Harper – the Magpies' longest-serving player of all time – spent 20 years at St. James' Park between 1993 and 2013, clocking up nearly 200 appearances while representing the club both domestically and in Europe – including the Champions League.

He later played for Hull City and Sunderland before returning to Tyneside in 2016, when he was appointed as the club's Academy Goalkeeping Coach, working with youngsters up to Under-16 level.

Now, following the departure of Chris Terpcou to Arsenal, he will be playing a leading role in the development of the club's 'keepers at Under-18 and Under-23 level, while also planning, organising and monitoring the Academy's overall goalkeeping programme from the youngest age.

Harper will be based at the Academy on a day-to-day basis and will report to the club's Head of Goalkeeping, Simon Smith.

He will be supported by Daniel García, who has replaced Harper as Academy Goalkeeping Coach up to Under-16 level.