Beardsley chasing St James post

Alan Irvine currently holds the position, but will be leaving in the summer to take up a role coaching with the FA.

Beardsley is only one of a number of former Magpies who have applied for the post, with Kenny Wharton another former star in the running.

Wharton has spent the past couple of years working under Irvine, so has a strong case to put forward.