LEGEND James Beattie is looking for the right way back into coaching – but Saints Foundation have benefitted from his free time.

The former Saints striker was part of a 20-strong group of skydivers who raised over £14,000 jumping out of a plane at Old Sarum Airfield last month.

All the money raised will be used to support the charity’s work in Southampton, boosting aspirations and increasing well-being in the people of our city.

Beattie, who scored 68 Premier League goals for the St Mary’s side, left Wigan Athletic almost a year ago and has set his sights on getting back into coaching.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: “I’d usually be in a position working so it might be a little bit different, but I’m enjoying my time off and it allows me to do things I haven’t been able to do.

“The main focus is to get back into the game and coaching but it will need to be the right opportunity for me.

“I’ve had a couple of conversations and the club is close to my heart,” Beattie added, at the suggestion of an eventual return to Saints.

“But I’ve gained enough experience coaching to be considered on the quality of my work and not sentiment. I’ve got experience and a track record of developing goalscorers,

“Chris Wood went from getting out goals the season before we went in, to 30 and a golden boot. It’s always a massive bonus though and always well received.”

Beattie could end up being the face of another Saints Foundation challenge in the future, as an ambassador of the charity.

Having also worked at Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday, a new manager’s call could cut his availability short.

Saints Foundation are grateful for his current endeavour, which, alongside the other divers, helped pull in around 450 donors.  

Beattie said: “I’m super pleased, they were going for £10,000 initially but it ramped up as the jump approached and we got to £13,000 as we reached the airfield.

“It was great to see people getting involved. I think there were 20 jumpers, a few from Saints Foundation, some fans involved and some eye-catching fundraising.

“There were loads of other charities there too but we were all chatting to each other before, finding out what each group was raising money for.”

One of those divers was 70 year old Ginette, who has been attending Senior Saints sessions provided by the foundation for several years.

Beattie quipped: “She was probably the coolest one of the bunch, she just took it in her stride – but there were other people who were scared.

“I’ve done one before, I won’t tell you when, if you’re not big on heights then jumping out of a plane is not everyone’s cup of tea.

“The waiting and building up, arriving at the venue and putting your jumpsuit and harnesses on – that is when it adds to the apprehension. Once you’re in the plane, you’ve got no choice.”