15 March 2024 , 11:39
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Amanda Staveley has issued a grovelling apology to former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce.
The Newcastle owner last week claimed that Bruce “didn’t even want to come to work” when she bought the club with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund in October 2022.
It was a major slur on Bruce’s professionalism, and he has not commented on the claims or said whether he would take legal action. But on her Instagram account Staveley issued a statement on Friday.
Last week she told a Bloomberg Power Players’ Summit in Jeddah about the situation she found at the club after the takeover saying: “We had few commercial revenues, we had a team that was ageing, a fan base that was angry, and a coach who basically didn't even want to come to work.”
Bruce was given a game in charge under the new regime before being sacked and Eddie Howe appointed. He had become a target for fans for months who wanted him out.
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Staveley wrote on Friday: “I would like to clarify a comment I made during a recent speaking engagement. While commenting on Newcastle United at the time of the club’s change in ownership I suggested the club had a coach who did not want to come to work.
"This suggestion was not correct; Steve Bruce was fully committed to his role at the club and always came to work during this period.
Amanda Staveley with Saudi investment chief and club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan (AFP via Getty Images)“I would like to make my intention to question or undermine the professionalism of Steve, who was always professional throughout my deals with him and committed to achieving the best for Newcastle United. I am happy to clarify my comments and I offer an apology to Steve for my comments and any unintended consequences.”
It is not Staveley’s only problem recently. She made a bid to have a bankruptcy petition against her thrown out at the High Court. It was alleged that she owed a shipping tycoon more than £36m. She asked the Insolvency and Companies Court to set aside a demand by Greek businessman Victor Restis.
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