Newcastle’s quiet masterstroke as CEO assembles last part of football dream team

Darren Eales is hoping that James Bunce can be the final piece of the jigsaw in the Toon boardroom as the Magpies look forward to a whole new era at St James’ Park.

Eales, who has assembled an impressive-looking football department following the departure of Dan Ashworth to Manchester United, is expected to address the club’s future plans, PSR and the new structure at St James’ Park. Eales unveiled sporting director Paul Mitchell last week and followed up with the presentation of performance director Bunce on Friday.

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Darren Eales, Newcastle’s CEO, said in a statement: “James is an accomplished and innovative performance director and we are delighted he has chosen to join us.

“He has dedicated his career to helping players to be at their optimum levels, bringing a range of departments and services together to provide the best possible foundations for elite performance.

“James will be of great support to the talented players and staff we already have in place, and his strong working relationship with Paul Mitchell will be an asset to us as we continue to strive to be best in class.”

Eales, Mitchell and Bunce will be joining Eddie Howe and the coaching staff in Germany with transfer activity set to crank up for Newcastle in the next few weeks. Both Mitchell and Bunce were at Benton to run the rule over the first day of ball work for the players in pre-season on Friday.