Don't Write Off My Son David

David Beckham is a heart-throb to millions of fans the world over. But to the man who has watched him grow from a young boy to the superstar that he is today, discipline is what made the former England skipper become a household name.

“Although he was a naughty lad, his discipline was superb,'' David's father Ted Beckham told XPRESS as he turned back the clock to his son's younger days.

“I was his first coach and I spent absolute hours with him. We would go to the park, I would get him to cross the ball, take free-kicks, control the ball and what you see now is what we did then but obviously on a bigger scale.''

Ted Beckham said his son is far from kissing his international career goodbye and the England side would benefit from his return.

“He wants to get back in the England team and play for them again,'' said Ted. “And I think at the moment they need him as they are not playing how they should. They've got some great players there but they just look jaded.''

Beckham has been overlooked by manager Steve McClaren ever since the latter took over the reins from Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Football pundits say his decision to head to Major League Soccer in America in the summer could further dampen his hopes for a recall.

“Personally I would have liked him to have stayed another year or two in Europe or in the Premiership, but it's his decision,'' said Ted.

The family have always shared a special bond with Manchester United and Ted revealed his champagne moment.

“I've supported Man United all my life, so it was my dream come true when David signed for them. Of course, he supported them as well.''

The former Old Trafford favourite himself needed support back in 1998 when he was dubbed the villain of England's World Cup elimination.

“It was a very difficult time for all his family but he came through it with his club – Manchester United,'' recalled Ted. “No player deserves to get as much aggravation David got, but he's turned it completely around.''

Over the years, the father's role has changed. “I'm more a fan than his Dad,'' said Ted. “I have every book that's written about him and I've got 600 videos from his early career till now.''

So does he get to see a lot of his son these days? “It's difficult because his lifestyle is different from so many other players.

“I see him as often as I can. I saw him before I came down here but it will be a lot more difficult in LA,'' he said of David's decision to join LA Galaxy.

Beckham senior knows his son well enough to predict his future plans. “I know what he will do,'' he said. “He won't be a coach or a manager, he will be training kids.''