Newcastle United are still on the lookout for a new CEO to replace Darren Eales following his health update.
Darren Eales has done a superb job at St James’ Park after being appointed Newcastle’s CEO in 2022 following the PIF takeover.
But sadly, Eales announced in 2024 that he will be stepping down from his role after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer.
Newcastle have been eager to not rush their CEO search with Eales continuing to work through his notice period. Newcastle want an “alternative type of chief executive” who can help to continue the club’s growth on and off the pitch.
PIF will have the final say on Newcastle’s CEO hire, and they have just received a fresh offer from Manchester United.
Man United chief officer applies for Newcastle CEO role
There have already been several names linked with the Newcastle CEO role. Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis was linked with the CEO role back in 2022 but it seems he has not been revisited.
Former Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham was also rumoured to be a candidate, but Newcastle still appear to be searching for Eales’ successor.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche has applied for the CEO role at Newcastle.
The report claims that Roche is very “highly-rated” at Old Trafford as one of the only high-ranking officials to survive Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts since taking charge.
Roche has been “heavily involved in plans to build a new stadium” which could come in handy if she takes charge at Newcastle given PIF’s plans to build a 68,000-seater stadium.
Newcastle United can get Dan Ashworth revenge with Collette Roche
Manchester United poached Dan Ashworth from Newcastle last year which has caused plenty of tension between the two Premier League clubs.
Ironically, Ashworth was sacked by Ratcliffe just five months into his role as sporting director at Old Trafford.
The report from above claims that Roche has stepped up her responsibilities within the footballing department since Dan Ashworth’s exit.
READ MORE: Newcastle United step up Darren Eales plans as top-ranking official and former Arsenal chief linked
Thankfully, Newcastle replaced Ashworth with Paul Mitchell, who is set to finally have a reasonable transfer budget this summer. Mitchell’s relationship with Eddie Howe is improving after a rocky start, and PIF need to find a CEO that aligns with their vision for the Magpies.
If that candidate happens to arrive from Manchester United, it would make it that little bit sweeter.
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