News
Willie McFaul was laid to rest on Wednesday.
A number of former Newcastle United stars were at the funeral in Coleraine.
Former Newcastle United forward and now Northern Ireland manager, Michael O’Neill, was signed by Willie McFaul when he was NUFC manager in the mid-eighties, the Belfast Telegraph quoting him;
_“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.”_
Former United goalkeeper Tommy Wright was another successful signing made be Willie McFaul for NUFC:
_“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 night before the funeral, Wor Flags paid tribute with a display (see above) dedicated to Willie McFaul and the other Fairs Cup heroes, ahead of Newcastle United winning 3-0 against Benfica in the Champions League.
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**Belfast Telegraph [report](https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-stars-among-the-mourners-as-former-northern-ireland-goalkeeper-is-laid-to-rest/a257400577.html) – 22 October 2025:**
_‘Famous faces from the world of football were among the mourners at the funeral of former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Willie (Iam) McFaul._
_Mr McFaul passed away in hospital on October 4. He was 82._
_He joined Newcastle from Linfield in 1966 and made 386 appearances for the club before he retired in 1975._
_A service of thanksgiving took place in New Row Presbyterian Church, Coleraine, on Wednesday, followed by a private cremation._
_Among the mourners was Northern Ireland under-21 manager Tommy Wright._
_Mourners followed the hearse through the streets of Coleraine, past the statue of fellow Northern Ireland international, Bertie Peacock._
_Mr McFaul won six caps for Northern Ireland and was international goalkeeping coach between 1994 and 1997._
_He won the last of his caps in September 1973 against Bulgaria in a home World Cup qualifier._
_Mr McFaul succeeded Jack Charlton as manager at Newcastle from 1985 to 1988.’_