Newcastle United chief speaks of ‘honour’ amid tribute from Saudi Arabia training base

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales says it is an ‘honour’ to represent the football club on the international stage on it’s 130-year anniversary.

In an open letter to supporters, sent from the club’s Olaya district base in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Eales expressed how United the football club is - a far cry from the feeling around NUFC just a year ago.

The commercial district of Riyadh has been awash with black and white signage and activity, with a huge staff and various teams, usually based at St James’ Park, in operation in the kingdom’s capital. The Four Seasons hotel has been a hive of activity, not only with the football operation, but commercial teams and the owners, commanding meetings and business lunches across the sprawl of this rapidly developing city. The fruits of that labour will undoubtedly be announced in due course.

And while all of that has taken precidence in the Middle East, Eales has taken the time to mark the memorable moment in the history of NUFC, by penning a message.

NUFC full statement on club’s 130-year anniversary

The statement read: “Dear supporters,

Today marks the 130th anniversary of our wonderful football club and it is an ideal moment to reflect on our history, our present and our future.

It has been a privilege for me to learn about Newcastle United’s past in such detail since my arrival, and it is an honour to be tasked by our ownership group to be the club’s CEO as we reach this momentous milestone.

Since the infancy of the club, formed essentially from two clubs and officially becoming ‘United’ during a meeting at Bath Lane Hall on this day in 1892, life in black and white has been colourful.

Today, we remember everyone who has contributed to our journey. That includes the many players who have proudly pulled on the shirt over 130 years and every single supporter who has backed the club at St. James’ Park and from every corner of the world.

Our fans are - and have always been - what makes this club truly special, and we hope to continue engaging with our supporters everywhere and also welcome new fans to the Newcastle United family as our journey continues.

To mark the anniversary, we also wanted to pay tribute to the ‘team behind the team’. This club has always had a loyal and dedicated group of staff, and we have captured a very special photograph of all current permanent employees, joined by coaching staff and players representing our men’s, women’s and Academy teams.

It is fitting that the club is so ‘United’ on this day. So many people have got us to this point, and everyone will have a role to play as we move forward and strive towards achieving our ambitions.

A very happy birthday to Newcastle United Football Club, and here’s to the next 130 years.

DARREN EALES, CEO.”