James Beattie is the new Leeds United First-Team Coach. The ex-England striker told Sky Sports that he is delighted to be linking up with Garry Monk once again, just like he did at Swansea City.
The 38-year-old has been out of work since leaving Swansea in December, which was when Monk was sacked. Prior to that he stepped into management with Accrington Stanley, which is where he ended his playing career. Beattie played over 450 times in his playing career but is now focused on coaching.
Beattie, who also played for clubs such as Everton, Sheffield United, Southampton and Rangers, says it was a no-brainer to link up with Monk once more,
“I’m delighted to be here. It’s a huge club and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I’ve worked with Garry and Pep before and I know how they work with the high standards and the values that they’ll bring to the club.
“This club has got untold potential to be whatever it wants to be, and we see that as a challenge.
“I feel that the level of training and coaching we can bring to the club is of a very high standard.
“We’ve got a young squad that we are looking forward to developing, coaching and providing guidance. We need to get them playing in the right way and try to help everyone create something really special.”
Beattie won five caps for England as a player. He now turns attentions to helping Leeds earn promotion into the Premier League. He will link up with Monk and assistant Pep Clotet with immediate effect.
