Revealed: Senior Man United official ‘is a candidate to turn into Newcastle’s new CEO’ regardless of key position underneath Ineos and in new £2bn stadium plans

Senior Manchester United official Collette Roche has emerged as a candidate to become Newcastle’s new chief executive, according to reports.

Roche, United’s chief operating officer, has taken on enhanced responsibilities since Ineos bought a minority stake in the club last year, extending to a hands-on role in the football department and the delivery of their training ground redevelopment.

She has also been influential in United’s new £2billion stadium project, donned ‘New Trafford’ and earmarked as their home from the 2030-31 campaign.

Newcastle are continuing their search for a chief executive after it was confirmed Darren Eales would step down following his blood cancer diagnosis. He joined in August 2022 but will remain in the role until his successor is appointed.

‘Being CEO of Newcastle United is an extraordinary privilege and I am incredibly proud to be part of the club’s exciting journey,’ Eales said.

‘However, it has become apparent to me that now is the right time to make this decision so that I can prioritise my health and my family.’

Manchester United official Collette Roche is in the frame to become Newcastle’s new CEO

Roche has taken on enhanced responsibilities since Ineos bought a minority stake in the club

Darren Eales will step down from his post after being diagnosed with blood cancer

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has overseen a number of high-profile departures in United’s leadership team

Eales was appointed in the first year of Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian takeover. The club won their first domestic trophy in 70 years, courtesy of their Carabao Cup success earlier this month, and returned to the Champions League under his stewardship. 

The Telegraph report Roche, formerly managing director at Manchester Airport, is in the frame to replace him although the position has attracted considerable interest.

Roche was also recently linked with the CEO role at Everton before Angus Kinnear was snapped up from Leeds United. He will begin work officially in June.

United declined to comment on Newcastle’s reported interest in Roche. 

She is believed to remain fully engaged in operations at Old Trafford and The Telegraph say there are no indications she will also be part of INEOS’ cull. Roche is the lone survivor from the leadership team in place before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival. 

Earlier this month, it was revealed that United’s people and transformation director Annie Hale, commercial director Florence Lafaye and chief commercial development officer James Holroyd would leave. All departed of their own accord.

Over the past 15 months, numerous other officials have moved on, including former chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough. Dan Ashworth, brought in as Murtough’s replacement, was sacked just five months after being hired.