Newcastle United New Chief Executive Drops Exciting Promise In Open Letter to Fans

Newcastle United’s new chief executive has penned an open letter for fans – accompanied by a big promise or two.

The Canadian businessman was confirmed as the club’s new CEO last week after former chief, Darren Eales, stepped down due to health reasons as he battled blood cancer.

Hopkinson officially began the new gig on September 5 but has wasted little time in getting his feet under the desk without the chaos of the transfer window to attempt to maneuver through.

The Magpies are in a strong financial spot following their Saudi Public Investment Fund takeover in 2021 and Hopkinson has now vowed to continue the good work already in place to help manager Eddie Howe continue to improve.

Under the manager the club have become a Champions League side or certainly a European outfit having qualified more often than not

But it is behind the scenes where Hopkinson will do his best work.

David Hopkinson promises ‘best yet to come’ at Newcastle

The former head of business operations for the New York Knicks and New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Sports has promised that the best is yet to come from his new club.

He revealed he has already had numerous conversations with supporters as well as other staff within St James’ Park and will use their insights to strengthen the club further.

“As I settle into my new role, I wanted to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thanks for the warm welcome I have received,” he wrote in his letter to punters.

“Since arriving last week, I have had so many conversations with people inside and outside the club. I’ve gained invaluable insights, and I’m looking forward to connecting and engaging with more of you in the weeks and months to come.

“I’m also looking forward to getting out into the community in the coming weeks to meet more of you and understand what makes this region so special.

“My first impression is this is one united family, on and off the pitch. It is the people who make this football club so special and it is a privilege for me and my family to now be a part of it.

“I’m also truly excited about the future that lies ahead of us. My aim is to build on the tremendous work that preceded me with a renewed sense of alignment for everyone, helping us to grow and win together.

“While I have seen, heard and felt your pride and passion at close hand in recent days, I strongly suspect it will be nothing compared to what I will experience at St. James’ Park in the coming days.

“I can’t wait to be with you for my first game as CEO on Saturday and to be alongside you for the phenomenal journey ahead of us. The best is yet to come.

“David”.

Newcastle chief executive’s experience in football

Hopkinson has history in football as well as other American sports and he has experience at the highest level.

He has worked with Real Madrid as their Global Head of Partnerships and served on the executive team as Los Blancos became one of the world’s most valuable football clubs.

He also spent more than two decades as the Chief Commercial Officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment which involved keeping control of commercial activities for Ice Hockey giants the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

It is safe to say Hopkinson is well equipped to lead Newcastle United off the field, especially in their financial and commercial sectors.

He will also likely have a major say in the club finding a new full-time sporting director following the shock departure of Paul Mitchell.