NEWCASTLE CEO Darren Eales is set to step down from his role after being diagnosed with cancer.
Eales, 52, will continue to lead the club’s executive team until a successor is appointed.
Newcastle shared the update on X and said their thoughts are with Eales after he was diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
Eales also released a statement which reads: “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.
“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.”
Eales joined the Magpies in August 2022 – ten months after the Saudi owners took over.
Newcastle qualified for the Champions League during his first year at the club and reached the Carabao Cup final, losing to Manchester United.
He has been playing a huge role in plans for the stadium redevelopment as well as the on-field success under Eddie Howe.
Newcastle Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan shared his sadness at the news and provided an update on when a new CEO could be appointed.
He 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.”
League Two side AFC Wimbledon, who received a £15,000 donation from Newcastle for their destroyed pitch, offered their well wishes.
They wrote: “Everyone at the Club sends our best wishes to Darren and our friends at @NUFC “
