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FORMER NEWCASTLE boss and goalkeeper Willie McFaul today (Monday 15 November 2004)joined an illustrious list of Newcastle stars when he had his hands immortalised in concrete at St James Metro Station on the Newcastle United Pitch of Fame. Willie, who played for Newcastle United between 1966-1975 (playing 355 times) and went on to manage the club from 1985 -1988 (winning 140 games), is a popular choice among fans to be added to the Pitch of Fame. Willie was instrumental in nurturing stars like Paul Gascoigne throughout the mid eighties and succeeded Jack Charlton as manager. He was a member of the 1969 Fairs Cup winning side, the fore- runner of the UEFA Cup, and is best remembered for saving a penalty in the semi final against Rangers. He won six Northern Ireland international caps and was understudy to Pat Jennings. The pitch, situated inside the station, already has the prints of Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and a host of others. At today's event Willie, who returned to Tyneside for the first time since 1990, said he was delighted to take part and take his place in the opposite goal to current Newcastle stopper Shay Given. The event was organised by Network Ticketing Limited (NTL), the integrated ticketing specialists who administer Toon fans’ favourite, the Magpie Mover. Steve Noble, Vice Chairman of Network Ticketing Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Willie has taken the time to rightly take his place in the Hall of Fame at St James Metro Station. “A great servant to the club he enjoyed periods both as a manager and player and is remembered fondly across Tyneside." Andy Bairstow, Commercial Director for Nexus, said: “Willie led the team in the eighties and is held in great affection with the Newcastle fans. He's a fitting character to line up alongside the other stars on the pitch of fame.”
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