There is no rest in Newcastle. The Magpies had a dream 2022 season when they ended up in the Champions League. What followed was an ‘injury season‘ which prevented them to qualify for Europe again. But there is not much optimism to start the 2024 season as well. Not only did the club failed to bring any quality replacement, but they also brought in a new sporting director who already clashed with beloved coach Eddie Howe. And what is worse, the CEO who brought in Paul Mitchell is now stepping down, after only two seasons due to a battle with cancer. Newcastle‘s top executive Darren Eales is to step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer, the club announced today. He will continue to lead the club’s executive team until a successor is appointed, but the process will take time, as this is the most important position in any football club.#NUFC CEO Darren Eales is to step down from his position after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.He will continue to lead the club’s executive team until a successor is appointed.Our thoughts are with you, @DEalesNUFC. 🖤🤍— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 27, 2024 When Saudi Arabia‘s PIF fund bought Newcastle United in 2021, the club was in a relegation battle but the mood was buoyant since the hated owner Mike Ashley was gone and the Magpies became the richest club in the world, at least on the planet. And they managed to stay in the Premier League and even win the fourth spot next season with a new coach Eddie Howe. However, the following season the amazing number of injuries prevented the squad without too much depth to reserve a place in any European competition. But, the optimism was on as the new season was getting close and there was no injuries. But, first it was sporting director Dan Anshworth who wanted to join Manchester United after less than two years. The settlement with the Red Devils dragged on until June and the new director Paul Mitchell arrived late. Darren Eales chose him over other candidates but never told coach Howe, or consulted him. The relationship between two men deteriated quickly and it was Eales‘ job to solve the problem, but he is leaving now. On top of that, before Mitchell arrived, Amanda Staveley and her husbands Mehrdad Ghodoussi, who pulled of the takeover and were minority owners also sold their shares and went.Tonali: ‘I’m a new player!’So, in a space of just a few months, the Magpies lost their CEO, two minority owners (who did a lot of important work in the transfer department) and sporting director (but got another one). Too much losses for a short period of time will certainly not bring and stability to the club. The process of finding the new CEO will begun and Eales will oversee it, but it will be a long process and the potential new top executive will be in a situation to inherit a club and the employees who are already in their places, but which he didn‘t choose and will have to work alongside them. A tricky situation indeed,PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 6Saturday14:30: (5.30) Newcastle (4.00) Man.City (1.63)17:00: (1.22) Arsenal (7.25) Leicester (15.0)17:00: (2.30) Brentford (3.50) West Ham (3.25)17:00: (1.75) Chelsea (3.60) Brighton (4.90)17:00: (2.85) Everton (3.35) Crystal Palace (2.65)17:00: (2.45) Nott.Forest (3.40) Fulham (3.10)19:30: (7.75) Wolverhampton (4.80) Liverpool (1.40)Sunday16:00: (4.40) Ipswich (3.50) Aston Villa (1.85)18:30: (2.35) Man.Utd. (3.60) Tottenham (2.85)Monday22:00: (1.65) Bournemouth (3.80) Southampton (5.40)***odds are subject to change***
