After losing Dan Ashworth to Manchester United last year, Newcastle United are now eyeing the Red Devils' COO, Collette Roche, to replace Chief Executive Darren Eales at St James' Park
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos CEO and minority shareholder of Manchester United, at Foster + Partners Headquarters in Battersea, London
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could lose a key member of Manchester United's hierarchy
Newcastle United have identified Manchester United's chief operating officer as a candidate to become their new chief executive. Collette Roche is said to have drawn considerable interest from the Magpies as they look to appoint a successor for current incumbent Darren Eales.
Roche has offered the Red Devils a rare figure of continuity at Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club. While much of the club's hierarchy has been overhauled with the arrival of the likes of Omar Berrada and a series of exits, Roche has seen her role expanded.
The former managing director at Manchester Airport has seen increased responsibilities since INEOS' influence was felt at the club, and enjoyed a hands-on role in the football department and development of the training ground. Roche is also said to have been prominent in United's new stadium plans.
United's COO has previously been linked with Everton, but is now in the running to replace Eales, per reports. The Newcastle chief announced his plans to step down from his position last year after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
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Eales, appointed in August 2022 following the takeover of the Magpies by PIF, committed to continuing his work with the club until his successor was found. The ex-Atlanta United president's transition has coincided with the club earning its first domestic trophy in 70 years.
"Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club's exciting journey," he said.
"However, it has become apparent to me that now is the right time to make this decision so that I can prioritise my health and my family.
"In the short term, 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.
Manchester United COO Collette Roche
Manchester United COO Collette Roche is a candidate to become Newcastle's next CEO
"I want to extend my sincere thanks to the club's supporters, ownership, players and staff. I'm proud of what we have collectively achieved and I'm excited to see what's ahead for everyone as the club builds towards a future of sustained success."
Should Roche make the move to St James' Park, she will be presented with the familiar prospects of planning around a new stadium. The Carabao Cup winners are said to be eyeing a new 65,000-capacity ground.
Expansion of the club's current stadium is difficult, and as a result Leazes Park could see a new build. Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and the club's Saudi owners are said have been presented with the plans at a board summit at Matfen Hall last month.
Chief operating officer Brad Miller and Eales suggested that a brand-new stadium would be the best route to follow as Newcastle continue in their attempts to navigate the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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