NEWCASTLE legend Willie McFaul has died at the age of 82.
The Toon icon played nearly 400 times in the north east, with his former side paying tribute on Saturday evening.
McFaul’s time at St James’ Park saw him win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.
He later managed his beloved club for three years.
And McFaul’s tenure saw a young Paul Gascoigne emerge as a Newcastle hero.
The Magpies honoured his memory with a touching tribute on social media and revealed McFaul will be remembered in Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest.
It read: “We are deeply saddened by the news that our former player and manager Willie McFaul has passed away aged 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 sincere condolences to Willie’s loved ones.
“Our players will wear black armbands during tomorrow’s Premier League fixture with Nottingham Forest in his memory.”
The Northern Irishman joined Toon from Linfield in 1966 and became their first-choice goalie two years later.
McFaul went on to make 386 appearances for Newcastle.
He helped them reach the 1974 FA Cup final, where they lost 3-0 to Liverpool.
And McFaul was also between the sticks for the famous Fairs Cup win in 1969.
The ace also won six caps for Northern Ireland, and was only kept out of the team by legendary stopper Pat Jennings.
After retiring from playing in 1975, McFaul remained at Toon as a coach and then assistant manager.
But his big break in the dugout came in 1985 when he was appointed Newcastle boss after a spell as interim.
He quickly made fan favourite Gazza his main man despite the icon only being 18 years old at the time.
McFaul went on to achieve an eighth place finish, but was sacked in 1988 after a poor run.
He later managed Northern Irish side Coleraine and even spent time as Guam’s national coach.
McFaul most recently worked as a scout for Norwich and was beloved by Newcastle fans of all generations.
Tributes were paid on social media, with the official Newcastle United Supporters Trust leading the way.
They said: “NUST are saddened to hear of the passing of Willie McFaul.
“Sending our condolences to his family and friends.”
Another fan declared: “Absolutely gutted, did every job Newcastle asked of him.”
One noted: “Sad news, RIP.”
Another added: “So sorry to be reading this, RIP.”
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