Newcastle United backed to ‘hit new heights’ after ‘brilliant’ deal agreed – pundit
Darren Eales may be the most important arrival at Newcastle United this summer.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ latest hire.
Newcastle United confirmed the appointment of Eales, 49, as the club’s new CEO, on 15 July.
He joins from MLS side Atlanta United, where he helped deliver multiple trophies, the highest profits in the league, and record attendance figures during his time at the helm.
Eales has previous experience working in the Premier League, spending four years at Spurs between 2010 and 2014.
Kenny claims this could be the most important deal Newcastle agree this summer.
“It sounds like he has everything you would want in a CEO,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I’m sure Newcastle fans are just happy to have someone like that in a position like that. Did they even have a CEO under Ashley?
“It’s an important appointment, he will be there for years, longer than most of the players so it’s an important hire.
“We know they need to make more money to give them the option of spending more in the future. Someone like that can take a club to new heights and that’s where Newcastle want to be.
“It sounds like this guy knows a deal and has come in to maximise what Newcastle want to do off the pitch.
“It’s just a breath of fresh air, isn’t it? After years of neglect the club is being run properly, it’s brilliant to see.”
Eales joins new director Dan Ashworth at Newcastle after he left Brighton to take up the post.
Ashworth’s arrival has eased the burden on Eddie Howe, who effectively operated as director of football throughout the January transfer window.
In other news, Kieran Maguire issues “luxury” Newcastle United claim as £78million deal agreed.