Accrington’s Omar Beckles late father was singer in hit 1980s funk band Central Line
SON of 80s pop band Central Line member desperate to make it a night to remember in the EFL Cup
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OMAR Beckles hopes to get West Ham dancing to his beat tonight, like his chart star dad once did with the rest of the country.
The Accrington defender's late father Linton was the lead singer with the band Central Line.
Accrington ace Omar Beckles is hoping for a night to remember at West Ham
And even though he was not around when they performed on Top of the Pops, Beckles still knows all the words to hit tune Nature Boy which they sang on the show in 1983, he still knows all the words!
"The musical connection hasnt really been mentioned much," said Beckles, whose dad's band had an underground hit in 1981 with Walking Into Sunshine.
"But having seen us on away trips, I know we love a sing-song on the bus!
"And I know our manager, John Coleman, and his assistant, Jimmy Bell, are big music fans."
Beckles will have plenty of friends and family in the crowd when League Two Stanley take on the Hammers.
But he knows there will be someone looking down with pride.
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And he has revealed Linton used to give him stick for not backing the Hammers.
Beckles was brought up in Walthamstow, East London and his old man followed West Ham.
Now hw has recalled how they used to argue over how to support.
The 24-year-old added: "Dad used to follow West Ham but I was more of an Arsenal supporter.
'He wasn't the biggest fan but always kept an eye on their results.
"But he always used to nag at me for not supporting West Ham!
"He will be in my mind tonight, so it's going to be an emotional occasion.
"And I hope there will be a good few family and friends in the crowd. I don't know exactly how many there will be but I've had loads of messages from people telling me know excited they are."
Beckles' journey to professional football has not been easy.
Just last season he was playing at non-league Aldershot and has previously been part of former England boss Glenn Hoddle's academy in Spain.
He also taught PE and coached football at a school, now he is set to step out at the Olympic Stadium after Stanley stunned Premier League Burnley in the last round.
Beckles added: "There were a few dark times while playing in non-league but things can change so quickly.
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"Hopefully they can keep going in a positive way and that win over Burnley was my highest moment in the game.
"For all the emotion, though, I hope I can be professional and approach the game as I would any other.
"It is massive for me, though, as I grew up 10 minutes down the road in Walthamstow.
"We could've drawn any team in London but to get West Ham, who my dad supported, means the world."
