NEWCASTLE United's longest serving player Steve Harper has been appointed as the club's academy manager. 

The former goalkeeper moves into the role on a permanent basis after being appointed on as interim manager earlier this year. 

The 46-year-old played for the Magpies between 1993 and 2013. He rejoined the club as first team coach assisting Steve Bruce in 2019 before taking on his role with the academy set up. 

"I’m passionate about our club and to lead our Academy is an honour and a privilege" Harper told the club website. 

"The club, head coach and all the staff have been fantastic, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.

"We want to help our young people to become better players and have a successful career in the game. Equally importantly, we are developing them as people, instilling them with the right values to support their onward journeys.

"The Academy provides them with wonderful opportunities on and off the pitch and I’m excited to be working with a great team to drive our Academy forwards for the benefit of everyone involved."

Newcastle United’s managing director, Lee Charnley, said: "Steve is a great fit for the position of academy manager.

"He has served Newcastle United as a player, coach and ambassador fantastically over the years and will use his passion for our club to further develop the Academy."