Shrewsbury Town v West Ham: East End boy Omar Beckles has date with destiny

The Londoner grew up in Walthamstow, just a 20 minute drive from the Boleyn Ground, where you could regularly find his father, Linton, an ardent Irons fan, writes Lewis Cox.

Tomorrow Beckles will face-off with West Ham for the second consecutive season.

He was part of the Accrington side that pushed the Premier League outfit to the end in the League Cup last season, eventually losing to a 96th-minute Dimitri Payet free-kick.

Beckles, 26, is a devout Christian and strongly believes that fate paired him and West Ham together for the second time in a little over 12 months.

The big centre-half, who will continue at left-back, where he has impressed in recent weeks, hopes that destiny will this year be on his side.

The ex-Aldershot and Stanley man said: “I’m east London born and bred, I’ve got all my mates saying ‘do them over, do them over!’ I’ll be looking to get one over on them.

“I don’t believe in coincidences, me being a believer and a Christian, I strongly believe that God sometimes strategically places certain things in your way.

“I feel like ‘what are the chances of me playing them again’? I felt it was kind of destined and hope that means we’ll be beating them this time around.

“My dad passed away (on Good Friday, 2015) so it was quite emotional the last time because of the connections and playing that game at home, feeling like he’s watching over me.

“I guess it’s a little remembrance as well, against his team. It’s a nice touch for me personally, but hopefully I can upset him! I have to put it aside though, it’s business as usual.”

Beckles credits the ties against West Ham and before that Burnley last season for ‘getting his name out there’.

While neutrals are beginning to pay attention to second-placed Town, Beckles wants the televised tie with David Moyes’ side to help Shrewsbury increase their national profile.

He added: “We’re going into that game prepared and expecting that we can cause an upset.

“We lost to a Payet free-kick. I feel like they’re missing quality like him these days – although they’re still Premier League quality!

“They have some unbelievable players but, with the form we’re in, why not?”

The powerful defender has climbed the football pyramid to reach the third tier. A little over three years ago he was playing for Histon and St Albans.

Despite making his debut and making a handful of cameos at centre-half, he has won plaudits from supporters for his eye-catching left-back displays since coming in for the injured Junior Brown.

Beckles is a big believer that the gulf between the divisions is not as big as is sometimes made out.

“To be honest, look at (West Ham’s Michail) Antonio, he’s come from lower leagues as well. I’m telling you now, there is a difference but I don’t believe the gap is that massive,” he stressed.

“I’d like to go into the game confident. I’ve played against some good lads since being full-back, some of the best wingers in the league I think.

"It’s been a bit foreign but I’m getting used to it. I feel like my performances are getting better.

"It’s always nice to hear people say you’re doing well in the position.

"I’m happy for the challenge and look forward to it.”

Shrewsbury's likely line-up (4-3-3): MacGillivray; Bolton, Nsiala, Sadler, Beckles; Godfrey, Ogogo, Nolan; Whalley, C Morris, Rodman