With many Premier League teams sourcing players from abroad, it can be a challenge for English non-league players to ascend the ranks all the way to the top. In fact, it’s more common for players to move down the leagues rather than up. The following players, both past and present, stand out for their rise to the Premier League.
1. Joe Hart
Even the most casual of fans will recognise Joe Hart, goalkeeper for Manchester City and holder of four Premier League Golden Glove awards. Additional awards include Premier League goalkeeper of the season in 2009-2010 while he was on loan to Birmingham City, as well as a nomination for PFA Young Player of the Year. He began playing at Shrewsbury Town, where he made 54 appearances, before moving on to Manchester City in 2006. He made his international debut in 2008, and has played in England’s national squad for two World Cups as well as the UEFA Euro 2012. This makes him one of the most famous goalkeepers who started out as a non-league player.
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2. Gary Hooper
Over the years, Hooper has scored not only in the Premier League and Championship but also in Leagues One and Two, the FA Cup, the Conference, and the League Cup. He’s also scored in the Scottish Cup, the Scottish League Cup, the SPL, the Europa League, and finally the Champions League. Beginning his career in 2004 with non-league Grays Athletic at the age of 16, he was quickly noticed for his talent and scoring record. This helped him jump up the ranks to Southend United, where he was loaned out to League One club Leyton Orient and League Two club Hereford United. Hooper was signed by Celtic for £2.4 million. During his time there, he not only was the top scorer, but also helped the team go on to win the Scottish Cup in 2011. This all led eventually to Hooper being signed by Premier League club Norwich in 2013. He’s currently playing as a forward for Sheffield Wednesday, a Championship club, but is overall known for his diverse career at all league and non-league levels.
3. Rickie Lambert
Another famous name that worked his way up the ranks is Rickie Lambert. Although he plays regularly as a Premier League striker for West Bromwich Albion and has even had a stint on the England national team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, he started out at non-league club Blackpool. Known for his large build and physicality as a player, Lambert has stood out at every level. He’s won numerous awards, including three league Golden Boots and was signed to Southampton in 2009. During his time in Southampton, he scored 117 goals for the team as they ascended from League One to the Premier League.
4. Jamie Vardy
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Jamie Vardy’s been all over the news for his impressive 11-game scoring streak at the end of 2015, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record. This has helped make him one of the most visible players at the moment, with Betsafe odds putting him on a track to Euro 2016. However, he didn’t break out of the non-league clubs until the age of 25. This talented player is in hot demand now, having proven his consistency as a scorer. During the 2011/2012 season alone, he managed to score 31 goals out of 36 appearances playing for Fleetwood Town. This led to him being recruited by Leicester City, where he is currently a player. They were promoted to the Premier League during Vardy’s second season with them. Vardy’s also a member of the England national team.
5. Steve Finnan
Born in Limerick, Steve Finnan moved to England when he was young and joined Welling United in 1993. From there, he went professional in 1995 when he was signed to Birmingham City for a fee of £100,000. Finnan’s a player famous for having played at all levels of the league system, including the four English league divisions. He’s also played in the Conference, the UEFA Champions League, the Intertoto Cup, the World Cup, and the UEFA Cup. This is something that no other player has managed.
6. Jimmy Bullard
A big personality in professional football, Jimmy Bullard joined non-league club Gravesend and Northfleet when he was just 20. From this beginning, he ended up at Wigan Athletic in 2003 after stints at West Ham United and Peterborough United. He really stood out as a player during his time at Wigan Athletic, scoring 10 goals in 145 league appearances and supporting the team as they were promoted to the Premier League. He’s also known for his big personality both on and off the field, being a leader with a good sense of humour.
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