Linfield Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of one of our players from bygone years, Iam McFaul, a goalkeeper who played for the club from 1961-1966.
Having joined Linfield from his home town club Coleraine, Iam famously played in the side which in 1966/67 almost reached the semi final stage of the European Cup, although in late 1966 he had been transferred to Newcastle Utd who paid the princely sum of £7,000 for his services.
Over a near 10 year period he made over 380 appearances for the Tyneside club and impressed the Magpies support who changed his name to Willie (he was born William Stewart McFaul). During his on-pitch career he played in the successful 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup side (beating Ujpest Dozsa 6-3 on aggregate), and 1974 FA Cup final, only to lose to Liverpool at Wembley (0-3).
Retiring in his early 30s, Iam McFaul went on to become coach, Assistant Manager, then Manager of Newcastle, replacing Jack Charlton in August 1985. Whilst Manager he introduced the mercurial talent, Paul Gascoigne, to the 1st team, and his managerial career later took in spells at Coleraine and with the Guam national side.
His own international career earned him just 6 caps for Northern Ireland at a time when Pat Jennings was the kingpin in goal.
The club sends condolences to the McFaul family at this sad time.
