James Beattie joined Leeds United as a coach in the summer.
James Beattie has admitted to TV Yorkshire that he did not realise just how big of a club Leeds United were before joining in the summer.
The 38-year-old took up a role on Garry Monk’s coaching staff at Leeds in the summer.
The former striker represented nine different clubs during his well-travelled career, but the five-time England international never played for the Whites.
Although he would have faced United on a number of occasions, and had several trips to Elland Road, Beattie admitted to TV Yorkshire that he had no idea Leeds, as a club, was as “massive” as it is.
He said: “I love it. It’s brilliant. It’s a massive club. I probably didn’t realise how big of a club it was, but to be part of it and we’re showing signs of progression.
“We’ve had some decent results – especially in September – but we’re always striving for greatness and trying to improve things on and off the pitch.”
Monk’s side sit 11th in the Championship after winning four of their last five league games. They go to Derby County on Saturday aiming to bridge the four-point gap between them and the top six.
It has been an excellent last five or six weeks for Monk and his coaching staff, and with the momentum at their backs, they will try to make a beeline for the playoff spots in the coming weeks.
General view inside the stadium before the game – Elland Road
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