Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales will step down from his role after being diagnosed with chronic blood cancer, the club have announced.
Eales joined the club in August 2022 and has overseen a Champions League campaign and fourth-placed Premier League finish, working closely with Eddie Howe and sporting directors Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell.
The 52-year-old has controlled day-to-day affairs at Newcastle since joining – described by one insider as “delivering the vision” and will remain at the club until a successor has been named.
He has also played a key role in the plans to redevelop St James’ Park and was previously Tottenham Hotspur’s club secretary and Atlanta United’s president.
Eales said: “Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club’s exciting journey.
“However, it has become apparent to me that now is the right time to make this decision so that I can prioritise my health and my family.
“In the short term, it will be business as usual in terms of running the club’s day-to-day operations, and I will give my full support to a transitionary period that will enable the board to carefully assess and appoint my successor.”
And club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan said: “All of us who are connected with Newcastle United are very saddened by this news. Our thoughts are with Darren and his family and we send him every good wish for a full recovery.
“On a personal level, Darren has been a great partner to me and to our fans, players, ownership and staff.
"Who couldn't love this club?"
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 27, 2024
We sat down with @DEalesNUFC after it was announced he would be stepping down from his position as CEO for health reasons. pic.twitter.com/XtfUHPAiYb
“On behalf of the club and its owners, I want to thank Darren for his service and dedication to Newcastle United.
“He has made a significant contribution to the club’s progress during his time as CEO, helping to build a strong foundation for Newcastle United’s success. We fully understand the difficult decision he has made.
“We will work closely with Darren to hand over the CEO role at the appropriate moment following a carefully considered search process, and he will continue to have the full support of the board and the Newcastle United family now and in the future.”
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