Premiership bosses rue loss of Beckham

DAVID BECKHAM could have carried on playing at the highest level in Europe, according to several Premiership managers.

The former England captain’s mega-money move to Los Angeles Galaxy was yesterday greeted with a mixture of surprise and disappointment by the likes of Martin O’Neill, Glenn Roeder and Chris Coleman, who view his move to the States as a major loss to the game in Europe.

Beckham, 31, Thursday signed a deal with the Major League Soccer outfit reported to be worth €193 million over five years, but Aston Villa manager O’Neill is sure the Real Madrid midfielder still had a future at the highest level.

He said: “I think he is still of the age that if Real Madrid didn’t want him, there were still plenty of top-quality sides in Europe who would.

“It is disappointing to see him leave the European scene especially when he should still have something to offer at his age.

“There are still other sides outside of Manchester United and Real Madrid in Europe who have a fantastic pedigree and he may well have been able to get into one of those sides.”

A similar sentiment was expressed by Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder, who worked with the former United superstar during his time on Glenn Hoddle’s England coaching staff.

He said: “He is a great role model as a professional footballer for young lads in terms of how hard you work at your game to become better — it’s sad we won’t not see him play here again.

“I understand he has said he wouldn’t feel right not pulling a Manchester United shirt on again and wearing the shirt of another Premiership team, and I understand that.

“David Beckham has a wonderful, God-given talent. I enjoyed working with him and I wish him and the family well.”

Coleman was scathing in his assessment of the move and suggested it might have more to do with the pursuit of glitz and glamour than the pursuit of meaningful silverware.

“I bought three players from the MLS, so it is a decent league — but it is not the Premiership,” insisted the Fulham manager.

“He does not need it (the money), but he has probably had a chat with Victoria, so I think it was a family decision.

“I do not buy it that he has gone over there to raise the profile (of the MLS).”

Meanwhile, his former manager at Manchester United, Alex Ferguson, was not surprised by Beckham’s decision and believes he will just be looking forward to playing regularly after warming the bench in Spain for much of the season.

“Having played for us and deep down being a United fan, he would not have come back to another English club,” he said.

“He has only played a few games this season and he cannot be happy with that. Every top player wants to play.”