Ex-Premier League player eyed for top job in completely different sport in shock move

Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper is a shock contender to become Durham’s new director of cricket.

Harper, who made 199 appearances for the Magpies during his 23-year career, has never hidden his love for cricket.

AFP

Durham are searching for a new face to help lead the club following the departure of Marcus North.

The Australian successfully guided Durham back to Division One but last month relinquished his position to take up a role as England Men’s National Selector.

According to the Daily Mail, Harper is firmly in the running to succeed North.

The 51-year-old is best known for his time at St James’ Park and is the longest- serving player in Newcastle’s history having spent 20 years at the club.

Harper was mainly a back-up for the then No.1 Shay Given but showed his quality whenever called upon.

He shares a close relationship with former Newcastle teammate Alan Shearer with their friendship spanning decades.

Shearer managed Harper during his short stint in the Newcastle dugout in 2009.

The Magpies’ record goalscorer was a vocal supporter of Harper during his testimonial match in 2013 which raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities in the North East.

Harper also enjoyed loan spells at Bradford, Gateshead, Stockport, Hartlepool, Huddersfield and Brighton during his playing days. 

He spent two years at Hull before moving to Sunderland without making a first-team appearance.

Getty

Getty

Harper is also an FA approved referee – one of the few professional footballers to have earned their referee’s licence. 

The former shot-stopper has spent the past five years as the director of Newcastle’s academy but it appears that he is now ready for a career change.

And that nicely ties in with his love of cricket with Harper an active player for South Northumberland.

Meanwhile, Durham are also considering the ECB’s elite bowling coach, Neil Killeen, for the director of cricket role.

Killeen boasts 30 years of experience as a player and a coach with Durham and is seen as a strong contender.