John Beck lands key FA coaching role

John Beck, once considered a long-ball guru during his time in management, has landed a key role in the Football Association's programme geared to nurture the next generation of English coaches.

The former Cambridge United boss has been given a position for the Association's Level 2 and UEFA B courses, The Observer has revealed.

The FA released a statement confirming the appointment and defending Beck's viability for the role.

It read: "John's philosophy around playing over 20 years ago bears no reflection on the competence of him as a coach educator at Level 2 and UEFA B.

"The FA employ John because of his understanding of coach education and of the FA's playing and coaching philosophy, which he fully believes in."

Beck was renowned for his unusual managerial methods including throwing buckets of cold water over the players and keeping grass longer on the pitch to hold up long balls.