FORMER England striker James Beattie has landed a shock new job as director of football at AFC Totton.
The 46-year-old has been out of work for almost two years after leaving his role as assistant manager at Wigan.
3
While unemployed, Beattie has been a regular in the stands at Testwood Stadium.
And now he has agreed to take a role on the AFC Totton board.
Explaining his decision to join the Hampshire club, who play in the seventh tier of English football, Beattie said: “I have known the club’s CEO and owner Steve Brookwell from my time at Southampton, he has become a great family friend throughout of time.
“I have seen the team play many times and the performances on the field are indicative of a club that is heading in the right direction.
“There is a great project here and now is the ideal time for me to be part of it.”
Shortly after hanging up his boots in 2013, Beattie had a brief spell as manager of Accrington Stanley.
Since then he has worked closely with Garry Monk, being involved in the coaching set-up at Swansea, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday.
As a player, Beattie rose through the ranks at Blackburn before breaking through at Southampton.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
James Beattie’s career
Black flame 1996-1998: 7 matches, 0 goals
Southampton 1998-2005: 235 matches, 76 goals
Everton 2005-2007: 86 matches, 15 goals
Sheffield United 2007–2009: 65 matches, 34 goals
Stoke 2009–2010: 40 matches, 10 goals
guards 2010–2011: 10 matches, 0 goals
Blackpool 2011: 9 matches, 0 goals
Sheffield United 2011–2012: 19 matches, 0 goals
Accrington Stanley 2012–2013: 27 matches, 7 goals
ENGLAND 2003: 5 matches, 0 goals
The striker scored 76 goals in 235 games for Santos.
He was first called up to England in 2003, playing five times for his country.
Beattie went on to play for Everton, Sheffield United, Stoke, Rangers and Blackpool.
3
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
