Iam McFaul: Tributes paid to former Newcastle United player and manager who won six caps for Northern Ireland
Tributes have been paid to former Northern Ireland and Newcastle United goalkeeper Iam McFaul, who has sadly died at the age of 82.
Born in Coleraine, William ‘Iam’ McFaul started his career at his hometown club but failed to make a breakthrough due to the form of Victor Hunter between the posts.
That resulted in a move to Linfield in 1961 and he spent five years at Windsor Park before Newcastle United paid £7,000 for his services.
His time at St James’ Park yielded 386 appearances from 1966 to 1975, helping the Toon win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.
He would later move into management at Newcastle in 1985 and nurtured soon-to-be star Paul Gascogine into the first-team picture despite only being 18-years-old.
McFaul also brought current Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill to Tyneside from Coleraine.
The Northern Ireland manager said: “I will always remember Willie with affection. He took me to Newcastle from Coleraine as a teenager and really helped with my subsequent development, particularly as a youngster moving away from home. He was a big part of my career and he will be sorely missed.”
McFaul also signed Northern Ireland U21s boss and former international goalkeeper Tommy Wright for Newcastle.
Wright said: “The measure of Willie was always evident on and off the pitch. When he signed me for Newcastle United from Linfield he actually helped my wife Anne and I move into the accommodation we were renting at the time and he remained a friend ever since."
The curtain was brought down on his managerial reign at Newcastle in 1988 but it wouldn’t be long before he was in the dugout again as he returned back across the Irish Sea to lead Coleraine.
Things didn’t go to plan on the north coast as results didn’t go Coleraine’s way, however, his eye for a player was evident as he discovered Paul Gaston, who went on to captain and play over 600 games for the club. His football career continued with a spell managing the Guam national team, as well as a scout for Norwich City.
McFaul competed with the legendary Pat Jennings on the international stage but he still managed to win six caps for his country, making his debut against England in 1966.
In a post on social media, Newcastle United passed on their condolences to McFaul’s family and announced that they will be wearing black armbands during Sunday’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest in his memory.
Irish League clubs Linfield and Coleraine also published their own tributes to McFaul on their respective club websites.
The Northern Ireland national team also paid their respects: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Willie McFaul. A true servant of the game, he made a significant impact at club level with Newcastle United, where he spent the majority of his career.
“Our thoughts are with Willie’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Funeral details are yet to be released.