Newcastle United's £400m revenue reveal as CEO makes triumphant handover

Newcastle reported £320.3 revenue in the last set of accounts and the Magpies are due to top that when the next financial figures come out

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales admits he is signing off from his role on a high at St James' Park. Eales is leaving his role at United for health reasons after attending the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre in the Freeman and thanked fans for their support on Friday afternoon.

Eales, speaking to Newcastle TV, reeled off the successful journey the club have been on in terms of commercial growth and said: "In terms of revenue, we have gone from £140m in 2021 to the coming season because we are in the Champions League, it is going to be well north of £400m.

"So that is a compound annual growth rate of 24% which is unprecedented in world football. I think we stood up the retail from scratch thanks to the wonderful partners in Adidas.

"With The STACK we obviously had to buy the land, build it and create a community asset, not only on match days but during the week it has made a real impact.

"On the pitch two Wembley finals is amazing but the second one beating Liverpool and winning that cup, the first trophy for over 50 years was incredible."

Eales signed off with a number of thank yous and said in a letter to fans: "Thank you to Eddie, the coaching staff and the players for providing some of the most intense and entertaining football I’ve seen. It’s been a privilege to work with you and watch you, week in and week out.

"Thank you to the NUFC staff, who have made all the grand public moments possible through their passion, discipline, collaboration and thousands of hours of hard work in the background. You have been wonderful colleagues.

"Thank you to the Newcastle United Foundation for all the amazing work you do for our community, from mentoring and job training to making football accessible to all. It’s been a privilege to be a trustee.

"Thank you to David Hopkinson for taking over the CEO role with enthusiasm. I look forward to watching NUFC continue its exciting upward trajectory under your stewardship.

"Thank you to the ownership for your vision and support for the Club as a whole, and for your support for me personally, particularly during my last few months on medical leave.

"Thank you to the amazing NHS staff at the Freeman Hospital for your professionalism, cheerfulness and kindness. I am fortunate to be continuing my treatment under your care.

"Every time I walk past the signs for the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre in the Freeman, I’m reminded of how integral this Club is to the community. This Club is about football, and more than football. To quote the great man himself, “It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city.”

"Thank you for allowing me to share that passion, pride and feeling of belonging."

Jacob Ramsey boost

The £43million signing is making rapid progress after injuring his ankle in the 0-0 draw against Leeds.

The former Aston Villa man is back on the grass and pushing to make a comeback after the next international break. That means Eddie Howe could be boosted by not only the return of Yoane Wissa but also Ramsey.

Both injuries are not as bad as first feared, with Howe confident his squad will be in good shape going into the long hard winter.

By the time the pair return it is hope that nobody will be on the long-term absentee list, something Newcastle boss Howe could never boast last term with Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman nursing knee injuries.

Newcastle fans issued Brussels warning

Newcastle take on Union Saint-Gilloise next week for game two in the Champions League with the clash taking place at the home of Anderlecht FC.

But the club have warned supporters not to gather in the Anderlecht area for safety reasons.

A United statement read: "Supporters travelling to Belgium for the UEFA Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise are strongly advised to take note of the following important information.

"Supporters are advised to avoid the Anderlecht area around Lotto Park before and after the match. It is strongly recommended that supporters travel to the stadium from areas in the city centre. Do not socialise or gather in the Anderlecht area.

"Street crime, including pickpocketing, can take place in Brussels. Supporters are advised to be vigilant, take sensible precautions and ensure they have valid travel insurance."

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