Spurs’ Ed Joins Latest MLS Franchise
Major League Soccer’s latest franchise, based in Atlanta, has hired Tottenham Hotspur executive director Darren Eales as its first president – joining the club later this year.
The team will become the league’s 22nd franchise when it first takes to the field for the first time in 2017.
The MLS awarded its latest franchise to Atlanta in April with the team, which does not yet have a name, owned by Arthur Blank – also the owner of the city’s National Football League team.
‘We couldn’t be happier with Darren’s decision to join us as president of MLS Atlanta,’ said Blank. ‘He brings a unique depth of experience to our organization, having played in the U.S. professionally and given his dealings with MLS as a club executive and legal counsel in the Premier League. His credentials speak for themselves; he knows how to lead a first-class organization and build a winning team.’
Eales, who will now undergo a handover period in London, reportedly played ‘a key role’ in Gareth Bale’s record-breaking move from Tottenham to Real Madrid last year.
Eales, pictured above with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on the club’s pre-season tour to the US, said: ‘Soccer is a lifetime passion of mine, and to have the chance to come to Atlanta and build a club from the ground up is extremely exciting.’
‘I’m going to have the rare experience of getting to know the fans from the outset, and I’m eager to engage them in the process, from naming the team to creating an incredible atmosphere at our matches.’
‘It’s also a fantastic opportunity to have the support of a respected owner in Arthur Blank and the chance to field a team in a brand new state-of-the-art facility. MLS is going from strength to strength, and really making its mark, so it’s a privilege to be part of its expansion. I’m looking forward to being a part of MLS Atlanta and helping to make this a great success story.’
Eales is the second Tottenham executive to move to the MLS in recent years, following Paul Barber’s appointment by the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2010.
Barber is now back in the UK as chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion.
