The club officially launched its inaugural FAB in November 2023 as part of the club’s wider Fan Engagement Plan, and invited applications for the final five of nine supporter positions.

The club received in excess of 400 applications from supporters and a shortlist was selected and interviewed by a panel consisting of Ashley Brown, head of governance at the Football Support Association, Abu Ali, managing director of Williams Ali Corporate Finance, and the club’s head of supporter services, Sarah Medcalf.

THE FAN ADVISORY BOARD

Following the interview stage, designed to ensure members bring a range of experience and professional skills to the FAB, Michael McCarthy and Marion Williams have been appointed to represent season ticket holders alongside members’ representative, Rajat Nayyar.

Meanwhile, young supporters will be represented by Thomas Symonds, and US-based Natalie Noyes will join on behalf of international fans.

They join two ‘co-opted’ members from Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST) - Paul Karter and Adam Stoker, as well as Joe Ayton, co-opted representative from Newcastle United Disabled Supporters Association (NUDSA), and Claire Wintrip from United with Pride (UWP).

Each co-opted representative will have a three-year tenure, while all other positions will have two-year tenures.

The nine members will select their chair and vice-chair and will convene for the first time at an informal meeting in January 2024, before a first formal FAB meeting in February.

WHAT IS THE FAN ADVISORY BOARD (FAB)?

The FAB will be a key conduit for two-way dialogue between supporters and the club's key decision makers. It will meet with the club on three occasions per season, with the club's CEO attending at least one meeting.

The group will retain a focus on topics including the club's strategic vision and objectives, business operations, the stadium, key matchday issues, any relevant heritage items, community activities and the club's equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) commitments. Sporting and on-field issues will not form part of proposals.

"A WARM WELCOME"

Sarah Medcalf, head of supporter services, said: "We would like to extend a warm welcome to each of our nine FAB members and thank everyone who took the time to apply.

"The five successful applicants have gone through a comprehensive appointment process with input from independent panel members, and we look forward to them joining supporters from three established supporter groups at our first formal meeting in the February."