Former West Brom director and Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales will leave his role after being diagnosed with a persistent type of blood cancer, the Premier League club has announced.

The 52-year-old Eales, who joined the club in August 2022, will continue in charge until a successor is selected.

Eales stated, “Being CEO of Newcastle United is an exceptional honor, and I am extremely happy to be a part of the club’s exciting path.

“However, it has become clear to me that now is the moment to make this decision so that I may focus on my health and my family.

“In the short term, it will be business as usual in terms of running the club’s day-to-day operations, and I will give my full support to a transitionary period that will enable the board to carefully assess and appoint my successor.”

One of Eales’ earliest responsibilities in the game occurred in 2006, when he was employed as Albion’s in-house legal counsel.

He was later appointed director and corporate secretary. He went on to work for Spurs and Atlanta United before transferring to Newcastle.

Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan stated, “All of us associated with Newcastle United are deeply grieved by this news. Our thoughts are with Darren and his family, and we wish him a full recovery.”

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