SYDNEY - David Beckham an assistant manager for Australia at football's World Cup? It turned out to be just an April Fool's joke that tricked a few people for a while.

The Sydney Morning Herald said Thursday that former England captain Beckham, who won't play for England due to an Achilles tendon injury and subsequent surgery, announced he was joining the Socceroos as assistant manager.

"The pineapple and bananas (FFA) sent made Becks realize he's really appreciated by the Aussies," it quoted a source as saying.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio later picked up on the gag, using a Beckham sound-alike in a mock interview that fooled a number of listeners.

"I'm really thrilled to be part of this group, I just can't wait to meet up with the lads and get the campaign under way," the Beckham impersonator told ABC radio of his decision to join the team for the World Cup in South Africa.

At least two ABC listeners were fooled.

"I've never taken much interest in him or his missus but he sounds great," one caller said. "I'm blushing ... I feel like an idiot."

Another told the station she got really excited before realizing it was a joke.

"This is just too good to be true ... Beckham coming to Australian soccer!" she added.