March 3 2006

Crystal Palace centenary

Crystal Palace target Jermaine Beckford is not set for a move to Watford, according to his manager Gordon Bartlett, by Stuart Pink.

Reports in the national press today (Wednesday) stated that the Hornets have bid £200,000 for the Wealdstone striker.

But Bartlett revealed to the Croydon Guardian that news of an offer is unfounded and that the only club to put in an official bid is Yeovil.

Bartlett said: "I would definitely rule that out. I don't know where that has come from. They've not come to us and we've not come to them.

"I text Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd and said he must have done well for you to put an offer in already. He's only trained with them once. I thought he was taking the mickey."

Beckford has become the hottest property in non-league football after hitting 32 goals this season for Ryman League outfit Wealdstone.

The 20-year-old hit man spent time training with the Eagles last week and was due to play in last Thursday's postponed reserve game. Palace director of football Bob Dowie watched Beckford in action for Wealdstone when they played Bromley on Monday night in a game the striker scored in.

Bartlett confirmed that the Eagles would like to take another look at the prolific striker to decide whether to make an offer, but they face competition from 20 other clubs who have registered an interet..

Premiership champions Chelsea invited Beckford to their Cobham training ground last Wednesday where he spent a day training with the reserve side.

Bartlett feels Beckford would be a gamble worth taking.

"All of these clubs are taking their time because they don't want to take a gamble," he added.

"But if someone doesn't take a gamble they will live to regret it."

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