Ken Beamish
Encyclopedia
Kenneth George "Ken" Beamish (born 25 August 1947) is an English
former football player, coach and manager. In his playing days he was a forward, and he scored a total of 159 goals in 554 league
games.
He started his career at Tranmere Rovers
in 1965, and in six years at the club would make close to 200 appearances. From March 1972, he then spent three years with Brighton & Hove Albion
, making around 100 appearances. In May 1974 he signed with Blackburn Rovers
for £25,000, and went on to play close to 100 games with the club in a two year spell. Bought by Port Vale
for £12,000 in September 1976, he was voted the club's Player of the Year
in 1977–78
, and was the club's top scorer for two consecutive seasons. Sold to Bury
for £35,000 in September 1978, he played around 50 games, before he moved back to Tranmere Rovers in 1979. In 1981 he transferred to Swindon Town
, before he announced his retirement the following year. He later served as Swindon's manager in the 1983–84 campaign.
Tranmere Rovers
in 1965, under the management of Dave Russell
. Rovers missed out on promotion at the end of 1965–66 after finishing behind fourth place Colchester United
on goal average. Promotion was achieved in 1966–67, after the club finished fourth, four points ahead of Crewe Alexandra
. Tranmere retained their Third Division
status in 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70, and 1970–71. Beamish was the club's top scorer two out of his six seasons with the club. Now managed by Jackie Wright
, Rovers struggled in 1971–72, and in March 1972, Beamish switched to league rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
.
Beamish enjoyed a successful start to his Brighton career, as the club won promotion as Third Division runners-up in 1971–72. However the club struggled in the Second Division
, and finished in last place in 1972–73. Manager Pat Saward
was replaced by Brian Clough
, but the 1973–74 campaign was also difficult, as Brighton avoided their second successive relegation by eight points.
Beamish was signed by Gordon Lee
's Blackburn Rovers
for a £25,000 fee in May 1974. Whilst at Blackburn, he endeared himself to the fans, who would chant "Beamo" whenever Beamish's shot at goal flew over the bar. To Blackburn fans of a certain generation, a 'Beamo' is any off-target shot. The 1974–75 season was successful, as Blackburn were promoted to the Second Division as champions of the Third Division. Rovers finished mid-table in 1975–76 under the stewardship of Jim Smith
.
He joined Third Division Port Vale
for £12,000 in September 1976 and went straight into the first team. He became the club's top scorer in the 1976–77
season with 18 goals in 44 games; three of these goals came against Grimsby Town
at Blundell Park
on 3 January. He was voted Player of the Year
for his 16 goals in 49 games in the 1977–78
season; he scored ten goals more than his closest rival Jeff Hemmerman
, as the club were relegated into the Fourth Division. He started the 1978–79
campaign with four goals in four consecutive games, before he was sold on to Third Division Bury
for £35,000 in September 1978.
He helped the "Shakers" to avoid relegation in 1978–79, as he scored 20 goals in 49 league games for the club before he returned to Tranmere Rovers, now back in the Fourth Division and managed by John King. Rovers suffered in 1979–80 and 1980–81, and had to apply (successfully) for re-election under Bryan Hamilton
in 1981. He then transferred to Swindon Town
, and played just two league games, as Swindon were relegated out of the Third Division in 1981–82.
Throughout his career he played 555 games in the Football League
, scoring 159 goals.
had originally brought Beamish to the club as his assistant. After Trollope's unsuccessful venture into management came to an end, Beamish took over the reins from him towards the end of the 1982–83 season. Working on a tight budget, Beamish was given only full season in charge, in which he led the Town to their lowest ever league finish - seventeenth in Fourth Division
. However he did lead the club to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup
, where former club Blackburn Rovers eliminated Swindon. When his contract expired at the end of the 1983–84 season, new sponsors Lowndes Lambert demanded a big-name manager, and Beamish was replaced by Lou Macari
.
He is currently working as Blackburn Rovers
commercial manager, after being installed in the post in 1986.
with Brighton & Hove Albion
with Blackburn Rovers
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
former football player, coach and manager. In his playing days he was a forward, and he scored a total of 159 goals in 554 league
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
games.
He started his career at Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
in 1965, and in six years at the club would make close to 200 appearances. From March 1972, he then spent three years with Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
, making around 100 appearances. In May 1974 he signed with Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
for £25,000, and went on to play close to 100 games with the club in a two year spell. Bought by Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
for £12,000 in September 1976, he was voted the club's Player of the Year
Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year
The Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
in 1977–78
1977–78 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1977–78 season was Port Vale's sixty-sixth season of football in the Football League, and their eighth successive season in the Third Division. Finishing in 21st place, they were relegated to the Fourth Division...
, and was the club's top scorer for two consecutive seasons. Sold to Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
for £35,000 in September 1978, he played around 50 games, before he moved back to Tranmere Rovers in 1979. In 1981 he transferred to Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
, before he announced his retirement the following year. He later served as Swindon's manager in the 1983–84 campaign.
Playing career
Beamish started his career with Fourth DivisionFootball League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
Tranmere Rovers
Tranmere Rovers F.C.
Tranmere Rovers Football Club are an English team based in Birkenhead, Wirral. The club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system...
in 1965, under the management of Dave Russell
Dave Russell (footballer)
Dave Russell was a Scottish football player and manager. He won the Scottish Cup with East Fife in 1938, and was manager of both Bury and Tranmere Rovers for eight years.-Playing career:...
. Rovers missed out on promotion at the end of 1965–66 after finishing behind fourth place Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
on goal average. Promotion was achieved in 1966–67, after the club finished fourth, four points ahead of Crewe Alexandra
Crewe Alexandra F.C.
Crewe Alexandra Football Club is an English professional football club based in Crewe, Cheshire. Nicknamed The Railwaymen due to the town's links with the rail industry, they currently play in Football League Two, the fourth tier of English football, and are based at the Alexandra Stadium.The club...
. Tranmere retained their Third Division
Football League Third Division
The Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
status in 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70, and 1970–71. Beamish was the club's top scorer two out of his six seasons with the club. Now managed by Jackie Wright
Jackie Wright (footballer)
John "Jackie" Wright was an English professional footballer who played as a defender – specifically, a full back.He spent eleven years with Blackpool in the 1940s and 1950s, making 157 league appearances and scoring one goal...
, Rovers struggled in 1971–72, and in March 1972, Beamish switched to league rivals Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
.
Beamish enjoyed a successful start to his Brighton career, as the club won promotion as Third Division runners-up in 1971–72. However the club struggled in the Second Division
Football League Second Division
From 1892 until 1992, the Football League Second Division was the second highest division overall in English football.This ended with the creation of the FA Premier League, prior to the start of the 1992–93 season, which caused an administrative split between The Football League and the teams...
, and finished in last place in 1972–73. Manager Pat Saward
Pat Saward
Patrick "Pat" Saward was a former professional footballer in the English football League and for the Republic of Ireland. He died of Alzheimer's disease in 2002.-Club:He played as an amateur for Crystal Palace before he joined Milwall as a professional...
was replaced by Brian Clough
Brian Clough
Brian Howard Clough, OBE was an English footballer and football manager. He is most notable for his success with Derby County and Nottingham Forest. His achievement of winning back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest, a traditionally moderate provincial English club, is considered to be...
, but the 1973–74 campaign was also difficult, as Brighton avoided their second successive relegation by eight points.
Beamish was signed by Gordon Lee
Gordon Lee (footballer)
Gordon Francis Lee is a former English footballer and football manager.A right-back during his playing days, he moved from Hednesford Town to Aston Villa in 1955...
's Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
for a £25,000 fee in May 1974. Whilst at Blackburn, he endeared himself to the fans, who would chant "Beamo" whenever Beamish's shot at goal flew over the bar. To Blackburn fans of a certain generation, a 'Beamo' is any off-target shot. The 1974–75 season was successful, as Blackburn were promoted to the Second Division as champions of the Third Division. Rovers finished mid-table in 1975–76 under the stewardship of Jim Smith
Jim Smith (footballer)
James Michael "Jim" Smith is a retired English footballer and manager. As a player, he made 249 appearances in the Fourth Division of The Football League, representing Aldershot, Halifax Town, Lincoln City and Colchester United, and played for three-and-a-half years for Boston United of the...
.
He joined Third Division Port Vale
Port Vale F.C.
Port Vale Football Club is an English football club currently playing in Football League Two. They are based in Burslem, Staffordshire — one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The club's traditional rivals in the city are Stoke City, and games between the two clubs are known as...
for £12,000 in September 1976 and went straight into the first team. He became the club's top scorer in the 1976–77
1976–77 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1976–77 season was Port Vale's sixty-fifth season of football in the Football League, and their seventh successive season in the Third Division. In the FA Cup, Vale reached the Fifth Round for the first time since 1961–62, after progressing past two Second Division clubs...
season with 18 goals in 44 games; three of these goals came against Grimsby Town
Grimsby Town F.C.
Grimsby Town Football Club is an English football club based in the seaside town of Cleethorpes, in North East Lincolnshire, England, who compete in the Conference National. They were formed in 1878 as Grimsby Pelham and later became Grimsby Town...
at Blundell Park
Blundell Park
Blundell Park is a football ground in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, England and home to Grimsby Town Football Club. The stadium was built in 1898, but only one of the original stands remain. The current capacity of the ground is 9546, though with the introduction of all seating in the late...
on 3 January. He was voted Player of the Year
Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year
The Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
for his 16 goals in 49 games in the 1977–78
1977–78 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1977–78 season was Port Vale's sixty-sixth season of football in the Football League, and their eighth successive season in the Third Division. Finishing in 21st place, they were relegated to the Fourth Division...
season; he scored ten goals more than his closest rival Jeff Hemmerman
Jeff Hemmerman
Jeffrey Lawrence Hemmerman is an English former footballer.-Playing career:Hemmerman came through the youth ranks at Hull City but struggled to ever make a big impact on the first team and was loaned out to Scunthorpe United in 1975 to try and gain experience...
, as the club were relegated into the Fourth Division. He started the 1978–79
1978–79 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1978–79 season was Port Vale's sixty-seventh season of football in the Football League, and their first season back in the Fourth Division following their relegation from the Third Division. Bernie Wright was highly impressive with his fifteen goals, though the rest of the team limped to a...
campaign with four goals in four consecutive games, before he was sold on to Third Division Bury
Bury F.C.
Bury Football Club is an association football team based in Bury, Greater Manchester. The team currently play in League One. The club's nickname is The Shakers which was bestowed upon them by club chairman JT Ingham, an industrialist and ironmonger of the late 1890s.-Formation of the club and the...
for £35,000 in September 1978.
He helped the "Shakers" to avoid relegation in 1978–79, as he scored 20 goals in 49 league games for the club before he returned to Tranmere Rovers, now back in the Fourth Division and managed by John King. Rovers suffered in 1979–80 and 1980–81, and had to apply (successfully) for re-election under Bryan Hamilton
Bryan Hamilton
Bryan Hamilton is a Northern Irish former professional football player and manager. He gained 50 caps for Northern Ireland between 1969 and 1980, and later managed the national team for four years. He is currently Technical Director at Antigua Barracuda F.C.-Playing career:Born in Belfast,...
in 1981. He then transferred to Swindon Town
Swindon Town F.C.
Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
, and played just two league games, as Swindon were relegated out of the Third Division in 1981–82.
Throughout his career he played 555 games in the Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
, scoring 159 goals.
Management career
After retiring as a player he became manager of Swindon Town. John TrollopeJohn Trollope (footballer)
Norman John Trollope MBE is a former footballer, manager and coach who served Swindon Town for twenty years.A Swindon Town legend, Trollope holds the record for the number of league appearances made for one club - turning out for the Town in 770 games between 1960 and 1980, an achievement which...
had originally brought Beamish to the club as his assistant. After Trollope's unsuccessful venture into management came to an end, Beamish took over the reins from him towards the end of the 1982–83 season. Working on a tight budget, Beamish was given only full season in charge, in which he led the Town to their lowest ever league finish - seventeenth in Fourth Division
Football League Fourth Division
The Fourth Division of The Football League was the fourth-highest division in the English football league system from the 1958–59 season until the creation of the Premier League prior to the 1992–93 season...
. However he did lead the club to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
, where former club Blackburn Rovers eliminated Swindon. When his contract expired at the end of the 1983–84 season, new sponsors Lowndes Lambert demanded a big-name manager, and Beamish was replaced by Lou Macari
Lou Macari
Luigi "Lou" Macari is a Scottish former footballer and football manager of Italian descent.-Playing career:...
.
He is currently working as Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
commercial manager, after being installed in the post in 1986.
Managerial statistics
| Team | Nat | From | To | Record | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | W | L | D | Win % | ||||
| Swindon Town Swindon Town F.C. Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011... |
 |
April 1983 | June 1984 |
|||||
| Total |
||||||||
Honours
Individual- Port Vale F.C. Player of the YearPort Vale F.C. Player of the YearThe Port Vale Player of the Year award is voted for annually by Port Vale's supporters in recognition of the best overall performance by an individual player throughout the football season. Towards the end of each season, fans are invited to cast their votes for this award.The inaugural award was...
: 1977–781977–78 Port Vale F.C. seasonThe 1977–78 season was Port Vale's sixty-sixth season of football in the Football League, and their eighth successive season in the Third Division. Finishing in 21st place, they were relegated to the Fourth Division...
with Brighton & Hove Albion
- Football League Third DivisionFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
runner-up: 1971–72
with Blackburn Rovers
- Football League Third DivisionFootball League Third DivisionThe Football League Third Division was the 3 tier of English Football from 1920 until 1992 when after the formation of the Football Association Premier League saw the league renamed The Football League Division Two...
champion: 1974–75