David Hopkinson is in line to replace Eales.

That's one hell of a profile.

The guy's got some serious commercial credentials. A heavy weight in global sports. Director at MSG Sports and Real Madrid.

"Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan will make the decision on the appointment, with Hopkinson among the leading contenders for the role"

Hopkinson says of his Madison Square Garden role that he, ?guided the strategic vision and operations of premier global sports franchises including the New York Knicks and New York Rangers?.

The Toronto native added: ?Throughout my 25+ year career, I've had the privilege of stewarding some of the world's most iconic sports and entertainment brands through periods of significant growth and evolution. At MSG Sports, I directed comprehensive business strategy across legendary venues including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and the revolutionary Sphere in Las Vegas.

?Previously at Real Madrid, I led global partnerships for the world's most valuable football club, engaging with a 1B+ global fanbase. At MLSE, I spearheaded transformative initiatives including the landmark Scotiabank Arena naming rights agreement ($800M+ CDN), while overseeing multiple professional sports franchises.?

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...h-grounds.html