TOPPED by Jamie Vardy’s record £1m transfer from Fleetwood Town to Leicester in May, it’s fair to say that 2012 was a groundbreaking year for Non-League starlets making the step up into the Football League. Now, with 2013 soon upon us, we run the rule over the next batch of youngsters who look destined for the big time.
DAN BRADLEY – Alfreton Town
Age: 23 Position: Midfielder
Former Aston Villa youngster who has rebuilt his career in the Blue Square Bet Premier with Tamworth, Kidderminster and Alfreton. His goalscoring form for the Reds this term has attracted interest from Peterborough United manager
Darren Ferguson.
CHEYENNE DUNKLEY – Kidderminster Harriers
Age: 20 Position: Defender
The ex-Crewe Alexandra trainee, 20, returned to the full-time game last summer after an impressive spell with Hednesford in the Evo-Stik NPL. Struggled to find his feet initially as Harriers lost their first five games, but has flourished since the arrival of the experienced Josh Gowling. Firmly back on League scouts’ radar.
LEE EVANS – Newport County
Age: 18 Position: Midfielder
Premier League clubs are already looking at a boy who made only his fourth senior appearance in last season’s FA Trophy final, aged 17, but played like a Wembley veteran. Combines a great engine and tenacious tackling with precise passing ability, and has emerged as a mainstay of Newport’s title bid.
ANTONI SARCEVIC – Chester
Age: 20 Position: Midfielder
Former Manchester City youngster who starred at Woodley Sports following his Eastlands release, and was soon snapped up by Crewe Alexandra in 2010. It is at the Deva, however, that the elegant midfielder has really blossomed. His juggle and volley goal against Harrogate last week was Le Tissier-esque!
DECLAN WALKER – Wrexham
Age: 20 Position: Defender
Republic of Ireland Under-19 cap who missed virtually the whole of last season with a cruciate ligament injury, yet turned in some impressive displays early this term. Inconsistent form has seen him sidelined in recent weeks, but the Dragons look to have a player ready to step out of Curtis Obeng’s shadow.
LIAM TOMSETT – Hyde (loan from Blackpool)
Age: 20 Position: Midfielder
Pint-sized playmaker dubbed the Tigers’ Iniesta for the way he knits together their neat passing game at the hub of the midfield. Championship side Blackpool are his parent club, so Tomsett seems assured of a League future. Hyde fans will just be hoping they can keep the 20-year-old on loan for the rest of the season.
CHARLIE CLOUGH – Dorchester Town
Age: 22 Position: Defender
Released by League Two side Bristol Rovers in the summer, but had already gained useful BSBP experience on loan at relegated Bath City last year and has emerged as one of the stars of Dorchester’s run to the FA Cup second round. Dominant in the air and a real threat at set pieces.
JOSH GILLIES – Gateshead
Age: 22 Position: Midfielder
It wasn’t all that long ago Josh Gillies hopped off the bench at Wembley and bagged a cake icing goal in Whitley Bay‘s 6-1 romp of Wroxham in the FA Vase final. Now in his third season with the Heed the former Blyth Spartans youngster is really beginning to flourish with his drive and energy on the flank and won his first England C cap this season in the 2-1 win against Belgium.
AARAN RACINE – Forest Green Rovers
Age: 21 Position: Defender
Racine’s impact in his first month at The New Lawn was so impressive that Rovers boss David Hockaday handed the central defender a two-year deal. Has gone from strength to strength at Blue Square Bet Premier level after forming a solid partnership alongside Eddie Oshodi.
DUNCAN WATMORE – Altrincham
Age: 18 Position: Winger/Striker
Son of former FA chief executive Ian Watmore, the flame-haired attacker broke into the Alty first team last season. Now establishing himself as an important first team player – he has eight goals in 11 starts. A bundle of energy, he really showed his potential in Alty’s FA Cup games against League Two Burton Albion.
JAMIE WHITE – Salisbury City
Age: 23 Position: Striker
White played in the Championship for Southampton before suffering a horror injury, breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle. Snapped up by Salisbury in the summer after scoring 54 times for Wessex League Winchester City. Has helped the Whites to the top of the Blue Square Bet South with 11 goals so far.
HARRY CORNICK – Christchurch
Age: 18 Position: Winger/striker
Premier League Fulham, Southampton, Stoke and Reading, among others, have all shown interest in this much-vaunted Christchurch wonderkid. Still finishing his A-levels, Cornick could have some big decisions to make in 2013.
VADAINE OLIVER – Lincoln City
Age: 21 Position: Striker
Feared he was for the football scrapheap after his release by Sheffield Wednesday in the summer but under Imps boss David Holdsworth is enjoying regular first team football. Often used from the bench this strong, powerful frontman has scored five goals this term.
Sam Clucas of Hereford