Steve Diamond Expresses Full Confidence in Newcastle Falcons Investment

Steve Diamond, the consultant director of rugby for Newcastle Falcons, who joined the club in January this year, has expressed his complete certainty regarding the acquisition of new investment. Diamond acknowledged that the Falcons are actively seeking fresh capital to address the financial disparity between their club and other Premiership teams. He stated, “I am absolutely confident, I’m 100% confident.” He further added, “I don’t think it will be tomorrow, but over the next two or three months, the phone will be ringing.” Regarding their on-field performance, Newcastle secured a victory against Saracens, marking their second Premiership win in three matches and their fifth win in six games across all competitions. This success comes as the team works to overcome the impact of 25 consecutive league defeats. Diamond’s arrival at Kingston Park in January preceded the team’s eventual end to a 581-day winless streak in the Premiership, achieved by defeating Exeter Chiefs on 18 October. Following that victory, there have been growing indications of on-field improvement, with the win against Saracens demonstrating the team’s potential, especially considering the Falcons operate significantly below the salary cap compared to the other nine clubs and maintain a compact first-team squad of 38 players. At present, local businessman Semore Kurdi holds the majority share in the Falcons, and he has indicated a willingness to divest some or all of his ownership stake in the club should a suitable offer emerge. Diamond disclosed that he and captain Callum Chick addressed the squad before the Saracens match, highlighting that this current phase presents an opportunity to showcase the club’s capabilities. He remarked, “Can you imagine if we do get investment how good we would be.” He continued, “Imagine spending twice the amount of money we do, like all the other clubs. It would be fantastic, wouldn’t it, and that’s what we’re looking to do.” The Newcastle Falcons have achieved consecutive Premiership victories at Kingston Park, a feat not accomplished since January 2023. A season-high attendance of 6,187 spectators gathered at Kingston Park for the evening match, witnessing Newcastle make a notable statement. Considering the prevailing conditions, the event offered a quintessential North East experience, an identity Diamond views as a primary draw. He commented, “Newcastle has this uniqueness about its personality with sport.” He further elaborated, “I went to St James’ Park for the football the other night and the atmosphere in the city is brilliant. It’s a real sporting city. “We don’t want the sort of investor who is just coming in for ego, we want someone who is going to build things in the community – an academy, a community department, a foundation and fly the flag for the north east.”” While the club’s identity can be appealing, he noted that the crucial factors are how the club is marketed and its future trajectory. He concluded by stating, “We won’t be self sustainable, we will need investment, but ultimately the person or organisation coming in will see that we know what we’re doing. That is really important for us and them.”