Keith Wyness reveals PIF’s real Newcastle United plan – ‘it’s got to happen’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted the Newcastle United owners will want any success they have at St James’ Park to rub off on the Saudi Pro League.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – admitted PIF urgently want global recognition and the pressure is on for Newcastle chiefs to help deliver that.
The Saudi sovereign wealth fund completed its takeover of the north-east giants in October 2021 for £305million, bringing Mike Ashley’s 14-year reign to an end.
The ownership group helped deliver Champions League football in its first year in charge before Eddie Howe’s side followed that up with a seventh-place finish last season.
Newcastle United expecting to finish in Champions League next season
Although Wyness admitted the owners will show some patience, he believes they will want to finish in the top four again next season as they look to continue pushing forward.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s got to be a one-to-two-year plan.
“The pressure is always there for them right now. They will want to be in that top four next year, that’s a key part for them.
“A five-year plan means being consistent performers in Europe in one way or another. That will be expected.
“They will want to see growth and opportunities. The owners are thirsty for success.
“They will give it time and be patient to a degree. But they urgently want that global recognition and to be seen as good owners, and I think that’s important.
“They will want to have that rub off on the Saudi Pro League as well and to be seen as good owners in that way.
“The pressure will be on. Eddie Howe knows it and the board know it.
“It’s got to happen, otherwise, you could end up getting chopped.”
In other news, Newcastle have agreed defender signing – it’s a “done deal”.
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