I remember Ray Hankin telling me about him, when Ray played for Vancouver Whitecaps. Some lad, apparrently.
Ray (ex Burnley and Leeds), is a work colleague, btw. Top fella.
If Beardsley had played for Barcelona, he would be viewed in the same way as Messi now is. He was a wonderful player - it's just a shame that my memories are now tainted by recent events.
For me - Obviously KK from his spell as a player, but I also loved Chris Waddle (his drop of the shoulder and he was off!) - also John Anderson. The latter was as hard as nails and probs our best ever free transfer signing.
I often used to see him wandering around Eldon Square, when I worked in town 20 years ago. Do remember seeing him root through bins, but never saw him beg.
He apparently slept rough in the Rising Sun Country Park and he actually died around Thunder Thursday, back in 2012. Think his body was found around there.