Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales to step down for health reasons as Al-Rumayyan speaks out


Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales is set to step down after being diagnosed with chronic blood cancer. The Toon chief has opted to walk away from the Magpies to "prioritise" his family after two years in the job.

With a stadium announcement expected soon and political issues this summer, Eales leaves the club after a tough period. Newcastle confirmed the news on Friday morning, announcing the CEO will lead the team until his successor is appointed.

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.

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"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, 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. 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."

Eales arrived on Tyneside in August 2022, 10 months after the £300m takeover the club. Famed for stellar work with MLS side Atlanta United, the boardroom supremo soon became a popular figure at St James' Park.

Tributes swiftly began to pour in from Newcastle supporters as news of Eales' health diagnosis broke on Friday afternoon. The club chief will stay in his post until the club find his replacement in the coming weeks.