Shrewsbury's Omar Beckles ‘chuffed’ by 'overwhelming' place in League One team of the year
Shrewsbury’s Omar Beckles revealed he was caught off-guard by the ‘surreal’ experience of winning a place in League One’s team of the season.
The 26-year-old, who was joined by Jon Nolan in the team as well as manager of the season Paul Hurst, has made a remarkable rise up the football pyramid.
Three years ago he was playing part-time with St Albans City, but the powerful defender has spent the majority of Shrewsbury’s season at left-back while covering for the injured Junior Brown.
“It is surreal and overwhelming,” said the Londoner, who is expected to make his Wembley bow in Sunday’s Checkatrade Trophy. “I definitely didn’t expect it.
“It caught me by such a surprise but I am chuffed about it. It’s the balance, I’ve got to feel all the emotion, which I have and I am, then I’ve got to contain it because there’s still so much that needs to be done.
“It can sometimes lift you above the level you really are at.”
Beckles spent time with Millwall as a youngster as well as with Jerez Industrial in Spain while with the Glenn Hoddle Academy.
While also coaching youngsters, Beckles forged a non-league career with the likes of Boreham Wood, Billericay Town and Histon.
He added: “My story alone is humbling enough to know that there is still so much more that needs to be done and how quick things can change.
“I’ll take it all in my stride and hope to build on more memories.”
