Darren Eales (former CEO)

[Izakaya]

Skulled a pint in the stack though 

 

 

Edited July 29, 2025 by Izakaya

[The Prophet]

It was only recently reported that he's absent on medical leave. It's negligent that the board haven't found an interim solution until his full time replacement is found.

 

No wonder we feel like a rudderless ship.

[Nucasol]

6 minutes ago, Izakaya said:

Skulled a pint in the stack though 

[JT24]

I've said it previously but I think he's done a good job. He came into a shell of a football club and his built up every department. I think currently there is a lack of leadership and things are slipping. He's left a solid foundation for the next CEO though.

 

Could he have done better? I'm sure of it. A disaster though? I disagree on that.

[JT24]

 

[BottledDog]

Captain, my captain.  

[JT24]

https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/darren-eales-thank-you
 

Quote

Thank you to the Toon Army for allowing me to be a small part of your club's history. My time as CEO has been shorter than I planned, but you have filled all three years with wonderful memories.

In 2023, you turned London into Newcastle-upon-Thames, throwing one of the biggest parties Trafalgar Square has seen (and then cleaning it all up). You stood and sang your hearts out at Wembley as the Carabao Cup final started, and kept it up even as the clock counted down to defeat. You screamed loud enough to be heard in Paris when two local lads scored at St. James' Park in the 4-1 thumping of PSG. You laughed and joked while waiting for a bus to Sunderland at 7am, and were still laughing 7 hours later as the team posed in front of you for their victory photo. Last season you watched history being made as Big Dan Burn scored that header, and Bruno lifted the club's first domestic trophy for 70 years. You showed up in the hundreds of thousands to celebrate - packing the streets, creating Geordie layer cakes out of car parks, and swarming the Town Moor with children on your shoulders and 'Blaydon Races' ringing in the air. And last week you welcomed back Champions League football for the second time in three seasons with yet another spectacular and electrifying Wor Flags display.

 

Thank you to Eddie, the coaching staff and the players for providing some of the most intense and entertaining football I've seen. It's been a privilege to work with you and watch you, week in and week out.

 

Thank you to the NUFC staff, who have made all the grand public moments possible through their passion, discipline, collaboration and thousands of hours of hard work in the background. You have been wonderful colleagues.

 

Thank you to the Newcastle United Foundation for all the amazing work you do for our community, from mentoring and job training to making football accessible to all. It's been a privilege to be a trustee. 
 

Thank you to David Hopkinson for taking over the CEO role with enthusiasm. I look forward to watching NUFC continue its exciting upward trajectory under your stewardship.

 

Thank you to the ownership for your vision and support for the club as a whole, and for your support for me personally, particularly during my last few months on medical leave.

 

Thank you to the amazing NHS staff at the Freeman Hospital for your professionalism, cheerfulness and kindness. I am fortunate to be continuing my treatment under your care.

 

Every time I walk past the signs for the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre in the Freeman, I'm reminded of how integral this club is to the community. This club is about football, and more than football. To quote the great man himself, "It's the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city."

 

Thank you for allowing me to share that passion, pride and feeling of belonging.

 

HWTL! 
 

Darren Eales

Thank you, Darren. 

 

[Menace]

Class statement 

[JT24]

I enjoyed how it only mentioned BDB scoring at the final and not a certain individual. 

[JT24]

 

[Fenham Mag]

Worried a little seeing this bumped.

 

Great statement and hope he keeps well and healthy as long as possible.

[54]

10 minutes ago, JT24 said:

I enjoyed how it only mentioned BDB scoring at the final and not a certain individual. 

I noticed that. Love the bitterness

 

Class statement in general though. Not that its a particularly high bar, but he's probably the best CEO in my lifetime.

[JT24]

9 minutes ago, JT24 said:

 

Little nugget in there that he expects revenue for this current season to be north of £400m. From £140m in 2021. Some going that. 

[Scoot]

6 minutes ago, JT24 said:

Little nugget in there that he expects revenue for this current season to be north of £400m. From £140m in 2021. Some going that. 

 

3x in 4 years.

 

Slow going from PIF that mind.

[TBG]

Can I just say, I still liked Darren even when we lost a match.

[Ikon]

Well north of £400m next he says. Wish him the best with all going on. 

[Cookie1892]

we havent half achieved a canny bit under his watch

 

and just think it wasnt so long ago we had Del Boy and Wise in charge

 

[Stifler]

1 hour ago, JT24 said:

Little nugget in there that he expects revenue for this current season to be north of £400m. From £140m in 2021. Some going that. 

To put that in perspective, in the 2023/24 season (which is the latest one we have full data for) only the promoted clubs (and subsequently relegated) had a turnover below £140m.

In the same season, £400m would put us on the heels of Chelsea’s income which was £460m.