Blackpool v Huddersfield Town: Beckford’s absence pointing to possible switch to join Terriers

The former Leeds United forward came close to moving to the John Smith’s Stadium in the summer only for a loan deal to collapse with just five minutes of the transfer window remaining.

Leicester pulling the plug was the reason for Huddersfield being left frustrated. Town, though, remain interested in Beckford, who spent 18 months playing under Simon Grayson at Elland Road.

The late collapse of the switch to the Terriers led many to believe that he might be given a belated chance to impress at Leicester.

However, his exclusion yesterday from the squad to face Hull suggests that opportunity will not come along.

Asked by the Yorkshire Post if Beckford not making the 18 against the Tigers could be taken as a sign that he may be on the move, Foxes chief Pearson replied: “I am not commenting on anything like that.”

Beckford started the first three games for Leicester this season but since then had been an unused substitute.

Pearson added: “He wasn’t injured, he was left out. Any players who are left out, they have to work hard to get back in. I am not bothered if they are high profile or youngsters.”

Promotion, achieved at the expense of Sheffield United on penalties at Wembley, means Grayson will tonight get the chance to take a team back to Blackpool. And the Terriers manager admits that he cannot wait to return to his old stomping ground.

“I was disappointed I didn’t get the chance to go back last season,” said Grayson, who led the Seasiders to promotion from League One in 2007. “I had six good years at Blackpool – three as a player and three as a manager.

“It was a successful time and it played a big part in my footballing career. To lead Blackpool to promotion at Wembley was great and we then stabilised the team in the Championship, which was no mean feat at the time as we didn’t have a big budget and the facilities were not up there with the other teams.

“However, the club has gone from strength to strength and I would like to think I played some part in that.”

Town will be without Joel Lynch in front of the live Sky cameras after the defender was sent off in last week’s derby win at Sheffield Wednesday.

Anthony Gerrard is likely to be handed his first league start alongside captain Peter Clarke, who like midfielder Keith Southern is set to face his old club tonight.

Last six games: Blackpool WWWLDW, Huddersfield Town LLDWDW.

Last time: Blackpool 1 Huddersfield Town 0; August 14, 2007; League Cup.

Referee: T Bates (Staffordshire).