Darren Beckford

Manchester City

Beckford was a product of the Manchester City youth team and made his first-team debut at the age of 16. As a member of Jehovah's Witnesses, he rejected the opportunity to represent England at youth team level as he refused to stand for the national anthem, seeing it as saluting the flag and therefore unchristian behaviour. This is a somewhat dubious claim considering he played for the England Under 17 side on 15 occasions. The management at Maine Road took a dim view at this stance and did not play him in the first-team for another 12 months. He went out on loan at Third Division club Bury, scoring five goals in twelve games at Gigg Lane.

Port Vale

Beckford joined Port Vale on an initial loan basis, with Manchester City manager Jimmy Frizzell believing that a striking partnership with another youngster in Andy Jones would aid his development. He stayed for three months at the end of the 1986–87 season and then joined the club permanently for a fee of £15,000 (plus 50% of any future transfer fee – a clause that Vale later bought out for an undisclosed sum). This was settled by a Football League tribunal as a compromise between Vale's offer of £5,000 and City's demand of £60,000. Vale fans raised £7,500 of the fee with a 'buy a player' fund. He later admitted that throughout his early career his nerves caused him to vomit before games.

"A terrific goal-scorer. Darren was very athletic, had unbelievable spring in his legs and could finish. As…

His parents, Dudley and Valdene, were from Jamaica. His brother Jason Beckford is a former professional footballer. His nephew Ethan Beckford has also played professional football. Lauren, his daughter from his first marriage, played for Manchester United Women and Everton. His stepson, Danny Webber, also played professional football.

Port Vale

Football League Third Division play-offs: 1989 Heart of Midlothian

Scottish League Cup runner-up: 1995–96