Small in stature, a giant in Newcastle's history

HE was a man who had black and white blood coursing through his veins. A man who gave a lifetime of service to Newcastle United.

- By JOHN GIBSON

with Mirandinha in August 1987

Willie McFaul was United's goalkeeper when the Mags won their one and only European trophy in 1969, played as many as 355 times for his adopted home, and seamlessly went on to coach at all levels before actually becoming manager in the years of Peter Beardsley, Gazza, and Mirandinha.

Such was the loyalist Geordies have lost, with him passing away days after his 82nd birthday in his home city of Belfast.

From September 1966 until October of 1988 Willie served United with devotion over 22 unbroken years and even though he had to eventually leave base, as every footballer does when Old Father Time taps him on the shoulder, he returned for every reunion.

Always quiet and dignified, though his demeanour hid a wicked sense of humour, McFaul made a dramatic entrance into the lives of grateful Geordies. He played for Irish League side Linfield in a friendly against Newcastle and shipped no fewer than seven goals but Joe Harvey loved what he saw - a tumbling Willie prevented it being a cricket score - and signed him in return for a £7,000 cheque. Never was money more well spent.