Omar Beckles Explained

Omar Beckles
Full Name:Omar Jerome Beckles[1]
Birth Date:25 October 1991[2]
Birth Place:Leytonstone, England
Height:1.91 m
Position:Defender
Currentclub:Leyton Orient
Clubnumber:19
Youthyears1:2008–2010
Youthclubs1:Millwall
Years1:2010–2011
Clubs1:Jerez Industrial
Caps1:13
Goals1:0
Years2:2011–2012
Clubs2:Boreham Wood
Caps2:19
Goals2:0
Years3:2012
Clubs3:Kettering Town
Caps3:6
Goals3:1
Years4:2012–2013
Clubs4:Boreham Wood
Caps4:6
Goals4:0
Years5:2013
Clubs5:Billericay Town
Caps5:13
Goals5:0
Years6:2013–2014
Clubs6:Histon
Caps6:30
Goals6:1
Years7:2014
Clubs7:Margate (dual-reg)
Caps7:10
Goals7:0
Years8:2014
Clubs8:AFC Hornchurch
Caps8:7
Goals8:0
Years9:2014–2015
Clubs9:St Albans City
Caps9:21
Goals9:2
Years10:2015–2016
Clubs10:Aldershot Town
Caps10:45
Goals10:1
Years11:2016–2017
Clubs11:Accrington Stanley
Caps11:43
Goals11:3
Years12:2017–2020
Clubs12:Shrewsbury Town
Caps12:80
Goals12:6
Years13:2020–2021
Clubs13:Crewe Alexandra
Caps13:41
Goals13:1
Years14:2021–
Clubs14:Leyton Orient
Caps14:106
Goals14:10
Nationalyears1:2019–
Nationalteam1:Grenada
Nationalcaps1:7
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalteam-Update:21:46, 22 October 2019 (UTC)
Club-Update:15 February 2024 (UTC)

Omar Jerome Beckles (born 25 October 1991) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Leyton Orient. Born in England, he represents the Grenada national team. He is currently the chair of the Professional Footballers' Association.

Club career

Spain

Born in Leytonstone, England, Beckles began his career at Millwall before joining Jerez Industrial in 2010. Beckles made his Jerez Industrial debut on 6 February 2011 against Córdoba CF B, which saw Jerez Industrial lose 3–1.[3] He went on to make thirteen appearances for Jerez Industrial. However, Glenn Hoddle Academy terminated its agreement with Jerez Industrial in March 2011, leading Beckles to leave the club, although he continued to play for the side for the remainder of the season.

Non-League football

After returning to his homeland, Beckles joined Boreham Wood in November 2011, where he first appeared as unused substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Basingstoke Town on 24 November 2011.[4] It was not until on 17 December 2011 when he made his debut, coming on as a second-half substitute for Charlie O'Loughlin, in a 2–1 win over Eastleigh.[5] Beckles soon became a first team regular at Boreham Wood and went on to make nineteen appearances for the side.

In the summer transfer window of 2012, Beckles joined Kettering Town after leaving Boreham Wood.[6] However, after making just six appearances for The Poppies, Beckles was forced to find a new club, citing the club's financial problems as the reason for his departure.[7]

After leaving Kettering Town, Beckles re–joined Boreham Wood on 16 November 2012[8] and re–debuted for the club the next day, in a 1–1 draw against Dover Athletic.[9] However, Beckles went on to make six appearances before leaving for Billericay Town in February 2013.[10] He made his Billericay Town debut on 23 February 2013, in a 3–2 loss against Bromley.[11] He went on to make thirteen appearances for the club.

On 5 July 2013, Beckles joined Histon.[12] Beckles made a good start to his Histon debut when he scored on 17 August 2013, in a 3–1 win over Colwyn Bay.[13] Beckles soon became a first team regular at Histon, making thirty-two appearances and scoring once in all competitions, but joined Margate and AFC Hornchurch.[14]

In November 2014, Beckles was on the move again when he joined St Albans City[15] and made his St Albans City debut on 15 November 2014, making his first start and playing the whole game, in a 1–0 win over Basingstoke Town.[16] Playing in a central defensive midfielder role, it wasn't until on 4 January 2015 when he scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–1 win over Gosport Borough.[17] Beckles scored his second goal for the side on 21 February 2015, in a 2–1 loss against Whitehawk.[18] At the end of the 2014–15 season, he went on to make twenty-one appearances and scoring once. For his performance, Beckles agreed a new contract with the club to play for them next season.[19]

Aldershot Town

In July 2015, Beckles signed for Aldershot Town, signing a one-year contract.[20] Upon joining the club, he was given a number fourteen shirt.[21]

Beckles made his Aldershot Town debut, in the opening game of the season, where he played the whole game, in a 2–1 loss against Gateshead.[22] From that moment on, Beckles became a first team regular at the club, forming a centre-back partnership with Jack Saville for the most of the season.[23] After making his debut, Beckles cemented his place in the side, which resulted in him making the Team of the Week.[24] [25] after a great performance against Kidderminster Harriers on 30 January 2016. It wasn't until on 28 March 2016, though, when Beckles scored his first goal of the club in a 2–1 win over Braintree Town.[26] At the end of the 2015–16 season, Beckles made 48 appearances (45 of which were in the league) and scored once in all competitions.

Beckles was awarded the Supporters Player of the Year.[27] In addition, Beckles was also offered a new contract by the club.[28] However, on 9 June 2016, Beckles left the club after not responding to a new contract by Aldershot Town.[29]

Accrington Stanley

In June 2016, he signed for League Two side Accrington Stanley, signing a one-year contract.[30] Upon joining the club, Beckles was given a number five shirt.[31]

Beckles made his debut against Doncaster Rovers on the opening day of the season, which saw Accrington Stanley win 3–2.[32] He then made provided two assists in two matches on 24 September 2016 and 27 September 2016 against Colchester United[33] and Mansfield Town.[34] In the club's second meeting against Mansfield Town of the season on 14 February 2017, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 4–4 draw.[35] However, in the next match against Colchester United on 18 February 2017, Beckles received a straight red card in a 2–1 win.[36] Following the match, Beckles served a three match suspension, after manager John Coleman decided against appealing, citing "a waste of time".[37] After returning from suspension, Beckles scored again on 18 March 2017, in a 1–1 draw against Yeovil Town.[38] However, in a 4–1 loss against Luton Town on 29 April 2017, Beckles scored an own goal following "a comedy of errors to give Luton a second when Beckles headed back to Rodak and it looped over the keeper and into the net four minutes into the second half."[39] In total, Beckles made 50 appearances in all competitions, and scored three times - all in his first season at Accrington.

Shrewsbury Town

Beckles joined League One side Shrewsbury Town for an undisclosed fee in August 2017, signing a three-year deal.[40] Initially used mostly as a substitute or rotation player, he broke into the first-team on a regular basis playing as a left-back following a long-term injury to Junior Brown,[41] and scored his first goal for the club in a 2−1 away victory at Bristol Rovers on 3 February 2018.[42]

He finished the season in the League One team of the year. [43]

After making 80 league appearances and scoring six league goals, Beckles left the club on 13 August 2020 after deciding to not renew his contract.[44]

Crewe Alexandra

On 4 September 2020, Crewe Alexandra announced Beckles had agreed a one-year deal with a 12-month option.[45] He made his Crewe debut in a 3–2 victory at Bolton Wanderers in an EFL Trophy group game on 8 September 2020.[46] On 3 October 2020, Beckles caused Crewe's League One game at Oxford United to be postponed after he reported a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 disease on the morning of the match.[47] He scored his first goal for Crewe, opening the scoring in a 2–0 win over former club Accrington Stanley, at Gresty Road on 23 February 2021.[48] On 13 May 2021, Crewe announced that it had offered Beckles a new contract.[49]

Leyton Orient

On 15 June 2021, Beckles was announced to have agreed to join hometown club Leyton Orient, agreeing to sign a two-year deal.[50]

International career

In August 2019, Beckles was called up for the first time to play for Grenada, alongside his Shrewsbury teammate Aaron Pierre.[51] He made his debut for The Spice Boys on 5 September, a 2–1 win over Saint Kitts and Nevis.[52]

Personal life

Beckles was born in Leytonstone, London.[53] He is of Grenadian descent.[51]

He is a devout Christian.[54]

His father, Linton, was in a R&B and soul band named Central Line. Linton died from complications of pneumonia at age 59. Beckles stated his father's death had a huge effect on him and his family and was a huge influence on his life.[54]

Growing up in Walthamstow, Beckles grew up supporting Arsenal.[55]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Jerez Industrial2010–11[56] Tercera División130130
Boreham Wood2011–12Conference South19000190
Kettering Town2012–13[57] SL Premier Division6161
Boreham Wood2012–13[58] Conference South6060
Billericay Town2012–13Conference South130130
Histon2013–14[59] Conference North301201[60] 0331
St Albans City2014–15Conference South21200212
Aldershot Town2015–16National League4513010491
Accrington Stanley2016–17League Two412413000483
2017–18League Two210021
Total433413000504
Shrewsbury Town2017–18League One3334010[61] 0473
2018–19League One36170103[62] 1472
2019–20League One112001000122
Total806110201311067
Crewe Alexandra2020–21League One411101[63] 0431
Leyton Orient2021–22League Two445311010496
Career total361202426017140823

Honours

Shrewsbury Town

Leyton Orient

Individual

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Notification of shirt numbers: Crewe Alexandra . English Football League . 25 . 20 September 2020.
  2. Web site: Omar Beckles . 11v11 . 2 November 2016.
  3. News: Examen para el nuevo Industrial. Diario De Jerez. es. 6 February 2011. 28 April 2017.
  4. News: Captain Marvel Makes His Point. Boreham Wood Football Club. 24 November 2011. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170425191815/http://www.borehamwoodfootballclub.co.uk/captain-marvel-makes-his-point/. 25 April 2017. dead.
  5. News: No Joy in Hampshire. Boreham Wood Football Club. 19 December 2011. 28 April 2017.
  6. News: Poppies Sign Two From Trials Weekend. Non League Pitchero. 1 August 2012. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170428191451/http://nonleague.pitchero.com/uncategorized/summer-moves-part-ten-15273/. 28 April 2017. live.
  7. News: Doyle: I can't see a way forward for Poppies. Northampton Telegraph. 6 October 2012. 28 April 2017.
  8. News: Beckles Rejoins Wood. Non League Pitchero. 16 November 2012. 28 April 2017.
  9. News: Back To Their Best. Boreham Wood Football Club. 17 November 2012. 28 April 2017.
  10. News: Billericay Go For Beckles and Lokando. Non League Pitchero. 22 February 2013. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170425213319/http://nonleague.pitchero.com/uncategorized/billericay-go-for-beckles-and-lokando-20367/. 25 April 2017. live.
  11. News: Billericay Town 2-3 Bromley. Kent Sports News. 23 February 2013. 28 April 2017.
  12. News: Omar Beckles Becomes A Stute. The Non League Football Paper. 5 July 2013. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170425194607/http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/latest-news/conference-north-step-two/6856/omar-beckles-becomes-a-stute/. 25 April 2017. live.
  13. Web site: Promoted Trio All Win. Non League Pitchero. 17 August 2013. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170428192443/http://nonleague.pitchero.com/uncategorized/promoted-trio-all-win-24696/. 28 April 2017. live.
  14. Web site: Beckles Becomes an Urchin. No League Pitchero. 19 June 2014. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170428190727/http://nonleague.pitchero.com/uncategorized/beckles-becomes-an-urchin-31976/. 28 April 2017. live.
  15. News: St Albans City target signing of AFC Hornchurch defender Omar Beckles. Borehamwood Times. 12 November 2014. 28 April 2017.
  16. News: New-boys Stoke the City fire as Saints win at The Camrose. Borehamwood Time. 16 November 2014. 28 April 2017.
  17. News: Jack is anything but Green as St Albans City stun Gosport Borough. Borehamwood Times. 4 January 2015. 28 April 2017.
  18. News: Hawks soar high as Saints stumble in Brighton Park. Borehamwood Times. 22 February 2015. 28 April 2017.
  19. Web site: Eight Commit to Saints. Non League Pitchero. 16 May 2015. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170428193410/http://nonleague.pitchero.com/uncategorized/eight-commit-to-saints-39307/. 28 April 2017. live.
  20. Web site: Shots Sign Omar Beckles | Aldershot Town FC. Theshots.co.uk. 2015-07-24. 2016-08-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20150725205855/https://www.theshots.co.uk/omar-beckles/. 25 July 2015. live.
  21. Web site: SHOTS SQUAD NUMBERS ANNOUNCED. Aldershot Town F.C.. 5 August 2015. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20150809085559/https://www.theshots.co.uk/squad-numbers/. 9 August 2015. live.
  22. News: Aldershot Town 1 - 2 Gateshead. BBC Sport. 8 August 2015. 28 April 2017.
  23. News: Resilient Aldershot Town soldier on in FA Cup after holding Bradford City. Get Hampshire. 8 November 2015. 28 April 2017. 10 November 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151110155432/http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/resilient-aldershot-town-soldier-fa-10409815. dead.
  24. News: NLPs National League Team of the Day January 31. The Non League Football Paper. 1 February 2016. 28 April 2017.
  25. News: Aldershot Town 1-0 Kidderminster Harriers. BBC Sport. 30 January 2016. 28 April 2017.
  26. News: Aldershot Town 2 - 1 Braintree Town. BBC Sport. 28 March 2016. 28 April 2017.
  27. Web site: END-OF-SEASON AWARDS. Aldershot Town F.C.. 24 April 2016. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170428204517/https://www.theshots.co.uk/end-of-season-awards/. 28 April 2017. live.
  28. News: New boss Gary Waddock axes NINE at Aldershot Town. Get Hampshire. 12 May 2016. 28 April 2017. 18 May 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160518143204/http://www.gethampshire.co.uk/sport/football/news/new-boss-gary-waddock-axes-11324139. dead.
  29. Web site: OMAR MOVES ON. Aldershot Town F.C.. 9 June 2016. 28 April 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20160616194314/http://www.theshots.co.uk/omar-moves-on/. 16 June 2016. live.
  30. Web site: In demand defender signs – Accrington Stanley FC. Accringtonstanley.co.uk. 2016-06-18. 2016-08-07. 21 June 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160621042042/http://accringtonstanley.co.uk/2016/06/demand-defender-signs/. dead.
  31. Web site: Squad Numbers. Accrington Stanley F.C.. 2 August 2016. 28 April 2017.
  32. Web site: Three debuts for Reds – Accrington Stanley FC. Accringtonstanley.co.uk. 6 August 2016. 2016-08-07.
  33. News: Accrington Stanleys fallen cup heroes focus on getting league win at Colchester United. The Lancashire Telegraph. 24 September 2016. 28 April 2017.
  34. News: Accrington Stanley extend unbeaten run to five games. The Lancashire Telegraph. 28 September 2016. 28 April 2017.
  35. News: Mansfield Town 4-4 Accrington Stanley: Yoann Arquin seals late point. Sky Sports. 15 February 2017. 28 April 2017.
  36. News: Accrington Stanley 2-1 Colchester United. Sky Sports. 18 February 2017. 28 April 2017.
  37. News: Accrington Stanley boss John Coleman says appealing Omar Beckles red card would be a waste of time. The Lancashire Telegraph. 20 February 2017. 28 April 2017.
  38. News: Yeovil Town 1-1 Accrington Stanley: Glovers make point. Sky Sports. 18 March 2017. 28 April 2017.
  39. News: Accrington 1-4: Luton Hatters secure play-off spot. Sky Sports. 29 April 2017. 8 May 2017.
  40. Web site: Omar Beckles: Shrewsbury Town sign Accrington Stanley defender. BBC Sport. 22 August 2017. 22 August 2017.
  41. Web site: Omar Beckles delighted with Shrewsbury defence. Shropshire Star. 2 January 2018. 25 February 2018.
  42. Web site: Bristol Rovers 1-2 Shrewsbury Town. BBC Sport. 3 February 2018. 25 February 2018.
  43. Web site: Cox . Lewis . 2018-04-06 . Shrewsbury's Omar Beckles ‘chuffed’ by 'overwhelming' place in League One team of the year . 2024-02-16 . www.shropshirestar.com . en.
  44. News: Omar Beckles to leave Shrewsbury Town after rejecting new contract . Cox . Lewis . . 13 August 2020.
  45. Web site: Omar Beckles Becomes Club's 5th Major Signing Of The Summer . Crewe Alexandra F.C. . 4 September 2020.
  46. Web site: Bolton Wanderers 2-3 Crewe Alexandra . Crewe Alexandra F.C. . 9 September 2020.
  47. News: Oxford United v Crewe Alexandra postponed after positive Covid-19 test . 4 October 2020 . BBC Sport . 3 October 2020.
  48. News: Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Accrington Stanley . 24 February 2021 . BBC Sport . 23 February 2021.
  49. Web site: 20/21 Retained List . Crewe Alexandra F.C. . 13 May 2021.
  50. Web site: ORIENT SNAP UP DEFENDER OMAR BECKLES. www.leytonorient.com. 15 June 2021.
  51. News: Hatfield . Luke . Shrewsbury Town's clash with Peterborough postponed . 30 August 2019 . Shropshire Star . 30 August 2019.
  52. Web site: Grenada vs. St. Kitts and Nevis - Football Match Summary. 18 September 2019 . . 5 September 2019.
  53. News: SHOTS SIGN OMAR BECKLES . 26 February 2020 . Aldershot Town FC official site . 24 July 2015.
  54. News: Shrewsbury's Omar Beckles: 'I'd get back and be breaking down in tears'. The Guardian. 16 May 2018. 26 February 2020.
  55. Web site: FAN'S Q&A - Omar Beckles. Shrewsbury Town FC on YouTube. 13 November 2019. 26 February 2020.
  56. Web site: Jerez . La Preferebte . 7 June 2016.
  57. Web site: O. Beckles - Aylesbury. Aylesbury Utd . 3 November 2016.
  58. Web site: O. Beckles. Soccerway . 3 November 2016.
  59. Web site: PAST SEASONS PLAYER STATISTICS – 2013/14. Histon FC . 3 November 2016.
  60. Appearances in FA Trophy
  61. Seven appearances in EFL Trophy, three appearances in EFL League One play-offs
  62. Appearances in EFL Trophy
  63. Appearances in EFL Trophy
  64. News: Lincoln City 1–0 Shrewsbury Town . Ged . Scott . BBC Sport . 8 April 2018 . 17 May 2018.
  65. Web site: 22 April 2023 . Leyton Orient 2-0 Crewe: Richie Wellens' side seal League Two title . 23 April 2023 . Sky Sports.
  66. Web site: Cox . Lewis . 2018-04-06 . Shrewsbury's Omar Beckles ‘chuffed’ by 'overwhelming' place in League One team of the year . 2024-02-16 . www.shropshirestar.com . en.
  67. Web site: 23 April 2023 . EFL Team of the Season line-ups revealed . 24 April 2023 . English Football League.
  68. News: Erling Haaland: Manchester City forward wins PFA men's Player of the Year award . BBC Sport . 29 August 2023 . 29 August 2023.