Newcastle United chief executive David Hopkinson has insisted the club’s long-term project under the Public Investment Fund (PIF) ownership remains fully backed by the Saudi group, dismissing suggestions that ambition has faded behind the scenes following a disastrous last season and a turbulent summer of high-profile departures.
Speaking to The Athletic, Hopkinson rejected the idea that Newcastle’s rebuild signals a retreat under PIF, saying the owners are driving what he has repeatedly described
as “Newcastle 2.0.”
“Not only is PIF committed to Newcastle 2.0, they demand it,” Hopkinson said. “The ambition I’ve articulated has been generated in concert with the owners. I refer to the owners there because it’s not exclusively PIF, but also the Reuben family.”
Hopkinson also revealed how involved Newcastle’s owners remain behind the scenes.
“I talk to our owners multiple times a day,” he said. “They commit time, energy, people, resources, consulting, advice. They are the most leaned-in owners I’ve ever worked with. All they want to know is how they can help. They challenge our thinking and push us. They’re absolutely extraordinary partners. There’s no one that wants to see Newcastle 2.0 succeed more than they do.”
The comments come after Newcastle sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and captain Bruno Guimaraes this summer, while Matthias Jaissle has replaced Eddie Howe as head coach after the latter exited the club midway through the preseason.
Hopkinson also hinted that updates on Newcastle’s long-awaited infrastructure plans, including the training ground and new/expanded stadium, could be on the horizon.
“More to come — soon — but that’s for our next conversation,” Hopkinson said when discussing the club’s proposed new stadium and training ground projects.
Despite all of the departures, Hopkinson argued Newcastle’s rebuild is already underway through a younger squad that includes incoming transfers Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba, Bazoumana Toure, Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek, while the trio of Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Harvey Barnes have all recently committed their short- and long-term futures to the club.
“I firmly believe this is the greatest project in professional sports globally,” Hopkinson said. “As we set out on Newcastle 2.0, we’re going to have some bumps along the way, but I believe our supporters understand and recognise that this is part of the journey. They will be with us through this part right through to our next trophy parade.”
Hopkinson concluded with a message aimed directly at the Geordie faithful.
“If you just want to cheer for the club that’s going to guarantee we will win the league this year, we’re not for you,” Hopkinson said. “But if you like a fight, if you’re up for that fight, and if you want to back a team who gives everything even when the odds are not in your favour, then that’s who we are. That’s Newcastle United 2.0.”
Do you buy into David Hopkinson’s vision for “Newcastle 2.0,” or do you still have concerns about the club’s direction after this summer’s changes? Let us know what you think in the Coming Home Newcastle comments section below.
