Eddie Howe's response to Newcastle United ownership questions

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, bought 80% of the club a year ago today.

And there have been repeated accusations of sportswashing from Amnesty International given the country’s record on human rights – and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul four years ago.

PIF and the club’s co-owners, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, have transformed the club’s fortunes over the past 12 months with the appointment of Eddie Howe and substantial spend on transfers.

The takeover was welcomed by the overwhelming majority of Newcastle fans, though some supporters do oppose the involvement of Saudi Arabia.

There has also been vocal criticism of the ownership from outside the region.

And Howe, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Brentford, was asked if he understood why some people were uncomfortable with the club’s new owners, who were approved by the Premier League.

“Yes, I do, and I understand the question, but, for me, the directors' and owners' test ratified by the Premier League, I have to have faith in that process,” said United’s head coach.

“Obviously, I've been the decision-maker behind where some of that money has gone, and I've looked at it purely from a football perspective trying to recruit the best players for Newcastle."

Howe went on: “For me – and I've said this right from day one – it's always about the football for me. If I veer too far from that, and I go into areas of the club that won’t benefit my players or the team, then I'm not going to do my players justice.

“Everything, for me, is about trying to get the best out of the players that I have every single day, and hopefully that shows when we play.

"Asked if he had any misgivings about the club’s ownership, or had hesitated, before his appointment last November, Howe said: “No, because when you look back the takeover happened very quickly.

"I don’t think there was any real rumours that it was going to happen.

"For me, the owners and directors test, the Premier League had ratified the takeover – and I have to have faith in that process.

"When the job offer came to me, I’m looking at it purely on a football basis. Do I want to manage Newcastle United football club? The answer was a resounding yes from me for all the reasons I’ve given before.

"So, I was purely looking at it from a football perspective.”

PIF governor and United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan yesterday thanks fans for their backing in an open letter.

“Thank you for your incredible support,” wrote Al-Rumayyan. “I am very conscious of the contributions that you all make – on and off the field.

"Football clubs are driven by their fans. And this club’s fans are more passionate and more committed than any others. I have seen for myself on many occasions how Newcastle fans have lifted our team.

“As we mark the first anniversary of our takeover of the club, it seemed appropriate to take the time to say thank you – on behalf of the Newcastle board.”