Beckham gives up paper chase

Beckham took his concerns about his column to the FA when his contract with the newspaper neared its end recently. He explained to chief executive Adam Crozier and head of communications Paul Newman that he felt it was better if he cut the tie and they agreed.

The FA has no contractual control over England players and therefore cannot pressure squad members into cutting back on their individual media work, which often proves a lucrative sideline to on-pitch earnings.

But it has become concerned over the number of players involved in newspaper 'tie-ups' and were subsequently delighted that the team's most important member wished to break free.

The FA's view is that Beckham should be available to the media - and therefore to England supporters - without restriction.

The FA has the same opinion towards manager Eriksson, who is not expected to attach himself to one particular paper as he settles further in to his role as national coach.

England players Michael Owen, Gareth Southgate and Gary Neville have newspaper columns, and David Seaman, Steve McManaman and Martin Keown have contributed to them in the past. The FA has tolerated the column in the same Sunday newspaper as Beckham by former captain Alan Shearer but the dangers of such arrangements were illustrated last year when Arsenal defender Keown caused a storm when he criticised the tactical capabilities of previous England coach Kevin Keegan during Euro 2000.

The Lions rugby union team suffered similar problems recently when scrum half Matt Dawson and utility player Austin Healey were charged with bringing the game into disrepute after articles that appeared under their names in respected broadsheet publications.

As for Beckham, the latest move serves only to illustrate the maturity and common sense that he is beginning to bring to his blossoming career.

Perceived as the villain in England after his sending- off against Argentina during the 1998 World Cup in France, Beckham was wary of the media - especially the written Press - during the early years of his career.

Beckham's views were strengthened by his manager Sir Alex Ferguson being suspicious of the media - and the fact that he was married to pop-star wife Victoria.

Just as Beckham's football has grown in stature, however, so has his ability to deal with the peripheral demands the game at the top level brings.

Since assuming the England captaincy last year, he has shown a tangible increase in confidence when confronted with note pads and microphones and is now recognised as the leader of the national team both on and off the field.