Darren Eales officially started his new role as Newcastle United's new Chief Executive Officer on Monday as the club continue to strengthen their boardroom with shrewd appointments.
Eales arrived in the north east on Friday and was in attendance at St. James' Park for the enthralling 3-3 draw with Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. The 50-year-old was introduced to journalists before the tie as he was given a tour of the facilities inside the stadium.
But what can Newcastle expect from Eales' appointment? Doug Roberson, a veteran reporter who has covered Atlanta United extensively and seen the first-hand impact the new Newcastle staff member can have on a football club, explains just what the Magpies will receive with Eales at the helm.
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"Darren, in conjunction with the ownership group, will come up with a path to create or improve the culture about the business side and soccer side of the franchise," he told Chronicle Live. "He is a brilliant marketer and a tough negotiator. Once the plan is in place he will make sure all the small details are executed."
Eales had a special bond with Atlanta supporters, was a regular in the club's 'fan zones' before MLS games and is renowned for his karaoke skills. Not only was his rapport brilliant with the fans but they also loved the work he had done turning the club into one of America's biggest outfits despite only forming in 2014.
"Atlanta United supporters love him because he took an expansion franchise, which typically haven’t done well in MLS, and created a team that won three trophies in its first three years, " Roberson continued. "The marketing campaign to establish the club in the city was grassroots but effective, especially when considering the city has franchises in football, basketball and baseball as well as hundreds of other entertainment choices.
"Eales always made himself available to supporters at marketing stops before games or when he was out in the city. I’ve seen dozens and dozens of photos of him doing shots with them when fans meet before games."
Eales has worked in football for 16 years for clubs on both sides of the pond. West Brom appointed him in 2006, where he worked with Dan Ashworth for four years, mainly operating in a legal capacity. He was also appointed as Tottenham's executive director before he made the America switch.
"As for you and your job, Eales will put a lock down on any leaks coming out a Newcastle regarding any players or anything like that," Roberson added. "He’s a very nice guy but he doesn’t want the teams business being out before he’s ready for it to be out."
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