A surprise as Toon takeover top of agenda
NEWCASTLE United’s takeover was moved to the top of the agenda of the Premier League’s latest structured dialogue meeting.
Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust board member Thomas Concannon has reflected on that ‘surprise’ and the ‘sticking point’ of who was going to be the club’s ultimate beneficial owner.
The governing body met with the Football Supporters’ Association and a small group of fan representatives, including the NUST, on Wednesday.
Concannon was able to put questions to Richard Masters (pictured below) and Bill Bush, the Premier League’s chief executive and executive director respectively, on the collapse of the Magpies’ takeover after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers withdrew their offer to buy the club on July 30.
Concannon reflected on the meeting in a question and answer session with fellow trust board member Greg Tomlinson and Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah.
One of the topics which came up during the event surrounded the reassurances the consortium had offered from the ‘highest possible level’ that it was the PIF, rather than the government, who would be the ultimate beneficial owner.
Concannon said:“The agenda was moved to the very first point, which it was not meant to be.
“That took me by surprise but it was welcome. I think it showed the importance of the agenda item.
“With regards to that particular question, it was something touched upon in the opening statement by Richard Masters with regards to the confidentiality of the process, which we expected would come into play.
“However, it was pretty much an assurance that from all of the information made available they did not believe they were able to make a decision in favour of the takeover, as has been wellpublicised.
“From the information they had available they did not believe - that is the way I understood it - that who they were saying would have control of the club would actually have control of the club, so that is where the sticking point came in.”