Diamond leads the applause for Kurdi

AS Newcastle finished the season waiting for news on a takeover, Steve Diamond paid tribute to backer Semore Kurdi.

- PAUL REES

Red Bull have been cited as potential investors to give the Falcons seven months wings after Kurdi, below, Newcastle's majority shareholder since 2011, announced he was selling his stake.

Newcastle's last set of financial figures showed turnover of £11.2m and a loss of £2.4m. Net liabilities were £20.6m with more than £20.3m owed to Kurdi.

"Semore has put a lot of money into the club and should be applauded," said Diamond, who took over as director of rugby at the beginning of last year. "He has done a magnificent job. We are not in the position the clubs who went bust a couple of years ago were and we are up to date with all the payments.

"It would be fitting if they built three statues here to Sir John Hall, Dave Thompson and Semore for all the money they put in."

Diamond has not been part of the discussions to find new owners but has been kept up to date by Kurdi.

"I know there have been extensive talks," he said. "People are frighted of change, but we have to embrace it, not fear it.