Peter Beardsley Reflects on His Controversial Past and Hopes for a Football Comeback in Aspatria

Peter Beardsley, once hailed as one of England’s most talented footballers, is attempting a personal comeback, though this time it’s far from the football fields of Wembley.

Instead, he’s addressing an intimate crowd at the Masonic Hall in Aspatria, a small town in Cumbria, some 300 miles away from the limelight of professional football.

As he takes the stage in front of 100 people, it’s clear that Beardsley’s world has changed drastically since the days when he graced the pitch at St James’ Park.

The Controversy That Ended His Coaching Career

It’s been six years since Beardsley, one of Newcastle’s legendary players, had his contract terminated by the club after an investigation into allegations of racism and bullying during his time as the Under 23 coach.

Beardsley’s involvement in the scandal led to a 32-week suspension by the FA after charges of using racist language were proven against him.

Though he denies the accusations, the football community has largely distanced itself from him since, leaving Beardsley in a position where he is attempting to rebuild his image away from the sport that once defined him.

A Night in Aspatria to Reconnect with Fans

The night at the Masonic Hall is far from the glamorous settings Beardsley once enjoyed, but it is as close as he can get these days.

The tickets for “An Evening with Peter Beardsley” were sold for just £20, with proceeds benefiting local causes such as Aspatria Junior Football Club and the Alzheimer’s Society.

It’s a humble setting for the former star, who arrives in style, with a private Audi sporting his nickname “Pedro” parked outside.

Inside, the hall’s dated decor and floral-patterned wallpaper serve as a backdrop as Beardsley takes to the stage.

Dressed in a black-and-white chequered jacket, he shares stories of his illustrious playing days, from sweeping factory floors in Tyneside to playing for some of the biggest clubs in England, including Newcastle, Liverpool, and Everton, and representing England in two World Cups.

Reflecting on His Playing Days and Coaching Fallout

During his talk, Beardsley avoids addressing the darker chapter of his career—the one that led to his downfall.

Instead, he focuses on his days as a player, reminiscing about his 59 England caps and the glory of winning two league titles and an FA Cup.

However, it’s clear that Beardsley still feels aggrieved about how his coaching career ended.

He strongly maintains that his actions were misunderstood and that the culture of football has shifted in a way that no longer allows the “banter” he used to engage in.

He expresses frustration about the changing dynamics in football, saying, “Banter was allowed in those days, but it’s not allowed now. People swear now, and it’s a crime.

It’s just weird how the world has gone a different way.”

Fond Memories of Fellow Football Legends

Throughout the evening, Beardsley fondly remembers his time with fellow football legends such as Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne, and Kevin Keegan.

He describes Keegan, his former Newcastle teammate and manager, as his footballing mentor.

“KK was amazing for me, still is amazing for me,” he says, praising Keegan for treating him like a son even as he nears his 65th birthday.

Despite the scandal, Beardsley’s bond with these icons remains strong, and his admiration for them is evident in his anecdotes.

He even jokes about Lineker still thanking him daily for the assists he provided during their time together at England.

The Question of a Return to Football

As the night progresses, the mood lightens with a charity auction, where two signed 1990 World Cup shirts bearing Beardsley’s name fetch a combined £530.

But when the Q&A begins, the mood shifts, and Beardsley becomes more candid.

He doesn’t hold back when asked about his former England manager, Graham Taylor, calling him “f***ing hopeless.”

The crowd chuckles, but the question everyone is eager to know the answer to is whether Beardsley wants to return to football.

The response is telling: Beardsley is desperate to get back into the sport, even if he’s not looking to return as a manager.

A Desperate Desire to Be Back in the Game

Since his FA suspension, Beardsley has made sporadic appearances in football, such as hosting a soccer school for children and expressing interest in coaching roles.

He’s been spotted at matches of local teams like Workington and has even considered managing Hebburn Town.

But despite these forays into the game, he hasn’t landed a permanent job in football since leaving St James’ Park.

In his own words, Beardsley is “open to all offers,” even taking on odd jobs like cutting ribbons at local events.

But his real passion lies in football, and he’s still playing five-a-side with a group of local teachers, although he jokes about rarely touching the ball.

Is Beardsley Ready to Step Back into the Spotlight?

Though Beardsley insists he has no interest in becoming a manager, he makes it clear that he’d love to play again if given the chance.

He reflects on the current generation of players and the constraints they face in terms of criticism, saying, “You can’t shout at them, you can’t criticise them.

I wouldn’t swap a day of what I had, good or bad.”

As he wraps up the evening, Beardsley leaves the crowd with a sense of unfinished business.

“Hopefully I won’t be gone for a while, but I’m still coming back as me,” he says, signaling that his story is far from over.

Peter Beardsley may have fallen from grace, but his passion for football and the people who supported him throughout his career remains unchanged.

Whether or not he will ever return to the sport he once ruled is uncertain, but for now, he’s holding on to the memories and the hope that he can make a comeback in his own way.