. Rumors swirled that Staveley was forced out, but her invitation to the final suggests that her relationship with the club remains strong.

Her passion for Newcastle’s success has never wavered, and her optimistic vision for the club’s future—expressed in her bold declaration that Newcastle would win the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Champions League, and Premier League—continues to resonate with fans.

As Newcastle prepare for the final, they face a Liverpool side dealing with their own challenges, including the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold due to injury. The Magpies, however, are riding a wave of momentum and belief, fueled by their recent form and the unwavering support of their fans.

For Staveley, Sunday’s final represents more than just a chance to witness a potential trophy win—it’s a testament to the progress the club has made since the takeover and a reminder of the bright future she helped envision.

Whether Newcastle lift the Carabao Cup or not, Staveley’s presence at Wembley symbolizes the unity and ambition that have defined the club’s journey under its new ownership.

Her legacy as a transformative figure in Newcastle’s history remains intact, and her passion for the club’s success continues to inspire fans and players alike. As the Magpies step onto the Wembley pitch, they carry not only the hopes of their supporters but also the enduring spirit of those who believed in their potential from the very beginning.