Newcastle Legend Willie McFaul Passes Away at 82: Fairs Cup Hero Remembered as Tributes Flood In

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Tribute from Newcastle
• Career Overview
• Legacy and Tributes
• FAQ

NEWCASTLE legend Willie McFaul has passed away at the age of 82.

The iconic player made nearly 400 appearances in the northeast, with his former club paying tribute on Saturday evening.

Newcastle legend Willie McFaul has passed away at the age of 82. The former goalkeeper played 290 times for Toon and later became the manager.

During McFaul’s time at St James’ Park, he won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

He later managed his cherished club for three years.

McFaul’s era saw a young talent rise to become a Newcastle hero.

The Magpies honored his memory with a heartfelt tribute on social media and announced that McFaul would be remembered during Sunday’s match against Nottingham Forest.

It stated: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our former player and manager Willie McFaul has passed away at the age of 82.

“Born in Coleraine, Willie joined us from Linfield and made 386 club appearances between 1966 and 1975.

“All of us at Newcastle United extend our heartfelt condolences to Willie’s family and friends.

“Our players will wear black armbands during tomorrow’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest in his honor.”

The Northern Irishman joined Toon from Linfield in 1966 and became their first-choice goalkeeper two years later.

McFaul went on to make 386 appearances for Newcastle.

He helped the team reach the 1974 FA Cup final, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat.

McFaul was also in goal for the remarkable Fairs Cup victory in 1969.

The talented player earned six caps for Northern Ireland, only being kept out of the lineup by the legendary goalkeeper Pat Jennings.

After retiring from playing in 1975, McFaul continued with Toon as a coach and later as assistant manager.

His significant break in management came in 1985 when he was appointed Newcastle's boss following a stint as interim manager.

McFaul was Newcastle's manager for three years. He played a crucial role in the rise of young superstar Paul Gascoigne.

He quickly made fan-favorite Gazza his main player, despite the icon being only 18 years old at the time.

McFaul achieved an eighth-place finish but was dismissed in 1988 following a poor run of results.

He later managed the Northern Irish team Coleraine and even served as Guam’s national coach.

Most recently, McFaul worked as a scout for Norwich and was cherished by Newcastle fans of all ages.

Tributes poured in on social media, with the official Newcastle United Supporters Trust leading the way.

They expressed: “NUST is saddened to learn of the passing of Willie McFaul.

“We send our condolences to his family and friends.”

Another fan remarked: “Absolutely heartbroken, he did every job Newcastle asked of him.”

One noted: “Sad news, rest in peace.”

Another added: “So sorry to hear this, rest in peace.”