The managers probably won’t thank us for saying it but it’s always great to see Non-League talent move up into the Football League.
We’ve seen a host of players make the step up just in this past week – all with their own stories to tell.
Josh March has worked his way up the divisions with Alvechurch and, after hitting 24 goals in 27 games for Leamington, is moving up to League Two with Forest Green.
March told us in last week’s paper of how Non-League football has prepared him for the step-up – one he wasn’t even sure he’d get a crack at a few years ago.
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild quickly made an impression with Bromley during this campaign and he’s been snapped up by Portsmouth.
Then Barnet’s Jack Taylor is stepping up to Peterborough United – a club well-known for mining Non-League over the years with great success – for a fee of £500,000 which could rise to £1 million with add-ons.
Our columnist and BT Sport commentator Adam Virgo recently wrote that Taylor is the best midfielder in the National League. Perhaps Posh were reading!
The moves didn’t stop there with Rob Atkinson joining Oxford United from Eastleigh. The young defender has impressed for the Spitfires this season having joined in the summer from Basingstoke Town. It just goes to show how much talent there is throughout Non-League football.
Of course, for the managers, it’s not great timing. They’ve lost important players at an important part of the season. It’s not as straightforward as just going out and handpicking a replacement.
It does, however, reflect well on them and their clubs. Non-League football thrives and survives on giving young footballers the opportunity to showcase their talent and the platform to push onto the League.
Are there more footballers just waiting for their chance? You can be sure of it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matlock Town have had their ground broken into for the third time in three months.
They certainly aren’t the only Non-League club to suffer at the hands of mindless thieves.
It is soul-destroying for the hard-working volunteers that put in all the hours they can to their club only to have to clear up the mess.
Unfortunately, many Non-League clubs and grounds are soft targets. Often tucked away and with alcohol and other stock, or the prospect of cash left inside – they are an appealing proposition.
Clubs no doubt have insurance but the costs of additional security only add an extra burden.