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Newcastle United hosts fan engagement event in Riyadh
Newcastle United has held a special supporter engagement event in Riyadh as part of the club's winter tour in the Saudi Arabian capital.
Fans from several cities in the Middle East, along with a number of supporters who flew in for this Thursday's match with Asian champions Al Hilal, were joined at the event by a range of club representatives.
After an introduction from Amanda Staveley, CEO Darren Eales took questions in front of around 90 supporters before club legend Shola Ameobi chatted about his playing days and current role as the club's loan player manager.
Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales speaking to fans in Riyadh
That was followed by a supporter feedback opportunity around the room, before head coach Eddie Howe and first team coach Simon Weatherstone dropped in fresh from training alongside captain Jamaal Lascelles and teammates Sean Longstaff and Jacob Murphy.
The event in central Riyadh, which was also attended by co-owner Jamie Reuben, gave supporters the opportunity to take part in question-and-answer sessions on a host of football topics, along with an informal quiz and discussions on what it means to be a fan of the club living overseas.
Fans queue to meet Magpies head coach Eddie Howe
The event will help Newcastle United’s work on its revised plans for fan engagement which will be published next year, highlighting a commitment to further strengthen relationships with fans in the UK and overseas.
Commenting at the event in Riyadh, Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales, said: "This event was brilliant for everybody involved.
"Our supporters, many of whom live thousands of miles away from us in Newcastle, yet still follow us passionately every week, have been able to spend time with Eddie Howe and the players and this means so much to everybody.
"For Eddie and the team to receive a warm welcome and incredible support wherever they play is what makes this club so special.
"We have a fantastic fanbase throughout the world and to be able to thank our supporters, take the time to listen to their ideas and strengthen our relationships with fans overseas so something that we are all incredibly excited about."