Steve Harper: Newcastle United academy director and former goalkeeper recovering from a stroke

   The 48-year-old former goalkeeper made 199 appearances for the Magpies between 1993 and 2013.

   The club confirmed he suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which according to the NHS website is a rare type of stroke caused by bleeding on the surface of the brain and can be fatal.

   Steve has the full support of the club during his recovery,” United said. “Steve, his family and everyone at Newcastle United would like to thank NHS staff for this incredible care.
 
   “Everyone associated with Newcastle United sends their best wishes to Steve and his family as he continues his recovery.”

   Harper is the longest-serving player in Newcastle’s history with a 20-year spell – he joined them as a teenager in 1993 and stayed until 2013 when he joined Hull.

   However, he only played 199 games during that time, mostly as backup goalkeeper to Pavel Srnicek, Shaka Hislop and Shay Given.