James Beattie

Age : 22                                        Date of birth : 27.2.1978

Place of birth : Lancaster        Nationality : English   

Position : Attack                              Squad number : 16

Height : 6ft 1ins                             Weight : 12st 0lb

Signed : 10.7.1998 from Blackburn Rovers for £1 Million

      The talented young striker was voted the Saints' 'Player of the Year' last season as he scored several vital goals as the club successfully battled against the threat of relegation. Beattie arrived at The Dell in the summer of 1998 as part of the package that saw Kevin Davies move to Blackburn, but any ideas he was merely going to be a makeweight in the deal were quickly dispelled. He scored five crucial goals in 35 Premiership outings last season, as well as one in the League Cup. After making only seven appearances for Rovers, Beattie has had a considerable impact on the south coast with his imposing style frightening the opposition defence. An England under-21 international, Beattie has the potential to be a key figure in the long-term future of the club. Beattie performance last season never picked up since hurting himself pre-season only managing to make a handful of starts but he hopes he can return to his best for next season.