Beckett was believed to have been the mystery six-figure striker that Steve Tilson has earmarked as the man to partner Freddy Eastwood up front for the 2005/6 campaign. Indeed, rumours from the Oldham Athletic board posted on an unofficial messageboard even suggested that the Seasiders had guzzumped the Latics into securing the experienced forwards services.
However, it now appears that the northerner has decided to stay closer to his roots and link up with the Lancastrians on a season-long loan move rather than move southwards. He has turned down a contract offer from the Shrimpers and instead has been handed the opportunity to prove himself at Boundary Park before agreeing a permanent deal.
A fee has already been negotiated between the two clubs for the end of the current campaign, and speaking to Oldham’s official club website, www.oldhamathletic.co.uk, Beckett was delighted. “It has taken a long time,” he grumbled, “but I am delighted that everything is finally sorted out.” He now joins their squad for a trip to the Isle of Man as part of their pre-season training.
Meanwhile, striker Lawrie Dudfield will not be moving to Peterborough United. The Posh’s boss, former Liverpool and Oxford United defender Mark Wright, told their club website, www.theposh.com after his side’s 2-2 draw with non-League Spalding, “Lawrie Dudfield is not for us.”
He expanded on that information, stating that the 24-year-old “didn’t really put himself about.” He also added that he was “looking for someone who gets into the positions that matter.” Dudfield has been training with the League Two club whilst his future at Roots Hall remains undecided. He has not been allocated a squad number for the new season as yet, with Carl Pettefer taking on his number eleven jersey.
TLG’s clickable squad list – at the bottom of the front page - will be updated in the next 24 hours to incorporate United’s new signings and squad numbers, but the full list is as follows:
1. Darryl FLAHAVAN | 2. Duncan JUPP | 3. Che WILSON | 4. Lewis HUNT | 5. Spencer PRIOR | 6. Adam BARRETT | 7. Mark GOWER | 8. Kevin MAHER | 10. Wayne GRAY | 11. Carl PETTEFER | 12. Mark BENTLEY | 13. Bart GRIEMINK | 14. Mitchell COLE | 15. Andy EDWARDS | 16. Luke GUTTRIDGE | 17. Jay SMITH | 23. Freddy EASTWOOD
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com