Newcastle United's incoming Chief Executive Officer Darren Eales has joked his new side will take on Atlanta United in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in the coming years. Eales posted an emotional message to Atlanta supporters following his final game as president in their 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders at the weekend.
The 50-year-old officially finishes his duties in the United States on Monday before taking a two-week break ahead of his Newcastle move. The incoming CEO will join the Magpies on August 22, one day after Eddie Howe's side host Manchester City at St. James' Park.
Eales, who also spent time at Tottenham Hotspur as a director of football administration earlier in his career, has already visited the northeast venue in recent weeks as he looks to get accustomed to his new surroundings. Eales was spotted on Tyneside for the Magpies’ pre-season double-header against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao in July.
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His remit at Newcastle will be to run the club on a day-to-day basis and negotiate new contracts with players among other jobs. Ahead of his move to St. James’ Park, and following his final game at Atlanta, Eales detailed in his departing statement how he is looking forward to supporting both clubs when and if they meet in the FIFA Club World Cup in the coming years.
He said: “I know, however, that you will go from strength to strength in the coming years, and that 2026 will be huge for soccer in Atlanta. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to turn its attention to this wonderful city, as Atlanta hosts World Cup matches...
“And also when Atlanta United takes on Newcastle United in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. I’ll be watching too, cheering for everyone in stripes, and shouting, ‘howay, y’all!’”
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