Newcastle United’s chief executive, Darren Eales, has announced he will leave his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer. Eales, 52, took on the role in August 2022, and will remain in the post until a new CEO is selected. He expressed his gratitude for being part of Newcastle’s journey but emphasized that now is the right time to prioritize his health and family.
Stepping Back for Health Reasons
Eales described leading Newcastle United as a privilege and said he is immensely proud of what the club has accomplished during his tenure. However, after his recent diagnosis, he feels it is the appropriate moment to step down to focus on his personal well-being. “It’s become clear that this is the right decision to ensure I can focus on my health and my family,” he stated.
Despite his decision to leave, Eales is committed to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club until his successor is appointed. He also promised to support the transition, allowing the board time to find a suitable replacement.
Achievements During Eales’ Time at Newcastle
Eales was appointed during the first year of Newcastle’s £305 million Saudi-backed takeover. Under his leadership, Newcastle reached their first domestic cup final in 24 years, playing in the 2022-23 Carabao Cup. Additionally, under manager Eddie Howe, the team achieved a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, securing a return to the Champions League.
In recent months, Newcastle also appointed Paul Mitchell as sporting director following the departure of Dan Ashworth to Manchester United. This followed earlier exits by co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.
Gratitude and Future Plans
In his departure announcement, Eales thanked the club’s supporters, players, and staff for their contributions during his time at Newcastle. “I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved together and look forward to seeing the club continue on its exciting path,” he said.
Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan praised Eales for his significant impact on the club, acknowledging the strong foundation Eales helped create for future success. “Our thoughts are with Darren and his family, and we send him our best wishes for a full recovery,” Al-Rumayyan added. He confirmed that the search for Eales’ replacement will be handled carefully to ensure a smooth transition while Eales remains supported by the club’s board and community.
