Promotion or demotion for Pedro?

toonsy

Pedro in his pomp
Peter Beardsley has been given the new role of Football Development Manager at Newcastle United.

This has left me wondering whether this is a promotion or a demotion for one of NUFC’s most technically gifted players of all time.

Pedro had been cutting his teeth as the manager of the youth team and had been getting results good enough to make people start to pay a bit more attention to the academy kids. His new role takes him out of the day to day involvement with the youngsters and tasks him instead with ensuring the local and international reputation of Newcastle United as a youth academy is developed.

Beardsley seems happy enough with the role. Speaking to the club website he had this to say:

“A large part of our club’s future rests with our youth, so this is a terrific role for me. Helping bring exciting young talent to Newcastle United will make me very proud. I spoke with the manager today and Alan made it very clear how important this job is and what a difference he believes I can make to the club and its development.”

In that same article Derek Llambias spoke about what a fantastically important role Pedro’s new job was.

“Peter has been an exceptional ambassador for our club for many years,” said Llambias. “His international standing within the industry, together with the skills he brings to the training field, make him the perfect appointment for this vital new role.”

“We will also continue to benefit from the qualities that Peter brings to the training field. He will continue to work with the Development Squad to support Willie Donachie in the coaching and technical development of players.”

“The board are committed to improving the recruitment and development of young talented players who can progress through the ranks of the Academy and Development Squad. We are delighted to appoint Peter to help us develop a truly world-class development programme.”

Willie Donachie will replace Beardsley as youth team manager.

Is this step up for Pedro? Or is it a step down? Quite simply I don’t know.

On one hand I can see the benefit of it as Beardsley is one of the big names when it comes to talking about ex-professionals. In two spells with United he bled black and white and gave his all for the cause, which is what you expect from a Hexham lad. All the top boys are from Hexham don’t you know!

When it comes to attracting young players there are few that can match the enthusiasm and passion of Pedro. It’s catching and you can’t help but be buoyed when you hear him speak as you know he means every word and enjoys it. Everything he does is with a smile on his face.

On the other hand I can’t help but think that by removing Beardsley from day to day training with the youth players we are removing one of the cogs in the wheel that has started churning out the young players who look capable of progressing at our club.

I’d hope that his reduced involvement counters that, but I guess time will tell.

One thing I do know is that Pedro has been there and done it all. He knows the score and if he feels happy enough with his new role then fair do’s and I’ll back it all the way. Hopefully he can help turn Newcastle into the “World Class” academy that Llambias speaks of.

What a player though eh? I especially love the two goals at 1:58 into this tribute video I found of Pedro at his best. Comparisons with Lionel Messi shouldn’t be made lightly, but how about comparing Messi to a certain Peter Beardsley?

About toonsy

A lifelong Newcastle fan and current webmaster of this very 'blog who has the sole aim of creating a place by Newcastle United fans, for Newcastle United fans.

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121 thoughts on “Promotion or demotion for Pedro?”

  1. It’s a promotion.

    It’s basically Niall Quinns role at Sunderland plus the involvement with the youth team. He has been given a 5 year contract “in line with other senior coaches”

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  3. Think the fact its a 5 year deal dispels any possibility of it being a demotion – as Pedro wouldn’t have committed to a contract like that if it was.

    Also Pedro is a team player – always has been – he will always muck in for the common good.

    One of the greats.

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  4. Legend, genius, most naturally gifted and goal focused midfielder we ever had.
    I think I’ll watch that all again, and again.
    Thanks.
    Yeah Messi could learn a few things by watching the wee fella. 😆 😆

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  6. Can’t believe I’m going to say this but…….

    I’m so glad Man Utd equalised.

    Now someone please shoot me as I feel dirty 😥

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  8. Boyz on soccer saturday more complimentary than normal. although there is no Le Tiss or Merson

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  11. Toonsy

    Trying to watch it onmy phone, still says 1-0

    Hope it ends up a draw or a man u win, keep liverpool a bit further away

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  12. Did I just hear that right? Ray Wilkins just gave Gerrard the man of the Match award “because he is back”……..

    Dear me.

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  13. TlR – Merson can stay away for ever as far as I’m concerned. The raging drink driving alky, allegedly 🙂

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  14. So a win against spuds would put us 6 points clear of them and 4 points clear of cesspool.
    Do we dare to dream ❓
    Howay the Lads

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  16. Pedro will do a great job. I see it as a step up.

    Toonsy – I think Gerrard was the man of the match anyway. Had a decent game back. But Wilkins just put it down to him being back!

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  20. Not only is this a step up but it’s a perfect role for beardo. He has a great eye for talent and maybe he’s even being groomed for G Carr’s spot once he retires.
    Let’s face it, there isnt much “managing” done at the reserves. Finding the talent to fill the youth squad is much more important.

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  21. It’s definitely a step up, and he’ll still be coaching the development squad, just won’t have the time to do it every day or go to every game

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  22. It’s a step up. He would not have gone for it otherwise. He will still be involved with the kids so all is good, they dont need to see him every day, just once a week will give thema big boost! What a legend. Easily my favourite Newcastle player ever. I dont think Messi would argue with being compared to Pedro – the similarities are obvious. Smashing player he was and we are lucky to have him at the club. 🙂

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  25. How’s it goin’ mates? Been a long time like 😉

    As for Pedro- as long as he’s involved in the club and with the youth development in some capacity, I’m fine. He’s one of the most technically gifted players I’ve ever seen (albeit only on video 🙁 )

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  38. 😆 Toonsy if I could get away with it I would as I hate tattooing her, because she whinges on and on to get me to book her in then when I start she whinges on and on about am I going to be much longer and am I near finished yet 👿 . but she still needs another 8-9 hrs before she is finished then I won’t be doing anymore for her 😀

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  42. Something NUFC on my leg or back. Also want to get my kids name on my arm but I’d best wait to see what we call it first 😆

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  43. 😆 😆 😆

    Do you just want his name like or a pattern as well?

    I want a NUFC badge on my chest, but need to get my pecks first 😆

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  45. Im going to get my whole upper body tattoed with black and white stripes like our strip newcastle badge with my name on the back with a big number 9 😀

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  50. Dog-

    Believe it or not, I coulda used some of them little pills this week. Went through a rough breakup with wor lass. She turned out to be a lying, disloyal *****. Turns out she’d bought me a Newcastle United scarf for my b-day in December. I threw it back down on her floor after she threw some of the stuff I gave her right at me. Hated to give up the scarf like, but she was a ****, so now SHE’S got a Toon scarf (that sadly is probably in the garbage now). Anyway- back to the football. I’m glad I’m actually not going to have to wake up at the most ungodly hour of the day to watch the most important match of the season on the morra!

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  54. OHURLEY sorry to hear that mate,keep your chin up mate,anyway she must have found it hard to live with class 😉

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  55. spence i hope you know that guy from the other blog will be throwing 1 of the wrist while reading your comments little boys and all that 😉

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  60. Dog-

    You’re a good man, sir! And yeah- she wouldn’t know class if it jumped up and bit her on the ***.

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  63. Davey-

    Good to be back matey 🙂 Thought about you the other day when I found a wonderful single pot still Fenian whiskey sent all the way to Nashville from County Cork, where my family hails from hehe. I drank a spot just for you, my orange friend :mrgreen:

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  64. OHURLEY thats the trouble she was a ***,you can always ask toonsy for my e-mail if you want to chat mate owt to help.
    lets hope for a good show on sunday but ime forcasting nowt lol

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  68. Davey-

    Hehe, I’d love to drink a bottle with you some time and indulge my Irish side!

    Dog- I’d love to email you, mate. I’ll talk to Sy.

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  71. OHURLEY dont use f/b much only to talk to mates in malta and batty the odd time when hes not out working (cough cough) but get my f/b **** off batty nee probs and ill add you

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  72. Lmao, the “chosen one” 😆

    Dave- an Irishman that doesn’t drink?? Jesus, what’s the world coming to?? 😯 😛

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  73. ICEDOG-

    Besides mate, we need to plan your Nashville vacation hahaha! Bring wor lass, or if not, we’ll find ya another nice country girl like 😉

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