Leeds boss Monk is suspended for the Whites’ next fixture.
James Beattie has told the BBC he is prepared to lead Leeds United from an isolated dugout when the Championship resumes this weekend.
The Whites’ first team coach could be on his own for Saturday’s trip to Derby County, with manager Garry Monk suspended and his assistant Pep Clotet having returned to Spain for the birth of his child.
The 38-year-old does of course have previous managerial experience and says the situation could have its advantages.
“I’ll see what the gaffer wants me to do obviously, you know, we’ll work out a format which is suitable for everybody,” Beattie told BBC Radio Leeds.
“I’ll be radioed up, I put a radio on every game, if he’s (Monk) sitting there he might see something… at pitch-side it’s very difficult to see and sometimes it’s advantageous to have an elevated position. That’s why I think a lot of fans think the game is easy!
“Whatever format the gaffer wants to works this weekend, it’ll be a bit strange but if it’s me shouting instructions to the boys then I’ll do that, no problem.”
Beattie is expecting Clotet to return in time for the trip to Derby however, but spent over a year in charge of Accrington Stanley before linking up with Monk at Elland Road, with the pair having been teammates at Southampton.
During his time in Lancashire, Beattie brought his Stanley side to Elland Road for a League Cup encounter and was reminded of one particularly memorable event which took place that night.
“It’s fine (if he is asked to lead the team), I came here with Accrington when we played in the cup and lost 3-2. I think it was Bera’s (Gaetano Berardi’s) first game… where he’s tackled someone by the throat with both feet! I don’t mind at all.”
Leeds travel to Derby, who parted company with manager Nigel Pearson on Saturday, looking for their sixth win from their last seven fixtures in all competitions.
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