Many Newcastle fans will remember with loathing the man we called “Penfold” AKA Lee Chanley.
Seen as Mike Ashley’s right-hand man at Newcastle, he was also reviled by fans for his lack of transparency and poor communication skills. There were celebrations on Tyneside when his miserable tenure ended and the consortium took over the reins.
A few months have ebbed and flowed and now the management War team has been amassed. Initially with the appointment of Eddie Howe and his backroom staff, and then subsequently also Dan Ashworth as Direct of Football. It seems the final management jigsaw piece is finally been put in place with the appointment of Darren Earles as CEO.
Is Eales the right man for the Job
Yes- he has a great pedigree and will thrash the FFP
No- We needed a more English Footballing Man
So who is Darren Earle I hear you ask? This question is picked up and Explored by Charlie Bennet of the Chronicle Live.
Background
Born in Chelmsford, Essex, Eales left the UK and moved to the States after leaving school to pursue a career in football. He became a decorated soccer player for West Virginia University and Brown University on a scholarship before playing in the semi-professional ranks.
Eales returned to England at the turn of the Millennium after injuries curtailed his career, although he continued to play at the non-league level. The economics degree he earned in the US allowed him to study Law at Cambridge University.
Experience
Having worked at a host of clubs on both sides of the pond, Toon chiefs know they have appointed a safe set of hands. Valuable experience gained at Spurs – where he was involved in Gareth Bale’s world-record sale to Real Madrid – means he is capable of dealing with Europe’s elite.
Eales helped transform Atlanta from a newly-formed club to the second most valuable franchise in the MLS in eight years. Newcastle harbour ambitions to grow globally and these credentials must have been attractive to Amanda Staveley & Co. Operating at every level of the game, from non-league football to Champions League clubs, will also aid the new CEO. Newcastle are a unique club in its own right and work across the footballing spectrum can only be a benefit to Eales.
Achievements
As mentioned, building the Five Stripes up from zeroes to heroes is no mean feat. Three trophies – including the MLS Cup in 2018 – have helped Atlanta become one of the league’s big hitters. A notable drop-off in recent seasons dents their reputation somewhat but the job Eales has done is commendable. Backed by a large budget, Toon chiefs will be hoping the 49-year-old can replicate his club-building skills on his UK return.
Let’s all hope he is a massive improvement on his predecessor, The PIF are no mugs and will have done their homework.
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