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Steve Harper returns to Newcastle as new academy goalkeeping coach

Steve Harper has returned to Newcastle to take on the role of Academy goalkeeping coach.

The 41-year-old, who made 199 senior appearances for the Magpies in a 20-year career at St James' Park, will work with keepers from under-nine to under-16 level and seek to establish a consistent development programme.

Harper said: "I'm delighted to be working with the young goalkeepers at the Academy. I've been involved in grass-roots football in the area for the last six years, so I have extensive knowledge of the many junior football clubs throughout the region.

"It's great to be back at the club in a coaching capacity and I'm looking forward to starting."

Harper, who represented the club in an FA Cup final and the Champions League during his two decades on Tyneside, had spells at Hull and Sunderland after leaving the Magpies during the summer of 2013.