Beckles beat odds to make it to Stanley

SHELDAN KEAY

OMAR Beckles has revealed the struggles he suffered in non-league before making the move to the Reds.

Defender Beckles joined Stanley earlier this summer and made his league debut for the team during the 3-2 victory over Doncaster on Saturday.

The 24-year-old arrived from Aldershot Town, and he was always hopeful that he would be able to reach the Football League.

“When you’re in the scrap of trying to get out of non-league it can be a very dark place,” he told the club’s official website.

“You’re working and it feels like a tough battle to get from part time to full time football but I never doubted my ability. It was just about that opportunity arising and as soon as I got it I knew I would take it.

“I’m a strong believer that the cream always rises to the top and hopefully I can show that. The more opportunities I get at this level I hope the more I will show my quality and be able to impress.”

While Beckles arrived at Stanley this summer, one player who has left is defender Adam Buxton, who joined League Two rivals Portsmouth last week. He has spent the past couple of years with the Reds, and he was proud of what he has achieved at the club.

“I would like to thank the various managers I have worked with at Accrington, my fellow players, former chairman Peter Marsden and current owner Andy Holt along with the fans for the support everyone has given me during my time at the Wham Stadium,” said Buxton. “I have loved every minute of my time at Accrington, initially coming on loan and earning a full-time contract with the club. I have been honoured to play for Accrington Stanley and that’s why I am leaving so late in pre-season – it’s a hard club to leave.

“I hope they can achieve promotion this season.”