Newcastle United chief executive Darren Eales is to step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer, the club has said.
Eales, who started working for Newcastle in August 2022, will hold the role until a replacement is chosen.
In a statement made public on Friday, Eales stated, “I am immensely proud to be a part of Newcastle United’s exciting journey and I consider myself to be an extraordinary privilege as CEO.”
But it seems to me that this is the ideal moment to make this choice so that I may put my family and my health first.
“In the near future, the club’s daily activities will continue as usual, and I completely support a transitional phase that will allow the board to thoroughly consider and select my replacement.
“I would want to express my gratitude to the players, staff, ownership, and supporters of the club. I’m thrilled with what we have all accomplished as a team and am looking forward to what lies ahead for everyone as the club strives for long-term success.”
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the chair of Newcastle United, stated: “This news deeply saddens all of us who are associated with Newcastle United.” We extend Darren and his family our best wishes for a full recovery. Our thoughts are with you.
“I want to thank Darren for his commitment and devotion to Newcastle United on behalf of the club and its owners. During his tenure as CEO, he has significantly advanced the club and laid the groundwork for Newcastle United’s future success. We completely comprehend the challenging choice he has taken.
“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.”
Eales began playing for Newcastle ten months after the team’s ownership changed, with Mike Ashley’s 14-year run coming to an end when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired a dominant 80 percent interest.
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