Peter Beardsley, one of the few footballers to have played for Everton and Liverpool and still be acclaimed on both sides of Stanley Park, has returned to coaching - two years after leaving Newcastle United following a racism and bullying storm.
The former England star has hooked up with Manchester United player Gordon Hill and will work in Washington DC throughout June and July at a US Soccer Camp.
Beardsley was coach of Newcastle's Under-23 side at St James' Park before the club parted company with him in 2019 following accusations of racism and bullying - which the ex-England forward "categorically denied".
United said then: "We are grateful for the contribution Peter has given over the years as a player, coach and ambassador and we wish him well for the future."
Beardsley said in his own statement back then: "The time is now right for me to seek a new challenge and I wish the players all the best and the supporters the success they deserve.
"I have always honoured my contractual obligations of confidentiality to the club and maintained my silence, which has in itself been very difficult.
"I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous support I have received and I look forward to the future."
Kenny Dalglish paid a British record £1.9m transfer fee for Beardsley in the summer of 1987 and was rewarded by a player who became integral to the most thrilling attacking triumvirate even Anfield had ever seen, with John Barnes and John Aldridge.
Beardsley scored 59 goals in 175 appearances and won two league titles and an FA Cup.
Howard Kendall persuaded Beardsley to cross the park in 1991 when new Reds boss Graeme Souness believed the cunning schemer's best days were behind him.
He was proved wrong as Beardsley finished top scorer in his first campaign and over two seasons was the Blues' stand-out performer, crashing a riotously received derby match winner over Liverpool in December 1992.
However, Howard Kendall made the same error of judgement as his Anfield counterpart, allowing Beardsley to return to Newcastle in the summer of 1993 for a still hefty £1.4m, where once again he sparkled.
At an event at the Hilton Hotel, Beardsley - who was also afforded a standing ovation at an event with Newcastle legends in Dunston in 2019 - said: "Thank you for coming, I really mean that.
"Most of you in this room will realise that I'm not a bully, and I'm not a racist.
"Everybody in the city of Newcastle has been amazing; for 15 months, they've been amazing.
"There are certain people in this room who haven't, but that's just the way it is.
"I know what I am, and everybody who knows me - my family, my friends - knows what I am. I'm comfortable with what I am. It is what it is, I'm just ready to move on."
Announcing the move, Hill, speaking on Visionsport TV, said: "I've got a special guest in Peter Beardsley.
"If I can get him across because of the Covid, we are playing it by ear but it looks good.
"One of the reasons I am bringing Peter in is to show them what the pro world is all about."
Those in the States interested in the camp, which is aimed at those of all ages, trying to get a break in the game should contact Unitedsports11@gmail.com
