Newcastle United’s new man will keep out of transfers – ‘He’s not a football guy’
Newcastle United’s new chief executive David Hopkinson will keep out of the club’s recruitment plans as he’s “not a football guy”.
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 in the summer of 2024.
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 spending most of his time working on corporate activities, while letting other people operate the footballing side of the business.
David Hopkinson looks ‘up for it’ after joining Newcastle
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: “I think he’s going to allow people on the recruitment side and on the football side to do their thing because he’s going to admit that he’s not a football guy.
“But I like the look of him in terms of as the figurehead, and in terms of somebody saying the right things and communicating well.
“He absolutely looks up for it, so I think he looks on paper to be a really good hire.
“But I think clearly Newcastle are now in a good position probably on PSR, so the next sort of phase of the challenge will be how do they spend? How do they spend money in the next bit?
“And then of course, the infrastructure and the stadium. He’s probably going to feel quite comfortable in that environment. More of a corporate-type operational role.
“That’s probably where he’s going to end up spending most of his days and letting other people get on with the football side.”
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 sponsor deals
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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