By Andrew Dewhurst

David Beckham may not be the unanimous choice as an example of how to lead ones life but in recent times he has moved close to the top of my list – of footballers anyway.

In a career dominated by headlines of red cards, no left foot, can’t tackle, can’t head and has no pace, posh this and posh that; recent events have provided a better indication of the character of the man.

None of which surprises me greatly given the summary once given to me by Ray Clemence, England goal keeping coach. Ray made it clear to me his thoughts on Beckham and the respect he commanded at the time within the England set up – from coaches and players alike.

And the man who is as famous for his many different looks as he was in football has pretty much done it all in the game. He’s won championships, cup finals, played at World Cups, and captained his club and country.

However, when he chose to sign a lucrative deal to play in the States, he was bashed from pillar to post (again). The tabloids love nothing better than a Beckham driven frenzy and even genuine football writers appear to take great delight in booting ‘brand Beckham’ at every opportunity.

The abuse wasn’t just media driven though. Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon and Manager Fabio Capello took turns insulting the departing Englishman. ‘He will never play for me again’ said Capello as he dropped Beckham from the first team squad citing a lack of ambition and loyalty to Real.

Add to that the ignominy of being dropped by incoming England Manager Steve McLaren. Ninety five caps and captain under Sven but out he went as the new broom swept through the dressing room.

How then did Beckham react?

Modern society would have allowed - indeed expected some considerable tantrums. Surely Beckham would hurl insults back at Capello calling him the worst coach he had ever played for and cite him as the reason Real had not won a trophy for years.

Surely too Beckham would laugh in the face of McLaren as he left his England career behind and label him ‘Steve who?’ a coach who wasn’t even first choice for the FA.

Yes the tabloids would have been rubbing their grubby little hands with glee expecting a torrent of abuse from Beckham as he washed his hands of club and country, leaving for America with middle digit fixed firmly skywards as he boarded the plane.

But Beckham did not stoop so low. He reacted with restraint, respect and dignity. Vowing to prove his detractors wrong but more importantly to end his career on his own terms, saying he would fight to earn his place back for club and country.

And he quietly went about doing just that. Working hard and playing well for the reserves at Real Madrid, Beckham forced Capello’s hand and demanded his place back in the side. His return was welcomed by the fans and he rewarded them with a goal and a run of man of the match performances.

Eventually Beckham left the Santiago Bernabeu on the shoulders of his team mates on a dramatic final day of the season, the Spanish title added to his burgeoning CV, his reputation enhanced.

Those performances and desire to represent England again led to a similar recall from McLaren. Bereft of leaders and struggling to score goals in a faltering European campaign, McLaren was humble enough to issue an SOS to the former captain, going so far as to say he was staking his career as England Manager on Beckham’s performance.

Beckham did not disappoint, setting up two of the three goals scored in a 3-1 win over Estonia with trademark right wing crosses. He played with pride, passion and determination.

If only we all reacted in times of pressure as Beckham has over the past 6 months. Ninety five games for his country but appearing for Real Madrid’s reserves alongside the cast offs and youngsters. How degrading that must have been, how tempting the desire to chuck it all in and head for the nearest exit.

Unfortunately most of us will choose the easy option of quitting when faced with similar circumstances. I have seen it for myself first hand; young players who think they are god’s gift and spit the dummy the moment they are reminded they are in fact not.

Players decide the grass looks greener at the club down the road the first time they face adversity or a difference of opinion. And before you know it the young player is old and grumpy and has achieved little in the game of note other than having appeared for 12 different clubs in 10 years of football.

So next time you huff and puff and suggest the reserves in Central premier league or Northern first division or Southland league is beneath you, think of Beckham playing reserve team football near the end of his career.

If you want to throw the toys then go ahead.  Eventually though you will run out of coaches and clubs to walk out on. What’s more you will more than likely have earned a reputation as little more than a spoilt mercenary on the look out for the next ‘free pair of boots’ and easy ride into a first team.