Newcastle United has announced that CEO Darren Eales will resign following a diagnosis of chronic blood cancer.
The club made the surprising announcement on Friday, honoring Eales for his contributions since joining the team ten months after the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund’s takeover.
Under Eales’ leadership, Newcastle experienced significant progress, reaching their first domestic final in 24 years and qualifying for the Champions League in the 2022/23 season. Eales, who previously worked with Tottenham and MLS team Atlanta United, had been anticipated to take on a larger role following the departure of Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi during the summer.
Eales expressed his gratitude, stating: “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. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the club’s supporters, ownership, players and staff. I’m proud of what we have collectively achieved and I’m excited to see what’s ahead for everyone as the club builds towards a future of sustained success.”
Newcastle has not provided further details about Eales’ condition but confirmed that he will continue in his role temporarily while the search for a new CEO begins. The unexpected news may add to the challenges faced by manager Eddie Howe, who is already adjusting to the recent appointment of Paul Mitchell as sporting director.
