Stefan Borson impressed by new arrival at Newcastle after confirmed news
David Hopkinson seems “very smart” after being appointed as Newcastle United’s new chief executive.
It was confirmed last year Darren Eales would step down as Newcastle’s CEO after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
Eales was appointed in 2022 following the Saudi-backed takeover at St James’ Park and took a more central role after the departure of Amanda Staveley last summer.
Hopkinson has now been appointed by Newcastle as Eales’s replacement after starting work on Tyneside earlier this month.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Hopkinson will be looking to improve Newcastle’s revenues.
David Hopkinson to agree Newcastle commercial deals
Hopkinson has joined Newcastle from Madison Square Garden Sports, where he was president and chief operating officer.
The Canadian also previously served time as global head of partnerships at Real Madrid.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “He seems very smart.
“There are some good interviews on the Newcastle website with him, where he's talking about his career and the attractions of Newcastle and what his plans are.
“I think early on he's saying all the right things. He wants to get around the club, the people, listen and understand it. I think his ambitions will largely be commercial.
“It's very unlikely he's going to have much to add on the playing or the player recruitment side of things.
“Being an outsider, he's going to really have to spend a bit of time understanding the way it all works.
“He's got some commercial experience from Real Madrid, so he understands the game, he understands the commercial interest, but Newcastle is not Real Madrid. Nobody is Real Madrid.
“He's got to understand where Newcastle fits in to that sort of pecking order.”
Newcastle smashed their club-record revenue in 2023-24 after their overall turnover surged from £250million to £320m, while their commercial income improved from £47m to £86m across the same period.
Newcastle well placed to agree deals after Man City twist
Football Insider revealed on 10 September Newcastle are well placed to agree commercial deals linked to their Saudi owners after Man City reached a settlement with the Premier League in regards to their associated party transactions (APT) battle.
The Times reported on 8 September Man City are in line to complete a “hugely lucrative” long-term deal with Etihad Airways as a result of the settlement.
Newcastle have seen their progress blocked by the APT rules since Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) took over the club in October 2021.
However, Eddie Howe’s side are now in a better position to agree significant deals linked to their owners, with Man City’s extension with Etihad Airways expected to set a new benchmark.
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