Atlanta United have paid tribute to Darren Eales as they prepare for the departure of their long-term president. The MLS boss was announced as Newcastle United's new chief executive office on Friday evening after their 3-0 win over 1860 Munich.
Eales has led Atlanta since the club's inception back in 2014 and will remain with the US side until August 8. His role on Tyneside will begin on August 22, one day after Manchester City visit St. James' Park.
Atalanta bigwigs and colleagues of Eales heaped praise on the Magpies' newest appointment on Friday, as they admitted he was ready to return home to the UK and undertake this huge opportunity.
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“Darren Eales is one of the best hires I’ve made in my career and the strength and success of Atlanta United to date is a credit to him not only as a leader, but as a passionate footballer,” said Arthur Blank, Atlanta owner.
“I’m thrilled for Darren to have this new opportunity to lead Newcastle and I see it as a very positive reflection of Atlanta United and what our club has achieved in such a short time. Darren is more than ready to lead Newcastle and I know he’ll be an outstanding leader of that club. He leaves with my deepest respect, admiration and very best wishes for him, Faith and their two beautiful sons."
Steve Cannon, CEO of AMB Sports, added: “It’s always tough to lose someone like Darren Eales but he is getting a dream opportunity that he’s earned through his excellent work with Atlanta United and we couldn’t be any more grateful for what he has done here."
Eales' appointment is the latest high-profile addition to the Newcastle hierarchy. The new recruit joins sporting director Dan Ashworth, chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and directors Majed Al Sorour, Amanda Staveley, Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Jamie Reuben at the top table.
United are still hopeful of adding more firepower to their playing squad in the coming weeks, with Eddie Howe keen to strengthen his attack before the Premier League opener with Nottingham Forest.
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