Catching up with: Former Southend United and Stevenage midfielder Mark Beard

But the 40-year-old will be firmly focused on helping to produce the next generation of players.

For Beard now runs the LTB Sussex Academy, working with players aged between 16 and 18.

And it is a role the 40-year-old is relishing.

“I really enjoy working with the youngsters,” said Beard, who made a total of 150 appearances in three separate spells with the Shrimpers.

“I was working in the youth set up at Crawley Town but when they decided to get rid of it I set up my own academy.

“I still work with a lot of the young players who were on Crawley’s books and as I’m based in Haywards Heath there’s also players being let go by the likes of Brighton and Crystal Palace.

“Our aim is to help these players get in to the professional game and it’s enjoyable to be a part of.”

However, Beard has his sights set on progressing himself and is keen to work his way back in to management.

The former midfielder, who also often played right-back for Blues, has previously been in charge of Tooting and Mitcham when they were in the Ryman Premier League.

He also bossed Spanish side UD San Pedro and would love to return to the dug-out.

“I do still keep an eye out on the managerial jobs that crop up but it’s difficult to get one,” said Beard, who worked alongside former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Vinny Samways while in Spain.

“In football there’s a merry go round of managers with the same ones getting the jobs all the times.

“It can be tough to be given that chance but I’ve got my UEFA A licence now and I’ve also learnt from the jobs I’ve already had which I think will stand me in good stead for the future, along with my own playing career.”

Beard made a total of 322 appearances in England and he lined up for both Millwall and Sheffield United before first teaming up with Blues, initially on loan, in October 1997.

He returned to Roots Hall on a permanent move the following July and enjoyed his spell with the Shrimpers, despite some inconsistent results for the side.

“It was a good club to be at but there was never the stability we needed for success which was a shame,” said Beard.

“Getting player of the year for the 1998/99 season was the highlight of my time there but it wasn’t very nice how it came to an end after that if I’m honest.”

Beard was released in the summer of 2000 by manager Alan Little.

But he was controversially informed of the decision after receiving a letter in the post.

“It was a long time ago now but I just didn’t think it was the right way for that kind of thing to be done,” said Beard.

“I’ve certainly learnt from that though and, now I’m on the other side of things, I would never ever treat one of my own players in that way.”

Beard dropped into the non league game after his departure to join Kingstonian before coming back to join Blues in October 2001.

“It was nice to come back and play for Rob Newman but there were still lots of changes going on all the time,” recalled Beard.

“We had some good games and it was certainly enjoyable so I’m glad I went back and made it to 150 games as well.”

Beard remained with Blues until 2003 and, after two years in Spain, came back to England to team up with Mark Stimson at Stevenage.

And it was while at Broadhall Way, Beard enjoyed one of the best days of his career, beating Kidderminster Harriers 3-2 in the FA Trophy final, which was the first competitive game to be played at the new Wembley.

“It was fantastic and to play at Wembley in front of 60,000 fans was incredible,” said Beard.

“You don’t forget days like that but, in truth, it probably affected our league form because with the players we had we should definitely have got promoted.”

Stevenage do now find themselves in League Two, sitting ninth in the table, four places lower than Blues.

But Beard was reluctant to pick a winner for this weekend’s clash.

“I do think it will be a good game because both clubs are doing well but I have a lot of time for them both so I’m going to say it will be a draw,” he smiled.