Beattie relishing Swans coaching role

Former England international James Beattie is champing at the bit to pull on his coaching kit at the Liberty Stadium and help prepare the Swans for the new Barclays Premier League campaign.
Beattie, 37, was appointed to the club's coaching staff this week as one of three first-team coaches along with stalwarts Alan Curtis and Kristian O'Leary.
The former striker, who had a glittering playing career at Blackburn, Southampton, Everton, Sheffield United, Stoke and Rangers before going on to try his hand at management at Accrington Stanley, will work under boss Garry Monk and assistant Pep Clotet with a specific responsibility to bring the best out of the club's attacking players.



"I'm pleased and excited about joining the club,'' declared Beattie. "I've known Garry for a long time, ever since we played together at Southampton 17 years ago. We have kept in touch on a regular basis ever since and I've been impressed and proud of what he has already achieved as a player and manager at Swansea.
"After leaving Accrington I spent a lot of time visiting different clubs to observe the work of other managers and coaches. I spent a week at Swansea last season and was very impressed with the club. I didn't just look at the training sessions, but spent time talking and observing everyone from the coaches to the physios, analysts and other backroom staff.
"I actually stayed at Garry's house for the week and we would be up until midnight talking about the club and the game in general.
"I didn't expect to be offered anything because there wasn't an opening. But then a few weeks ago Garry rang me to say there may be an opportunity to come in and work with the club.
"I came down to speak to Chairman Huw Jenkins and we spent two hours talking football. It was great to listen to his thoughts on the game, his philosophy and plans for the club going forward. He impressed me massively.
"At the end of the conversation I said I would love to come and work for the club.
"Now I just can't wait to get started. Swansea is a great club with a great story behind it having risen from the bottom of the Football League to eighth in the Premier League. Hopefully I can help write another fantastic chapter in the club's history.''



And Beattie believes he saw more than enough during his week at the club last season to be optimistic and excited about his new challenge.
He added: "Fairwood provides the players with a great environment to work and express themselves within the framework of the training sessions. The squad impressed me greatly with their application, dedication and willingness to learn.
"It helps when they see that dedication rewarded with victories at the likes of Old Trafford and the Emirates. And when you are getting rewarded, it spurs you on to do even better.
"Like I said, I can't wait to get started.''