Saudi Arabian owners' desire for Newcastle 'unchanged'

Head coach Eddie Howe says the desire of Newcastle United 's owners to get to the top remains "unchanged" after meeting with them this week. Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and minority owner Jamie Reuben are among those who have flown in for a two-day annual summit at Matfen Hall in Northumberland. Although the PIF is to withdraw its multi-billion dollar backing of LIV Golf at the end of the season, senior figures at Newcastle were informed a couple of weeks ago that the pullout would not affect the club. Newcastle are 14th place in the Premier League, but Howe stressed the "determination to succeed" came through from those above him in the meetings he attended on Thursday. "The desire is unchanged," he said. "It's to try and get to the top of the Premier League, to try and consistently win as many trophies as possible. "I don't think that will change while the PIF are our owners, part owners or majority owners. They are very ambitious for the football club." Newcastle's hierarchy have talked of achieving such goals by 2030, but Howe recognised that the infrastructure needed to elevate the club to such a position will take time. Following a major capital investment, an announcement is expected regarding plans for a new state-of-the-art training ground to underline the owners' commitment. …