Born in Coleraine, Willie joined us from Linfield and made 386 appearances in the club between 1966 and 1975, as well as winning six international caps for Northern Ireland.
It was also a key part of the Joe Harvey team that lifted the Inter -Cup Fairs in 1969, our last piece of cutlery until the victory of the Carabao Cup last season.
He returned to St. James’ Park as manager in 1985, spending three seasons in the shelter before leaving during the 1988/89 campaign.
All of us in Newcastle United expand our sincere condolences to Willie’s loved ones.
Our players will use black bracelets during the Sunday’s Premier League match with Nottingham Forest in their memory.