James Beattie, the former Everton and Southampton striker has joined the coaching set up at Swansea, linking up with great friend and former team mate Garry Monk.

Beattie and Monk were together at Southampton as youngsters and the Swans boss has been keen to bring him to the Liberty for some time to join his backroom staff - something he has now secured as he prepares his squad for the new season.

Beattie has previously been in management at Accrington Stanley and was linked with the vacant Newport County job but missed out to another former England international Terry Butcher

James will come in as a first-team coach alongside Kristian O’Leary and Alan Curtis, but will be given specific responsibility to work on a technical level with our attacking players,” said Monk.

“I’ve known James for a long time. He is intelligent, has a great knowledge of the game from his experiences as a player, coach and manager; plus he thinks about the game in the same way as myself.

“He has some bright ideas and, despite already having a fantastic knowledge of the game, he is still looking to learn at every opportunity.

“I’m constantly trying to create and improve all areas of the first-team environment with young, talented and up-and-coming staff. That’s not just the playing squad, but the backroom staff as well.

“James fits that criteria perfectly and with the experience he’s gained over the years, I’m sure the players will benefit greatly by tapping into his knowledge.”

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