Newcastle United made another eye-catching move on Friday by confirming the appointment of Darren Eales as Chief Executive Officer. It was no secret that the Magpies were looking to appoint a new CEO to oversee the day-to-day running of the club.
Traditionally, the CEO of a football club also negotiates contracts and transfer deals - both incoming and outgoing - so to say this appointment is important would be an understatement. The role has been vacant since Lee Charnley left Newcastle last season and the process to find a replacement was meticulous.
But who is Darren Eales? ChronicleLive profiled the new man in charge at St James’ Park.
Background
Born in Chelmsford, Essex, Eales left the UK and moved to the States after leaving school to pursue a career in football. On a scholarship, he became a decorated soccer player for West Virginia University and Brown University before playing in the semi-professional ranks.
Eales returned to England at the turn of the Millennium after injuries curtailed his career, although he continued to play at non-league level. The economics degree he earned in the US allowed him to study Law at Cambridge University.
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Before long Eales was appointed as a legal counsel at West Brom before becoming a club director. It was at the Hawthorns where he met Toon sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Tottenham Hotspur came calling in 2010 just as the club were becoming a regular Champions League outfit. After four years in North London, Eales left to pursue a fresh challenge in Atlanta.
Experience
Having worked at a host of clubs on both sides of the pond, Toon chiefs know they have appointed a safe set of hands. Valuable experience gained at Spurs - where he was involved in Gareth Bale’s world-record sale to Real Madrid - means he is capable of dealing with Europe’s elite.
Eales helped transform Atlanta from a newly-formed club to the second most valuable franchise in the MLS in eight years. Newcastle harbour ambitions to grow globally and these credentials must have been attractive to Amanda Staveley & Co. Operating at every level of the game, from non-league football to Champions League clubs, will also aid the new CEO. Newcastle are a unique club in their own right and work across the footballing spectrum can only be a beneficial to Eales.
Achievements
As mentioned, building the Five Stripes up from zeroes to heroes is no mean feat. Three trophies - including the MLS Cup in 2018 - have helped Atlanta become one of the league’s big hitters. A notable drop off in recent seasons dents their reputation somewhat but the job Eales has done is commendable. Backed by a large budget, Toon chiefs will be hoping the 49-year-old can replicate his club-building skills on his UK return.
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