Beeney: Mark Raymond (Mark)

1993-1999 (Player Details)

Goalkeeper

Born: Pembury, Kent: 30-12-1967

Debut v Coventry City (a): 08-05-1993

6’4” 14st 7lb (1995)

Beeney started as an apprentice with Third Division Gillingham, turning professional in August 1985, but after only two League games he joined then Non-League Maidstone United in January 1987 on a free transfer. He was ever-present as they won the GM Vauxhall Conference title and promotion to the Football League and he was recognized by England who selected him at semi-professional level with a game against Italy. He went on loan to Aldershot in March 1990, making seven League appearances, but on his return he was in such good form that Second Division Brighton and Hove Albion stepped in and took him on a £30,000 transfer in March 1991, after fifty Football League games for the Fourth Division side. After sixty-eight League starts and one appearance as a substitute for the South Coast team, it took a fee of £350,000 to bring him to Leeds in April 1993. Although officially still contracted to Brighton until the end of the season United gain special dispensation from the FA and their opponents, Coventry City to allow Beeney to make his debut as there was nothing of consequence at stake. A big keeper, his meticulous planning left him well prepared as he keenly watched videos of potential penalty–takers. He proved a capable deputy for John Lukic, taking over when his form dipped. His contract was extended in June 1986 for a further two years, but he had to retire due to injuries sustained in a reserve game at Stoke City when he ruptured an Achilles tendon in March 1999. He joined Doncaster Rovers, but never played a first team game, and also played for Non-League Sittingbourne, who he also managed from October 2001 until he then became Chelsea Academy Goalkeeping coach in March 2005. He also ran a successful executive chauffeur business for several years.