Cracking America has always been high on the list of global market achievements for Newcastle but the club have been left foundations to achieve it
Darren Eales
Darren Eales
From supping pints with fans and organising club events to gauge opinion, helping steer Newcastle United to new global markets and lifting the club's first major trophy since 1969 - CEO Darren Eales now makes an emotional exit from St James' Park.
It was in Pennsylvania in 2023, after the Newcastle squad had trooped up the famous Rocky steps in Philadelphia, that Eales stated to fans in a pub that he wanted to grapple with Europe's heavyweights, enthusiastically booming: "Bring on Real Madrid!"
Eales once also quipped to me that he'd marched to Tokyo's main Adidas store to redress the shop window to move Arsenal and Manchester United to the side and place a dummy donning Newcastle's new kit into the centre, but that was his vision for the Magpies.
The former Atlanta United president brought some fun to the table at Newcastle and once went to bed with the Sela Cup and Diriyah Cup as a joke, but his ambitions for the Magpies were always much bigger.
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Darren brought a serious side to Newcastle too, and while fans were enjoying a beer before a clash with Urawa Red Diamonds in Tokyo last summer, he grabbed the mic, raised a glass, and asked for a minute's applause for United and Northern Ireland great Tommy Cassidy, who had just passed away.
Eales, as Newcastle's CEO for the past three years, was open to dialogue - and at times when others weren't.
Remember, before Eales, the boardroom and communication department at St James' Park had effectively been bolted shut under Mike Ashley, with media bans and restrictions never far away from those on the Toon reporting beat!
During a summer briefing in 2023, then sporting director Dan Ashworth stayed for just a few moments, while Eales spent almost two hours going over every aspect of the club's plans for the year ahead.
In the corner of that pub in Philadelphia, at another fan meet and greet, Eales spoke warmly about cracking the American market and after playing a part in bringing in his replacement David Hopkinson, the club seem well on the way to doing that moving forward.
The dream ticket for Newcastle United in the States? Selling out the 82,500 MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just like Man United and Arsenal can and just like Oasis have this month!
But Newcastle aren't there yet and will take time to climb the commercial ladder.
Under Eales, they more than got their foot on the first few rungs, something that will be just part of the ex-Atlanta United man's legacy.
Eales told me in 2023 from the States: "I think Newcastle is the sort of club that can resonate with a lot of American fans.
"It's an amazing one club, one city - working class, and there are a factors to that in the States. Look at some of the big franchises like Pittsburgh Steelers or the New York Giants. It is a club that is attractive."
Make no mistake, it wasn't all plain sailing for Eales and the board in the first few years, we've had the Ashworth/Man United affair, Sandro Tonali's global FIFA ban and some barren transfer windows.
They were situations that were difficult for the club, but Eales faced up to them, even though they weren't all down to him.
Did Paul Mitchell's arrival from Monaco prove to be a success? Given the turbulence around the club some would might be critical, but the end product last season was Newcastle lifting the Carabao Cup.
Two Champions League qualifications, a trophy, and tours of Australia, Japan, South Korea, the US, and Saudi Arabia in three years have done a lot to raise global awareness, and Eales deserves credit for his part in that.
After leaving the club for health reasons, Eales said: "On behalf of my family and I, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone connected to this special football club for welcoming us into the Newcastle United family.
"To all supporters, staff, players, coaches, and ownership, you have made my three years here so incredible, and I'm immensely proud of what we have achieved together.
"I have made memories that will stay with me forever, and I’m also excited about what the future holds and the successes the club can go on to achieve.
"I want to warmly welcome David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO. Newcastle United is in great hands, and I’d like to wish David and the executive team every success as the club continues on the next part of its exciting journey."
Newcastle United chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, said: "Darren has played a vital role in the growth and success of Newcastle United in his three years as CEO.
"We thank him sincerely for his immense contribution to the club and extend our very best wishes to him and his family for the future.
"I would like to personally thank Darren for his friendship. He will always be welcomed at St. James’ Park.”
Director Jamie Reuben added: "I want to thank Darren for his exceptional leadership during a period of positive change on and off the pitch.
"We are all sorry to see him leaving Newcastle United, but his health and his family must come first and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone connected with the club.
"Darren will always be part of our Newcastle United family and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
Incoming CEO, David Hopkinson, commented: "I have known Darren for many years and he is a special person as well as an outstanding executive.
"The progress made by the club under his stewardship is hugely impressive. It’s an honour for me to embark on the next step of the club’s journey with ownership and the executive team.
"Darren has been incredibly supportive in our conversations and I look forward to working with him as we begin the transition of the CEO role."
One of Eales' last public appearances on Tyneside came last March when he and legendary skipper Bob Moncur hoisted the Carabao Cup at St James' Park at half-time of the women's derby win over Sunderland.
It was a move questioned by some, but in that moment, it felt right and as Eales was booed by travelling Sunderland fans he quipped: "We were aware that it was going to be a big deal, but it is only when you win it you realise how excited everyone was. Everyone in the North East and it is nice for the Sunderland fans here to see the trophy and share it with them."
The cheeky taunt was cheered to the rafters by fans in attendance and while PSR issues and boardroom politics caused tension at times, Eales checks out after three happy years.