Sometimes in football, you have to remain patient. Not everyone can be a Marcus Rashford, thrust into the limelight at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs and performing immediately. For some strikers, the road to the top is much longer.
Some of the most talented players have come from humble beginnings, and non-league football has proven to be the perfect breeding ground for many — especially these three.
Jamie Vardy
Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is perhaps world football’s greatest rags-to-riches story. The Sheffield-born star started his career playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels before moving on to fellow Yorkshire outfit Halifax Town and, finally, Fleetwood Town. Thirty-four goals in 40 games in his solitary season in Lancashire prompted The Foxes to make Vardy the first £1m non-league player in the history of English football, and he would prove his worth.
Vardy played a vital role in their miraculous Premier League title win in the 2015/16 season, breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record for most goals scored consecutively. He would also go on to become a fully-fledged England international, as well as helping the Foxes claim the FA Cup under Brendan Rodgers in 2020. The 36-year-old remains at the King Power Stadium today, and despite their relegation last term, Championship betting odds providers make Leciester the 11/100 favourites for the second-tier title this season.
1️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Premier League goals for Jamie Vardy ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/sXFqqQOnaL
— Leicester City (@LCFC) October 18, 2021
Andre Gray
Next up is Andre Gray, who played for several non-league clubs before making it to the pros. He started with Shildon AFC before moving on to play for Hinckley United and Luton Town, who were a fifth-tier club a decade ago despite remarkably being in the Premier League this season. His performances at Kenilworth Road secured him a move to Brentford where he would become a household name in the football league.
Burnley would fork out £10m for his services in the summer of 2015 and two years later, Watford signed the Jamaican hitman to the Premier League for a mighty £18.5m.
The 32-year-old is known for his pace, agility, and ability to make runs behind the opposition’s defensive line. His finishing skills are also top-notch, which makes him a feared striker. His non-league background is credited for his work ethic and his ability to stay grounded despite his success, which has taken him to the Saudi Professional League playing opposite the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Sadio Mane.
Charlie Austin
Our final non-league export is Charlie Austin, who began his career playing for Kintbury Rangers and Hungerford Town. He eventually moved up to play for Poole Town and Swindon Town before going to the Premier League with Queens Park Rangers.
Austin is known for his excellent finishing ability and has scored over 150 goals in his career so far. He’s now returned to Swindon, where he’s attempting to be a top performer and lead the club into a prosperous future despite being 34 years of age. Austin’s success goes to show that talent doesn’t always need a big platform to shine.
The Englishman is known for his clinical finishing and his ability to score goals from any angle. His physical presence also makes him a menace for opposition defenders. His non-league background is credited for his determination and his ability to fight for every ball.
