Newcastle to appoint ‘high-quality’ chief after confirmed news – Stefan Borson
Newcastle United’s owners will be well placed to find a “high-quality replacement” for Darren Eales after he’s been forced to step down from his role at St James’ Park on health grounds.
That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider it will be a blow to see the CEO leave after he’s done a good job during his time with the north-east giants.
Newcastle announced on 27 September Eales is stepping down from his role after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
He said: “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.”
Eales was appointed in 2022 following the Saudi-backed takeover at St James’ Park and took a more central role after the departure of former co-owner Amanda Staveley in the summer.
Newcastle owners wanted continuity after Amanda Staveley exit
“It’s very sad news,” Borson told Football Insider.
“It seems like he has a very serious health issue and football then becomes secondary to all that of course.
“I suspect it’s quite a blow because he seemed to be doing a good job.
“He seemed to have a lot of support and he’s obviously got a very good CV.
“There has been a bit of disruption with the Ashworth situation and the Staveley situation over the last few months.
“They probably would have wanted the stability at the CEO level to continue for the continuity.
“But the Saudi owners will be well-placed to find a high-quality replacement, so I wouldn’t think it’s going to cause too many issues with the club generally.
“Ultimately, there are some things more important than football, so there is not a lot you can do about it.
“It’s just one of those things unfortunately for him more than anything.”
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