QUADRUPLE winner Andy Beattie, one of the biggest names in Welsh League football, has taken the helm at Third Division Monmouth Town.

Breaking the news Town's chairman Lee Robson said: "I'm ecstatic, absolutely delighted. He was the obvious choice – it was a no-brainer."

As a player/manager Beattie won the Welsh League, FAW Trophy, FAW Cup and Welsh Cup with Barry Town in 1994. Cardiff City famously lost out 2-1 in the final at Cardiff Arms Park, one of the biggest upsets in Welsh Cup history.

He later took Caerleon from the Third Division to the First in three years in the late 1990s, and had stints in charge of Merthyr Tydfil and the Welsh semi-pro side.

Now 50, he is Monmouthshire County Council's football development officer and has been managing Wales' under-19 women. Robson confirmed Beattie would continue his council role while taking charge at Monmouth Sports Ground.

Robson explained how he and director of football Barry Burns had approached Beattie earlier this week, and got their man.

"We approached him to see if he was interested in taking the challenge on. He agreed, and was in the dugout on Saturday," he said.

Robson added that his players may be in for a culture shock.

He said: "He'll expect amazingly high standards from the club. Our discipline has improved but this is another huge step towards us being a proper football club.

"He's well-known to some of the lads through coaching the Gwent County side and the schools development squad. I'm absolutely convinced he can turn it around."

Still beaming, Robson concluded: "It's going to be absolutely fantastic for the club – it's the most exciting thing to happen to Monmouth Town Football Club, probably ever."

An early indication of Beattie's thinking has been the shock call up of 18 year old striker Dan Williams for Saturday's home game against fellow strugglers Llansawel.