After a tumultuous year behind the scenes, it seems that a new era starts to start at Newcastle United with the appointment of David Hopkinson as our new CEO.
The Canadian brings a wealth of experience in the role, including work for both Real Madrid and the Madison Square Garden Group in New York City.
And with the departure of Darren Eales, fans will hope that the arrival of Hopkinson can herald a new era of stability and growth in our long -term striving for one of Europe’s Elite clubs.
This is what Hopkinson had to say in his first official interview with the club, after he started his new role on Friday:
It was one of the worst kept secrets at the club, but the Hopkinson’s appointment has long been discussed.
And he, like the many players we brought last summer, itches to get started in St James’ Park.
“This has been a long journey to come here. There was a long selection process, I have thought about it for a long time to come to Newcastle. But it is also gratifying because I have spent my entire career to play a role like this one. It feels great.”
With decades of experience throughout the world, Hopkinson is a fantastic appointment on paper, whose a serious passion for football developed during his time at Real Madrid, which he hopes will be loved by the Toon Faithful.
“When I thought of what the next step was (after a while in Madrid and New York) I really wanted to get somewhere where we could create magic together. And I really have the feeling that I have arrived. This is my fourth country in the past eight years, but I am very happy to be here.”
“This is a magical place, it’s not one thing, but a combination of everything: we are in St James’ park, we are on the field where legends have played. We have filled the stands here with fans who are angry with this team.
“Such an incredible starting place, but we have this moment of potential transformation when we get ready to play in the largest phases you can imagine. Being part of this moment is where I think there is a chance for even more magic. “
“Fans are the lifeline, the body of this club”
Hear the first words of our new CEO David Hopkinson – and watch his full interview 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇https://t.co/GPD566WISZ pic.twitter.com/djouquv6o3
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 5, 2025
With Darren Eales under the senior figures in the club hierarchy, we have written history with our 2025 Carabao Cup victory.
And the victory in March has only made us more hungry for even more glory, which Hopkinson would like to help us strengthen our status if not only a trophy-winning force in England, but a renowned club around the world.
“I am getting energetic about great global opportunities. And I think there is an ambition that we unlock here at Newcastle to play an even greater role on an worldwide stage in the worldwide game.”
“We are now in a great position: we have a great manager, a great team. If you think back to that parade, the Carabao Cup celebration that we just had, it is easy to get addicted when winning.”
‘Let’s fill that trophy Case: that’s the ambition here. My job is to do everything to ensure that we fill it as quickly as possible. “
One of the most urgent problems that Hopkinson will have to tackle is so far unclear news about our widely expected new stadium.
For months we have been expecting an announcement about a new stadium, but Hopkinson seems to be focused on delivering a positive result that improves us and at the same time meets the fan question and expectation.
“We think about it very hard. Higher ambitions need some investments. St James’ park is iconic, it is a special place. Are our ambitions best served? Could our ambitions be served even better if we create a new stadium?”
“We’ll find out, I don’t think we’re ready to make that decision today, but these are nice choices to think about.”
With how ambitious Hopkinson should be to succeed in his new role, he wants to remain grounded and respectful with regard to the institution that we have built here in the northeast.
“I’m going to do my best to represent this club, and ultimately this community, in every phase that I possible. I have a lot to learn, we still have a long way to go.”
“I am on a personal journey and for me, taking this community with you as part of that journey is that I think a large part of my role here.”
“The next time for me is mainly diagnosis: I listen, I learn, there are many incredible people here with legacy knowledge that understand the culture of the club. I have to learn my step over it.”
“Sometimes change can be scary if you are dealing with an institution such as Newcastle United. I am not pretending that I am not scary.”
“What I want to do is if we change, we continue to realize our ambitions and our dreams, ensure that I understand how we do this in a way that is consistent with what this community wants and expects.”
“The fans are the lifeline, the body of this club and what it means. They are the magic, and we have to understand what they want and change in a way that is consistent with delivering their ambitions.”
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