British · Hexham, England · Born 18 January 1961English footballer and attacking midfielder/forward who starred for Liverpool and Newcastle, earning 59 England caps and reaching the 1990 World Cup semi-final
Peter Andrew Beardsley was born on 18 January 1961 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and began his career with Carlisle United before a brief, unsuccessful trial period at Manchester United and a short spell playing in Canada with the Vancouver Whitecaps. He returned to England with Vancouver's parent connections helping secure a move to Newcastle United, his hometown club, where his intelligent movement and clever link-up play established him as one of the First Division's most creative forwards. Liverpool signed Beardsley in 1987 for a fee that set a new British transfer record at the time, and he went on to become a key figure in one of the club's most successful periods, winning two league titles and the 1989 FA Cup, forming productive attacking partnerships with the likes of John Barnes and Ian Rush. His unselfish, intelligent style of play, dropping deep to link midfield and attack, made him one of the most respected forwards of his generation. Beardsley returned to Newcastle United in 1993, becoming a central figure in Kevin Keegan's exciting "Entertainers" side of the mid-1990s, before later playing for Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Fulham, and Hartlepool United as his career wound down. He earned 59 caps for England, once serving as captain, and represented his country at both the 1986 and 1990 World Cups as well as Euro '88. After retiring, Beardsley moved into coaching, spending many years working with Newcastle United's youth academy before later serving as the club's assistant manager, extending a lifelong association with the club that first gave him his professional break.
Key player in England's 1990 World Cup semi-final run
Despite his extraordinary talent, he never scored a goal at a World Cup — though he created numerous others.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling and passing ability
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of England's most creative players of the late 1980s
Career Honours
- First Division 2x
- 59 England caps
- First Division 1988
- First Division 1990
- FA Cup 1989
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle United | 1993–1997 | 129 | 47 | — |
| Liverpool | 1987–1991 | 175 | 59 | — |
| Bolton Wanderers | 1997–1998 | 21 | 4 | — |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 1982–1983 | 31 | 20 | — |
| Manchester United | 1982–1983 | 1 | 0 | — |
| Everton | 1991–1993 | 81 | 25 | — |
| Fulham | 1998–1999 | 31 | 6 | — |
| Hartlepool United | 1999–2000 | 10 | 1 | — |
| Carlisle United | 1979–1982 | 104 | 22 | #10 |
| Manchester City | 1998–1998 | 3 | 0 | — |
 Great Britain | — | 59 | 9 | — |
British Athletes