February 15 2006

Crystal Palace centenary

Non-league goal machine Jermaine Beckford has been tipped to make an impact at Crystal Palace by the man who gave him his first team debut as a 17-year-old at Ryman Premier League side Wealdstone, by Stuart Pink.

Gordon Bartlett, who has been at the helm of Wealdstone for 11 years, told the Croydon Guardian that the 20-year-old hit man has got what it takes to be a force in the English game if Palace decide to snap up the 28-goal striker after his two-day trial this week.

Bartlett, who unearthed Les Ferdinand and Andy Impey during his 21 years in non-league football, said: "All I can say is that I rate him very highly. I believe going to the right club and having full time training will see him progress even more. His progression over the past two or three years has been staggering."

If IAIN DOWIE does decide to sign up the part-time RAC windscreen fitter he may have a fight in his hands as Beckford is also having trials with Brentford, Barnet and Yeovil, plus according to his manager, he has even attracted interest from Chelsea.

"He's a unique type of player," said Bartlett. "He's six foot, quick, got a good touch and an eye for goal.

"He's scored about half our goals this season and some of them goals have been unbelievable. He's a relaxed guy, which helps when he is in front of goal."

Although the Wealdstone boss has not had much of a chance to see the Eagles play, he is confident Beckford could play alongside any of the current crop of Palace strikers.

Bartlett said: "We sold a small young striker to a team in our division earlier this year and he played very well with him. But we signed a bigger, stronger player in his place and he can also play alongside him."

Bartlett, who has been a trusted non-league contact for Palace director of football Bob DOWIE for several seasons, said if Beckford was to be sold it would be for an undisclosed fee.

But the non-league club hope a sell-on clause would be included in any deal so Wealdstone will receive a small percentage of future transfer fees.

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