PIF look to finally have their act together as a new report has stated Newcastle United are set to announce the appointment of two new high-ranking staff members.
While a lot of the attention has been on the first-team and bringing new players to the club ahead of a busy 2025/26 campaign, work has been happening behind the scenes to replace those who are about to, or have already left Newcastle United.
CEO Darren Eales was diagnosed with blood cancer last year, with the club confirming he would step aside once a successor was found. The 52-year-old is still in the role almost a year later, causing major decisions like the new stadium and training ground plans to be delayed.
Elsewhere, Paul Mitchell left Newcastle after less than a year in the role. He made no major signings on Tyneside and is believed to be a catalyst in Newcastle’s failings in the summer transfer window.
Mitchell opted against bringing James Trafford to Newcastle last year, and the young shot-stopper has now agreed a move to Manchester City, despite extensive talks over the last two months.
With work needing to be done this summer, a new report has confirmed that the club are set to announce Eales and Mitchell’s replacements.
Newcastle United set to appoint new CEO and sporting director
New appointments have been made at Newcastle over the last two weeks. Jack Ross became Newcastle’s head of strategy, while it was announced that Sudarshan Gopaladesikan has been appointed Newcastle’s technical director.
The pair will be reporting to a sporting director, but they are yet to be appointed. However, according to The Times, Newcastle are close to announcing the appointment of Ross Wilson as their new sporting director.
Wilson is currently at Nottingham Forest, but has taken interviews with the club. Former Arsenal chief Jason Ayto was believed to be another candidate for the role, but the club have moved forward with Wilson.
Elsewhere, the same Times reports that former Real Madrid executive David Hopkinson will soon be appointed as Newcastle’s new CEO, succeeding Eales. Hopkinson spent two years at Real Madrid as head of global partnerships and was most recently president at Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
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Whenever it is announced, Hopkinson joins Newcastle with a great reputation, having helped some of the biggest organisations in the world.
Hopkinson will be joining Newcastle to take the club into a new era, just like Eales did when he joined in 2022. The 54-year-old Canadian will likely be the driving force for the new stadium, training ground and commercial growth.
He has a proven track record of success wherever he goes, growing brands significantly. On his LinkedIn page, Hopkinson has shared an insight into his experience.
Hopkinson said he has: ‘guided the strategic vision and operations of premier global sports franchises including the New York Knicks and New York Rangers’.
The Canadian added: ‘Throughout my 25+ year career, I’ve had the privilege of stewarding some of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment brands through periods of significant growth and evolution. At MSG Sports, I directed comprehensive business strategy across legendary venues including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the revolutionary Sphere in Las Vegas.
‘Previously at Real Madrid, I led global partnerships for the world’s most valuable football club, engaging with a 1B+ global fanbase. At MLSE, I spearheaded transformative initiatives including the landmark Scotiabank Arena naming rights agreement ($800M+ CDN), while overseeing multiple professional sports franchises.’
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