2014 Review: #5 Thomas Beattie

 

2014 saw Thomas Beattie help Warriors FC to their first S. League title since 2009.

In just his second season in Singapore, the Goole-born midfielder lifted silverware, helping to end Tampines Rovers’ three-year domination.

Beattie started his career at English side Hull City before moving to the US in 2005 to take up the opportunity of a football scholarship.

During his studies, he featured for Canadian sides Forest City London and London City SC.

After completing his studies, Beattie joined Ottawa Fury who played in America’s fourth tier, the US Premier Development League (PDL).

Following a year with the Fury, the midfielder decided to a change of scenery would benefit his career as he agreed to join Singaporean side Hougang United, who were then managed by English coach Alex Weaver.

Beattie was a regular starter throughout the season and even when his compatriot Weaver resigned to take the top job at fellow S.League side Warriors FC, the Englishman continued to feature for Hougang. His first season of S. League football saw him contribute two goals from midfield in 23 league matches.

One of those goals was a sensational strike from outside the box, which secured 1-0 victory over Home United. His other goal also grabbed three points for Hougang, a close range finish in the 2-1 win over DPMM FC.

At the end of the year, the then 27-year-old had impressed enough to secure a move to Warriors FC and be reunited with his former coach Weaver.

2014 was significantly more successful at Warriors FC for Beattie , whose Hougang side had finished in 10th in his first season in Singapore.

Instead of competing in the relegation round when the league split into two like in the previous season, the English midfielder was this time battling for the S. League title as the championship went down to the final game of the season.

Beattie played the full ninety minutes as his side managed a 1-0 win on the final day of the season to claim their first S. League title in five years, pipping Steve Kean’s DPMM FC side to the silverware in the process.

2014 was a triumphant year for Beattie. He was reunited with fellow expatriate Alex Weaver and rewarded his faith by guiding Warriors FC to their first title since 2009, especially impressive seeing as the same side had finished 7th the season before.

This year, Beattie will be looking for continental success as Warriors FC compete in the AFC Champions League for the first time since 2010. His side begin their campaign in the preliminary rounds next month, when they take on Burmese side Yadanarbon FC.