Promotion or demotion for Pedro?

Peter Beardsley has been given the new role of Football Development Manager at Newcastle United.

This has left me wondering whether this is a promotion or a demotion for one of NUFC's most technically gifted players of all time.

Pedro had been cutting his teeth as the manager of the youth team and had been getting results good enough to make people start to pay a bit more attention to the academy kids. His new role takes him out of the day to day involvement with the youngsters and tasks him instead with ensuring the local and international reputation of Newcastle United as a youth academy is developed.

Beardsley seems happy enough with the role. Speaking to the club website he had this to say:

"A large part of our club's future rests with our youth, so this is a terrific role for me. Helping bring exciting young talent to Newcastle United will make me very proud. I spoke with the manager today and Alan made it very clear how important this job is and what a difference he believes I can make to the club and its development."

In that same article Derek Llambias spoke about what a fantastically important role Pedro's new job was.

"Peter has been an exceptional ambassador for our club for many years," said Llambias. "His international standing within the industry, together with the skills he brings to the training field, make him the perfect appointment for this vital new role."

"We will also continue to benefit from the qualities that Peter brings to the training field. He will continue to work with the Development Squad to support Willie Donachie in the coaching and technical development of players."

"The board are committed to improving the recruitment and development of young talented players who can progress through the ranks of the Academy and Development Squad. We are delighted to appoint Peter to help us develop a truly world-class development programme."

Willie Donachie will replace Beardsley as youth team manager.

Is this step up for Pedro? Or is it a step down? Quite simply I don't know.

On one hand I can see the benefit of it as Beardsley is one of the big names when it comes to talking about ex-professionals. In two spells with United he bled black and white and gave his all for the cause, which is what you expect from a Hexham lad. All the top boys are from Hexham don't you know!

When it comes to attracting young players there are few that can match the enthusiasm and passion of Pedro. It's catching and you can't help but be buoyed when you hear him speak as you know he means every word and enjoys it. Everything he does is with a smile on his face.

On the other hand I can't help but think that by removing Beardsley from day to day training with the youth players we are removing one of the cogs in the wheel that has started churning out the young players who look capable of progressing at our club.

I'd hope that his reduced involvement counters that, but I guess time will tell.

One thing I do know is that Pedro has been there and done it all. He knows the score and if he feels happy enough with his new role then fair do's and I'll back it all the way. Hopefully he can help turn Newcastle into the "World Class" academy that Llambias speaks of.

What a player though eh? I especially love the two goals at 1:58 into this tribute video I found of Pedro at his best. Comparisons with Lionel Messi shouldn't be made lightly, but how about comparing Messi to a certain Peter Beardsley?