James Beattie was sympathetic towards Accrington supporters (Picture: Getty)

And they say all footballers are greedy – well try telling that to the Accrington fans who were given tickets to the FA Cup clash between Southampton and Burnley by Stanley boss and former England international James Beattie, after their own club’s match against Portsmouth was postponed.

Accy were due to play their League Two match at Fratton Park today but the game was called off yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch.

But for the group of Stanley supporters who had already made the near-300 mile trip from Lancashire to the south coast, the early decision was of little consolation.

Great story from the south coast. 4 #asfc fans travelled to Pompey yesterday only for game to be postponed. James Beattie saw a tweet (1/2) — Dan Jewell (@danjewellmedia) January 4, 2014

and has organised for the 4 of them to go to the Southampton – Burnley game instead! (2/2) — Dan Jewell (@danjewellmedia) January 4, 2014

However, a message on Twitter was spotted by boss Beattie, who arranged tickets for the fans to watch his former side Southampton in today’s Third Round tie with Championship Burnley.




Having already put his hand in his pocket earlier this season to pay off Accrington’s tax bill, which if left unpaid would have seen the club suffer a transfer embargo, Beattie is fast becoming something of a club legend.

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