Newcastle ‘send love’ as ex-goalkeeper and academy chief Steve Harper suffers stroke

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper is ‘recovering well’ in hospital after suffering a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

The 48-year-old, who made 199 appearances for the club over a 20-year period, is now a director at the Magpies’ academy.

Such a spell, which lasted between 1993 and 2013, in between the sticks makes Harper the longest-serving player in Newcastle’s history.

On Wednesday, the club announced that he had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is an uncommon type of stroke, and was taken to hospital.

In a statement, the club said: “Newcastle United is sending love and best wishes to Steve Harper and his family after the club’s academy director suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Monday.

“The club is pleased to report that Steve is awake and recovering well in hospital.

“Steve, his family and everyone at Newcastle United extends a heartfelt thank you to NHS staff for the incredible care he is receiving.”

The statement added: “Steve will be given the club’s full support as he recovers. Everyone connected with Newcastle United sends their best wishes to Steve and his family as he continues his recuperation.”

Following loan spells at Bradford City, Gateshead, Stockport County, Hartlepool United and Huddersfield Town, Harper made his debut for Newcastle in 1998.

He kept 66 clean sheets throughout his career at St. James’ Park, with 112 of his appearances coming in the top flight.

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Harper also featured in the Champions League for the Magpies during the 2002/03 season, and left the club in 2013 for Hull City.

A move to Sunderland would follow in 2016 before he moved back to their rivals Newcastle as an academy goalkeeping coach.

Harper left three years later to join the Northern Ireland national side and then began his role as the Newcastle academy director in 2021.

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