Darren was just eighteen, at the very start of his long career, when Martin Dobson brought him to Gigg Lane on three months loan from Manchester City in October 1985. An injury to John Kerr had necessitated his recruitment and he certainly had an eventful debut in a 2-1 defeat at Dean Court against AFC Bournemouth. Darren scored Bury’s goal but also missed a penalty. He went on to score 5 goals in 12 appearances during a very successful stay with the club before returning to Maine Road at the end of December 1985.
His career then took him on to Port Vale, Norwich City, Oldham Athletic, Portsmouth, Heart of Midlothian, Preston North End, Fulham, Walsall, Rushden & Diamonds, Southport, TNS, Bury again (in 1997 – no appearances) and finally, Bacup Borough. In all, he appeared in a career 363 league and cup games and scored 117 goals.
Darren’s younger brother, Jason, also spent a month on loan at Gigg Lane in March 1993 and the Beckford brothers are one of just sixteen sets of brothers that have played for Bury’s first team since 1885.
Our thoughts are with Darren’s family, friends and former team-mates at this sad time.
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