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And his continued importance to the Iron has been underlined by the poor displays put in by his team-mates during his current absence through injury.
He said: "I want to play until I'm 40, which I've now done; score 100 goals - I'm on 99 and take the penalties; and I want to make 750 appearances, which I'm well on my way to doing.
"I wouldn't have come down to this level if it wasn't for Brian Laws. He was my captain at Middlesbrough and we have been friends ever since.
"I am learning a lot from him, I'm a people person and have always liked the sound of my own voice - so I should give management a go!
"The kids think I'm ancient and keep telling me I'm old enough to be their dad.
"Billy Sharp and Andy Keogh are only 19, so they're probably right."
Current Wigan boss Paul Jewell, who managed Beagrie at Bradford City, paid tribute.
He said: "Peter is a great person and a great professional.
"I can exclusively reveal the reason why he's still playing at 40 - he never crosses the half-way line to help out the defence""