Former Southport FC, Oldham Athletic and Manchester City striker Darren Beckford has died aged 59, with a number of his former clubs paying tribute and confirming the news on social media.
The Manchester-born striker came through City's youth system and made his first-team debut in 1984 at just 16 years of age. He enjoyed loan stints at Bury and Port Vale before a permanent transfer in 1987 began a notable four-year period with Vale, during which he featured in more than 150 matches.
Career highlights and later moves
After a two-year stint at Norwich, he signed for Oldham in 1993 for £300,000 and turned out 52 times, netting 11 goals, reports the Manchester Evening News. Upon departing Boundary Park in 1996, he had a period in Scotland with Hearts where he found the net during their Scottish League Cup final campaign.
He also enjoyed brief stints at Fulham, Walsall, Rushden and Diamonds, Southport, Total Network Solutions, Bury, and Bacup Borough before hanging up his boots.
Brief Southport appearance
Darren made a brief but memorable appearance for Southport FC during the 1997–98 season. He made his debut on 7 October 1997 in a Conference League Cup fixture against Leek Town, scoring a goal in what proved to be his only appearance for the club.
Darren is the brother of Jason Beckford, who featured in more than 20 matches for City during the late 1980s.
Tributes from former clubs
News of Darren's passing was announced by several of his former clubs on social media today (Sunday, November 8). No cause of death has been disclosed.
Oldham stated in a post on X: "Everyone at the club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Darren Beckford. Darren made 52 appearances for Latics between 1993-1996. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Darren's family, friends and former teammates at this time. Rest in peace, Darren."
Port Vale said: "We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing for former player Darren Beckford who passed away this morning. Our thoughts are with Darren's friends, family and former team mates. He will of course be forever Valiant. RIP Darren."
One Oldham supporters' page said: "Scored some important goals for us. Condolences go out to Darren's family and friends. Rest in peace, Darren."
City supporters' collective, the 1894 Group, said: "Darren Beckford, brother of Jason. Local lad who played for City in the 80s. So young. RIP."
City supporter Mark McCarthy said: "Manchester-born Darren was a prodigious young talent who came through the ranks at City, forming a formidable strike partnership with fellow youngster Paul Moulden. Together, they were a hugely exciting prospect, with many believing both had bright futures ahead of them. For those who remember Darren coming through City's youth ranks, he will always be remembered as a gifted young footballer with a natural ability to find the back of the net, and someone who was once tipped for a very bright future in sky blue. At times like this, football becomes secondary. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Darren's family, loved ones, former teammates, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. RIP Darren."
