Darren Eales celebrates Atlanta United winning the 2018 MLS Cup during a parade that Dec. 10. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

Darren Eales, who has led Atlanta United since its inception, will be leaving the club to lead Newcastle United of the English Premier League as CEO beginning Aug. 22.

Eales will remain with Atlanta through Aug. 8.

Under Eales’ leadership, Atlanta won the MLS Cup in only its second year in 2018.

“It has been the adventure and honor of a lifetime to help build Atlanta United,” Eales said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to Arthur Blank, both for giving me the initial opportunity, and for providing unparalleled support and leadership throughout the journey. I have been privileged to work with an amazing team of people who rolled up their sleeves and made a vision into reality. And I have loved being a part of this vibrant city, with its brilliant, passionate supporters. Thank you, Atlanta, and thank you 17s.”

Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank, who is chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses said that Eales was “one of the best hires I’ve made in my career.”

“The strength and success of Atlanta United to date is a credit to him not only as a leader, but as a passionate footballer,” Blank added. “I’m thrilled for Darren to have this new opportunity to lead Newcastle and I see it as a very positive reflection of Atlanta United and what our club has achieved in such a short time. Darren is more than ready to lead Newcastle and I know he’ll be an outstanding leader of that club. He leaves with my deepest respect, admiration and very best wishes for him, Faith and their two beautiful sons.”

 

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Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.