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Beardsley's Praise For Inspirational Gutierrez
Written by Newcastle Utd
Jonas Gutierrez was given a standing ovation when he entered the Newcastle dressing room after his first match since overcoming cancer, Peter Beardsley has revealed
By Dan King - Newcastle United Digital Editor
Jonas Gutierrez was given a standing ovation in the Newcastle United dressing room after making his amazing return to action on Monday.
The 31-year-old turned out as an over-age player for United's second-string in a 4-1 Under-21 Premier League Cup win over West Ham at Whitley Park and played for 87 minutes in his first match since overcoming cancer.
He then conducted a pitchside interview before taking time to pose for pictures and sign autographs with some of the supporters who had come to watch.
And Football Development Manager Peter Beardsley has revealed that he was then given an emotional reception from his team-mates.
"He was doing nufcTV afterwards and he came into the dressing room and just spontaneously they all clapped him in," explained Beardsley, who named Gutierrez as captain.
"It was a really nice thing - we never said 'when he comes in, you clap him' or whatever - they just did it as he walked through the door.
"He was probably ten minutes after everybody else and it was an incredible thing. It was really special.
"And it's just a measure of the man.
"He trained with us for a few days when the first team have been away so we know what he's like.
"When you look at him physically, he looks as well as he's ever looked and that, ultimately, is the most important thing.
"But to see him back on a football field is a massive bonus.
"You can't comprehend what he's been through but he's been brilliant around the group so it was great for us to have him involved in a game like that - and hopefully a big boost to his Christmas."
United progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition with the victory, which came thanks to goals from Gael Bigirimana, Adam Campbell, Callum Roberts and Liam Gibson.
But Beardsley admitted that the scoreline flattered the Magpies as the East London outfit dominated possession for large spells.
"It's great to win and great to get through but it wasn't a 4-1 game," said Beardsley.
"When you look at the West Ham way over the years, it is about developing players. They're not 'results-based', if you like - they've only won one game this season but they play some good football and if it had been 4-4, it would probably have been fairer.
"But from our point of view we're obviously delighted to end the year on a high."