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.

- John Lyons

The Stags’ bid for back-to-back 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-year-old 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