Ken Beamish

Kenneth George Beamish (born 25 August 1947) is an English former football player, coach and manager. In his playing days, he was a forward, and he scored a total of 198 goals in 642 league and cup games throughout a 16-year career in the Football League.

He started his career at Tranmere Rovers in 1965, and in six years at the club would make close to 200 appearances. From March 1972, he spent three years with Brighton & Hove Albion, making around 100 appearances. In May 1974 he signed with Blackburn Rovers for £25,000, and went on to play close to 100 games with the club in two years. Bought by Port Vale for £12,000 in September 1976, he was voted the club's Player of the Year in 1977–78, and was the club's top scorer for two consecutive seasons. Sold to Bury for £35,000 in September 1978, he played around 50 games before he moved back to Tranmere Rovers in 1979. In 1981, he transferred to Swindon Town before he announced his retirement the following year. He later served as Swindon's manager in the 1983–84 campaign.

Playing career Tranmere Rovers Beamish started his career with Fourth Division Tranmere Rovers in 1966, under the management of Dave Russell. Rovers missed out on promotion at the end of 1965–66 after finishing behind fourth-place Colchester United on goal average. Promotion was achieved in 1966–67, after the club finished fourth, four points ahead of Crewe Alexandra. Tranmere retained their Third Division status in 1967–68, 1968–69, 1969–70, and 1970–71. Beamish was the club's top scorer in two out of his six seasons. Now managed by Jackie Wright, Rovers struggled in 1971–72.

Brighton & Hove Albion On 9 March 1972 – transfer deadline day, Beamish switched to league rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for a fee of £25,000 plus Alan Duffy, and saw his wages doubled. The club were already performing well with the strike duo of Willie Irvine and Kit Napier. However, the management felt that Beamish would offer more "bite" up front. He soon built a good understanding with strike partner Don Martin. He became the club's top scorer in the 1976–77 season with 18 goals in 44 games; three of these goals came against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park on 3 January. After Trollope's unsuccessful venture into management came to an end, Beamish took over the reins from him towards the end of the 1982–83 season. When his contract expired at the end of the 1983–84 season, new sponsors Lowndes Lambert demanded a big-name manager, and Beamish was replaced by Lou Macari. He later worked with AFC Fylde. He later lived in Euxton and got involved with local charitable causes.

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

1965–66 Fourth Division

1966–67 Fourth Division

1967–68 Third Division

1968–69 Third Division

1969–70 Third Division

1970–71 Third Division

1971–72 Third Division

178!!49!!20!!7!!12!!7!!210!!63

1971–72 Third Division

1972–73 Second Division

1973–74 Third Division

96!!27!!1!!0!!2!!1!!99!!28

1974–75 Third Division

1975–76 Second Division

1976–77 Second Division

86!!19!!3!!2!!15!!8!!104!!29

1976–77 Third Division

1977–78 Third Division

1978–79 Fourth Division

85!!29!!9!!7!!7!!2!!101!!38

1978–79 Third Division

1979–80 Third Division

49!!20!!4!!1!!5!!1!!58!!22

1979–80 Fourth Division

1980–81 Fourth Division

59!!15!!5!!3!!4!!0!!68!!18 Swindon Town 1981–82 Third Division

555!!159!!42!!20!!45!!19!!642!!198

Managerial statistics + Managerial record by team and tenure

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Individual Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year: 1977–78