The 43-year-old becomes the latest appointment at the club following John Carver’s move from first team coach to Academy director. 

Beardsley said:

“I always did want to coach the young lads around this age, and I always will. It’s the perfect job for me.

“Kenny Wharton and I have worked together before and it’s as if nothing has changed now. We run the team together, with John above us as Director of the Academy.

“Ken and I both have a say and advise each other. We have always got on well, Ken and I, and that will carry on now.”

He added:

“Seeing young Martin Brittain, for example, get onto the bench for the first team two or three times this season has given us a real buzz.

“And that’s what it’s all about - the buzz you get from coaching youngsters and seeing them come through.

“When I was a youngster and first went to Carlisle, one of their coaching staff, John Pickering, used to take me on my own in the afternoons and practice with me.

“He was one of many people who put themselves out for me when I was a kid. Now I’m putting myself out for others and doing what other people did for me 20-odd years ago.

“I’ll happily take kids out individually and do what John did. I just love being out there in my shorts in any weather - rain, hail or shine and I couldn’t be more pleased that I’m doing the job I love best again with Newcastle United.”