Darren Eales’ departure from Newcastle United has officially been confirmed following the appointment of David Hopkinson.
It is the end of an era on Tyneside, with the Magpies’ first CEO since the takeover leaving the club on medical grounds.
It was announced that Darren Eales was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2024, and would be stepping down from his role once a replacement was found. The 53-year-old worked his notice period, but his departure was officially confirmed when David Hopkinson’s appointment was announced.
Eales leaves Newcastle having helped grow them commercially, with their latest financial statements confirming a turnover of £320m, the largest in the club’s history and £20m more than estimated.
Darren Eales will formally step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer in September following the appointment of David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO.
We wish you all the very best for the future, @DEalesNUFC 🖤🤍
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 4, 2025
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Hopkinson believes that magic can be made at Newcastle, but Eales was the individual who laid the groundwork for future success. With Eales’ departure confirmed, Geordie Boot Boys look back at what blew him away in his first interview with the club.
Darren Eales celebrates with the Carabao Cup trophy after a game between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Darren Eales was overwhelmed by Newcastle United fans when joining as CEO
Newcastle have spent months trying to find Eales’ replacement, with chiefs from Arsenal and Manchester United being considered before opting for Hopkinson.
The hope from the fans will be that Hopkinson can embrace the culture of the club and understand exactly what they want for more success in the future.
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Eales was someone who got it as soon as he was appointed, and that was evident in his first words as CEO in 2022.
“Newcastle United is both a giant of a club, and the heartbeat of its community,” he told newcastleunited.com
“Every time I have visited St. James’ Park, I’ve been overwhelmed by the passion of the fans.
“This is a club with an amazingly rich heritage, and I am delighted to be joining for this new chapter in its long history.
“I am grateful for the opportunity, and look forward to working with the rest of the team to help this storied club fulfil its potential.”
The passion of the fans is something which has never changed. Even this season, Newcastle fans were electric against Liverpool at St James’ Park after receiving encouragement from the ownership.
Darren Eales will be remembered for his contributions to Newcastle United
Eales sent a very heartfelt message to the Newcastle fans following his departure, and ended by wishing Hopkinson well in the role.
Newcastle will be in safe hands with Hopkinson as CEO, but they were also in very capable hands with Eales. His appointment was a great one by PIF, the Reubens’ and PCP Capital, one which will be looked back on with very fond memories.
As mentioned before, he was somebody who engrossed himself with the passion of the fans, and made an effort to attend as many fan events, launches and games as possible.
His biggest achievement will be the record turnover, which ultimately helped Newcastle perform on the pitch and win the Carabao Cup in March.
Having been away from the club on medical leave for a while, all the fans hope he gets well soon.