Newcastle legend Steve Harper, 48, rushed to hospital after suffering brain haemorrhage as club give update

NEWCASTLE legend Steve Harper has been hospitalised with a brain haemorrhage.

The Toon icon suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Monday and was promptly taken to hospital.

Harper, 48, is currently awake and recovering "well".

And his former side were quick to send the retired goalkeeper a public message of support.

A club statement read: "Newcastle United is sending love and best wishes to Steve Harper and his family after the club's Academy director suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage on Monday.

"The club is pleased to report that Steve is awake and recovering well in hospital.

"Steve, his family and everyone at Newcastle United extends a heartfelt thank you to NHS staff for the incredible care he is receiving."

It ended: "Steve will be given the club's full support as he recovers.

"Everyone connected with Newcastle United sends their best wishes to Steve and his family as he continues his recuperation."

Shocked Toon fans took to Twitter to send their well wishes to their former goalkeeper.

One tweeted: "Get well soon, Steve."

Another said: "A wonderful man… wishing Steve all the best in his recovery."

And another said: "Shocking news. Wishing Steve a speedy recovery, he is the best of men."

One remarked: "Get well soon, Steve!!"

Another chimed in: "This is awful and so scary, hope he makes a full recovery!!!"

Harper began his Newcastle career all the way back in 1993 and spent 20 years between the sticks at St James' Park.

The Magpies hero made a total of 199 appearances for the club, keeping 66 clean sheets in the process.

Harper left the Toon in the summer of 2013 to join Hull before calling time on his career in July 2016 after a six-month stint with Sunderland.

Harper returned to the club that summer to take up the role of goalkeeping coach, which he held until becoming a club director in 2021.