Former England footballer James Beattie experienced a shocking incident involving a prized possession and the legendary magician Paul Daniels. During a Christmas party attended by Beattie and his Sheffield United teammates, Daniels, hired for entertainment, performed a magic trick that went horribly awry. Beattie, known for his extensive and expensive watch collection, reluctantly handed over his £40,000 Franck Muller timepiece, studded with diamonds, for the trick. Daniels placed a serviette over the watch and brought down a small hammer. Upon removing the serviette, the watch was not magically restored but instead shattered into pieces. The room fell silent, and Daniels’ face drained of color as the gravity of the situation sunk in. His wife, Debbie McGee, intervened, acknowledging Daniels’ declining abilities and trying to placate a stunned Beattie.
The incident occurred at a lively gathering in a Covent Garden pub. The Sheffield United players, including Matthew Kilgallon, who recounted the story on the Undr The Cosh podcast, were enjoying a post-match celebration. The atmosphere was boisterous as Daniels, already an elderly man, arrived to perform his magic tricks. Initially, the players were enthralled by Daniels’ close-up magic, which included pulling objects from their legs. However, the mood shifted dramatically when Daniels requested a watch for his next trick. Beattie, initially hesitant to part with his valuable Franck Muller, eventually succumbed to the pressure from his teammates, assuring them of the watch’s significant value.
Beattie’s Franck Muller watch was not just an ordinary timepiece; it was a symbol of his success and a cherished item in his vast watch collection. The watch, adorned with diamonds, held both monetary and sentimental value for the footballer. When Daniels requested a watch, Beattie’s initial reluctance stemmed from his awareness of its worth. However, encouraged by his teammates who saw it as a harmless interaction with a renowned magician, Beattie eventually relented. He carefully removed the watch and handed it over to Daniels, setting the stage for the unfortunate incident that would follow.
The aftermath of the smashed watch was met with disbelief and awkwardness. Beattie, understandably shocked and upset, questioned Daniels about the destruction of his expensive timepiece. Debbie McGee’s apologetic intervention, admitting that Daniels was “not what he used to be,” only underscored the gravity of the mishap. The incident left a lasting impression on the players, who witnessed the unintended consequences of a magic trick gone wrong and the destruction of a valuable possession.
In a surprising turn of events, Daniels later extended an invitation to Beattie and his girlfriend for dinner at his home. Beattie, perhaps hoping for some form of restitution or explanation, accepted the invitation. However, instead of addressing the smashed watch, Daniels proceeded with the dinner as if nothing had happened, leaving Beattie further bewildered. Kilgallon, recalling the story, noted that Beattie had anticipated some acknowledgment of the incident, perhaps even the magical appearance of a replacement watch, but none materialized. Daniels’ behavior only added to the bizarre nature of the entire episode.
The incident, recounted years later on the podcast, highlights the unexpected and sometimes humorous turns that life can take. It also reveals a glimpse into the off-field lives of professional footballers and the occasional interactions with figures from the entertainment world. The story of the smashed watch serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in magic tricks, especially when valuable items are involved, and the unpredictable nature of live performances, even by seasoned professionals. The incident remains a memorable anecdote for those involved, a testament to the unexpected intersection of sport, entertainment, and a magic trick gone terribly wrong.
