JAMES BEATS STAGS DRUM
FORMER Southampton and England striker James Beattie says he is ‘excited’ to play his part in helping AFC Totton’s bid to climb the Non-League ladder.
The Stags’ bid for back-toback promotions ended in heartbreaking fashion when they lost to Salisbury in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw in their Southern Premier South play-off final on Bank Holiday Monday.
However, the arrival of Beattie as director of football has quickly helped to lift the mood at the Snows Stadium and he is determined to use all his experience to boost the club’s fortunes.
In a glittering playing career of more than 500 games, the forward served the likes of Saints, Everton, Sheffield United and Stoke. The 46-yearold then had a spell at Accrington Stanley manager a decade ago before working on Garry Monk’s coaching staff at a number of clubs in English football’s upper echelons.
Now he is ready to dip his toe into Non-League with the Hampshire outfit.
Delighted
“I’m delighted to be here,” he told The NLP at his unveiling by the Stags on Thursday. “It’s a forward-thinking club and I’ve known Steve Brookwell (CEO) for 25 years since I joined Southampton. It’s about helping him, the club and community, and giving something back.
“There are a great number of initiatives the club are doing to create revenue streams so we can be sustainable as we hopefully progress through the levels.
“The experiences I’ve had as a player will help and being in management and coaching positions since I’ve retired means I’ve worked closely with CEOs and board members and understand quite a lot about budgets and how they work.
“I’m excited to be part of it and hopefully we can maintain the success Jimmy (Ball, manager) and the club have had over the last couple of years on and off the pitch. We also want to continue the great work in the community.
“The club is full of good people, they know football and they want to do things sustainably and sensibly. Hopefully I can help the club in all aspects.”
Chairman Stephen Snow believes bringing in Beattie is a coup for the football club as they attempt to become a force in Non-League.
“It wasn’t about making a statement – it’s about making our club better,” Snow told The NLP. “James will be a great addition for Jimmy in terms of advice and support.
“We have got the academy and we work with the community. James will bring knowledge to help in every area and he’s a local man. He’s still very highly thought of at Southampton, where we have connections. He’s a great addition.”
Snow has been chairman for three years after originally coming on board as a sponsor. The Stags have enjoyed success in that time and he insists they shouldn’t be too downhearted about this term’s playoff final agony.
Experience
“Monday was a disappointment, but we mustn’t forget what a great season we’ve had,” he said. “We only came up the season before and to be able to compete in the play-off final was a fantastic achievement. We want to continue to grow the club and work our way up the leagues.” Manager Ball, son of England World Cup winner Alan, has also welcomed Beattie’s arrival at the Step 3 club.
“James brings a wealth of knowledge from his playing, coaching and management career that will help me,” he said. “His experience in professional football will help us become more professional in what we do.
“We want to improve how we work and operate, and bringing James in is the next step in taking the club forward.”