Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales will step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
The 52-year-old arrived at St James' Park in August 2022, ten months after the Magpies' Saudi-backed takeover was completed, and has played an important role at the club during a significant period of progression both on and off the pitch.
During Eales's tenure, Newcastle reached their first domestic cup final in over two decades in February 2023, losing the EFL Cup showpiece to Manchester United, while they also returned to the Champions League last season courtesy of a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Eales has now confirmed that it "is the right time" for him to depart and prioritise his health, but he will continue to lead the club's executive team until a successor is appointed.
A statement from Eales read: "Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club's exciting journey.
Eales to step down as Newcastle CEO
"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
"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 United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan added: "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.
© Reuters
Al-Rumayyan: 'Eales will have full support of Newcastle family'
"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."
The news comes just two months after former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left Newcastle after three years at the club.
Eddie Howe's side currently sit sixth in the Premier League table after five matches, three points behind leaders Manchester City who they welcome to St James' Park on Saturday.
