Newcastle have confirmed their former goalkeeper Steve Harper suffered a brain haemorrhage earlier this week.
The club released a statement on X on Wednesday afternoon revealing his health scare which led to him being rushed to hospital, but announced that he is currently 'recovering well'.
'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.'
A subarachnoid haemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding in the space around the brain which puts increased pressure on the vital organ.
Newcastle's statement that Harper is awake and beginning his rehabilitation will be a major relief to Magpies fans, with Harper widely considered a local hero.
Harper spent 20 years at St James' Park as a player between 1993 and 2013, and returned to the club initially as a goalkeeping coach before being made academy director following his retirement.