Born in Hexham, Beardsley grew up in Longbenton, Newcastle and was a product of the famed Wallsend Boys Club.
He joined Carlisle United aged 18 and had a brief spell at Manchester United before moving abroad to Vancouver Whitecaps in 1983.
He was brought back from Canada to figure in Newcastle United's great 1983/84 promotion side led by skipper Kevin Keegan, with the likes of Chris Waddle and Terry McDermott as teammates, and he had the happy habit of conjuring up magical goals.
A regular for England, he was dubbed a "Little Gem” by then-Three Lions boss Bobby Robson for his skill and spellbinding footwork. He went on to accumulate 59 senior caps.
After successful spells at Liverpool and Everton, he returned to St. James' Park at the age of 32 and it was as if he had never been away.
A key part of the Entertainers side, he displayed his talents alongside Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, David Ginola and, eventually, Alan Shearer, forming an unforgettable strike-force.
Beardsley is recognised by many as one of the best player to have pulled on the black and white shirt and he scored 119 goals in 326 appearances for United, included hat-tricks against Manchester City, Sunderland and Wimbledon.
After hanging up his boots, Beardsley was a coach at Newcastle United's Academy.