Beattie is a big name in League Two (Video)

Having recently signed a scorer of 90 Premier League goals, Accrington Stanley have acquired a man with a wealth of top level experience to help them in England’s fourth division.

James Beattie recently joined the League Two club in a player-coach role, returning to his home county of Lancashire where he began his career.  A product of Blackburn Rovers’ youth academy, the striker would go on to join Southampton, and it was during his time at St Mary’s that he was selected for the senior England team.  His fine form for the Saints also earned Beattie a move to high-flying Everton, who broke their transfer record by paying £6 million to sign him.

Arguably playing the best football of his career at Southampton, Beattie also had spells at Sheffield United, Stoke, Rangers and Blackpool.  He now faces a new challenge with Accrington, where he is the stand-out name amongst a squad of lower league players.  Beattie made his debut for the club as a substitute in last night’s game against Barnet at Underhill.  Despite his appearance, the former England striker was still not the most well-known player involved in the match, as legendary midfielder Edgar Davids turned out for the Bees and was subsequently sent off.

He may be well past his prime but, a player with combined transfer fees of around £15 million, James Beattie will no doubt provide a huge boost to Stanley’s ranks.

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