Ex-Newcastle United player pays tribute to Willie McFaul as funeral arrangements made public | OneFootball

Newcastle United fans were dealt the very sad news at the end of last week that Willie McFaul had passed away.

The former goalkeeper an NUFC legend, part of the 1969 Fairs Cup winning side.

Then later going on to manage the team for three years in the mid-eighties.

Now the funeral arrangements have been made public.

With the media in Northern Ireland reporting (see below) that the service will be held on Wednesday 22 October in Coleraine.

Local lad Chris Hedworth came through the ranks at Newcastle United and played under Willie McFaul in that mid-eighties period.

Thanks to Newcastle United fan Dave, a friend of The Mag and also of Chris Hedworth, he got in touch with Chris and asked him about Willie McFaul.

Chris Hedworth paying this tribute to his former manager and Newcastle United legend:

‘Willie McFaul was my childhood hero.

I was awestruck when he came to my house in Walker to sign me up for an apprenticeship at Newcastle.

Always full of kindness, encouragement and support – a top goalkeeper, coach and manager – and still a hero.

Good travels Willie

Chris Hedworth’

Northern Ireland World report – 9 October 2025:

The funeral of former Northern Ireland and Newcastle United goalkeeper Iam McFaul will take place in Coleraine on Wednesday, October 22.

Mr McFaul died peacefully aged 82 at the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine on October 4.

Born in Coleraine, William ‘Iam’ McFaul started his career at his hometown club before moving to Linfield in 1961. He then spent five years at Windsor Park before Newcastle United paid £7,000 for his services.

During his time from 1966-1975 at St James’s Park, he made 386 appearances helping Newcastle win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.

In a family notice, Mr McFaul was described as “dearly loved husband of Eileen and much loved father of Stephen, loved father-in-law of Clare and adored granda of Jack and Alfie.”