Topics: MLS, Atlanta, Darren Eales
With less than three years to go until their MLS debut, Atlanta has already announced who will be the club’s president.

Darren Eales will join the Atlanta side by the end of this year with the goal of developing a business and sporting structure ahead of the club’s MLS debut in 2017. The club confirmed the news via its official website on Wednesday.

Eales has spent the last four years working for English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs as executive director. With the London club, Eales played a key role in Gareth Bale’s move to Real Madrid as well as in the transfers of Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Defoe to the MLS. Eales was also highly involved in the negotiations regarding DeAndre Yedlin’s move to Tottenham from Seattle Sounders. 

Darren Eales had his word on his upcoming role in Atlanta:

“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.

“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.”

Atlanta MLS will be the league’s 22nd team and the club has already sold 5,300 season tickets without having played a single match in the MLS and with a stadium that hasn’t been completed yet. 

The club welcomed Eales via Twitter