Frank Yallop has resigned as coach of Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.

Yallop endured a difficult season in charge of the Galaxy during which the club was constantly under the media spotlight due to the arrival of David Beckham. The former England captain's impact was limited due to a number of injuries and the Galaxy's season petered out as they failed to make the play-offs.

The San Jose Mercury News reported yesterday that Yallop has left the club to return to San Jose and coach the Earthquakes.

The Earthquakes, who return to Major League Soccer in 2008, signed Yallop to a three-year contract after acquiring his rights from the Galaxy for a third-round draft pick in January, Quakes General Manager John Doyle told the Mercury News.

"As we're starting anew, this is a step in the right direction," Doyle said. "Frank has history here, his best years of coaching were here, and he has a great way with players. We needed a good name and good coach, and we have that in Frank."

Yallop resigned after a charity match for Southern California's wildfire victims on Sunday night which saw the Galaxy defeat Hollywood United 12-4 in front of 5,543 fans. David Beckham, who was watched by Steve McClaren, scored two goals against a team including Richard Gough and Frank Leboeuf, the ex-international defenders.

McClaren's presence at the match has been described as a farcical waste of the England manager's time, according to Terry Butcher, the former national captain.

Beckham has endured a season blighted by injury since his big-money move to Major League Soccer but remains in contention to return for his country as McClaren seeks the victory against Croatia which could yet see England book their place in next summer's Euro 2008 finals.

Butcher, however, can see no merit in trying to gauge Beckham's form and fitness in a friendly fixture of dubious quality. "For the England manager to be watching that is farcical," he said. "What can Beckham show the England manager in that sort of game?"

The Football Association, however, tonight stressed McClaren had informed senior officials within the organisation of his intention to meet Beckham and the matter has caused no internal discussion.

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