19 Facts About Darren Beckford

Darren Richard Lorenzo Beckford was born on 12 May 1967 and is an English former professional footballer who played as a forward.

Darren Beckford enjoyed the most successful time of his career at Vale, scoring 68 goals in 167 league games, helping the club to promotion via the play-offs in 1989.

Darren Beckford went out on loan at Third Division club Bury, scoring five goals in twelve games at Gigg Lane.

Darren 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.

Darren Beckford later admitted that throughout his early career his nerves caused him to vomit before games.

Darren Beckford was very athletic, had unbelievable spring in his legs and could finish.

That season Vale won every game in which Darren Beckford made it onto the score sheet.

Darren Beckford provided the crucial second goal of the 1989 final, flicking on a corner for Robbie Earle to knock into the net.

Darren Beckford managed 21 goals to become the club's top scorer yet again.

Darren Beckford managed to bag a hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers and found the net against former club Manchester City in the FA Cup.

Darren Beckford played 214 games and scored 81 times for John Rudge's side.

Darren Beckford was sold to Norwich City of the First Division in June 1991.

Norwich manager Dave Stringer had been looking to sign a regular goalscorer for some time, and when Darren Beckford signed, he described Darren Beckford as "the answer to the Norwich supporter's prayers".

Darren Beckford's spell at Carrow Road was inconsistent and he only scored 13 times in 49 appearances.

Darren Beckford did, though, end the season with a ruptured ankle ligament sustained in the penultimate match of the campaign.

Darren Beckford played 52 times and scored 17 goals before being released in the summer of 1996 after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Darren Beckford was an athletic forward who had pace, power and a tremendous leap.

Darren Beckford began working for The Prince's Trust working with youngsters in Manchester.

Darren Beckford's brother Jason Beckford is a former professional footballer.