When Jamie Vardy converted England’s equalising goal against the Welsh during the UEFA Euro 2016 in Lens on Thursday, he wrote another chapter of his remarkable rags-to-riches story. Rejected by Sheffield Wednesday as a 16-year-old, the English forward was obsessed with the game from a young age but found it difficult to break down the door.
Just four years ago Vardy was plying his trade in non-league football and, not long before that, was working full-time in a carbon fibre factory. Following a switch from his club Stockbridge, where he was earning £30 per week, to Halifax Town, Vardy slowly climbed up the football ladder, later joining Fleetwood Town. Leicester City then took a punt and broke the record paid for a non-league player, snapping Vardy up for £1 million.
Since the move, Vardy has scarcely looked back. His debut season in the Premier League was one of feeling his feet, but this campaign a tally of 24 league goals, equal to Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, aided Leicester City’s title win which defied all logic left in football.
It’s a tale of desire, determination and a refusal to be beaten. Vardy’s electric pace and clinical eye for goal are one thing, but it’s his enthusiasm for the game and belief in his own ability that has ultimately paved a path from an ordinary life to the Premier League elite. Here are a handful of other youngsters locked in English football’s depths who hope to emulate Vardy’s ascendence not only to better their footballing careers but to better their livelihoods and their quality of life as a whole.
#1 Luke Wanadio
After impressing in the first half of last season at Staines Town by registering 10 league goals and as many assists before November was out, Wanadio was on the radar of a host of clubs, but saw his contract torn up by the Surry-based outfit at the start of the year. He was particularly influential in an FA Cup first round tie with Leyton Orient last winter, who themselves fancied signing the 23-year-old.
Since his release though, National League depth-dwellers Welling won his signature and the forward continues to showcase good speed on the flank as well as an unselfish attitude in the final third. He’s an obscure name few would have seen before, he is fast approaching the age where he’ll no longer be known as a young gem and he’s already faced rejection in his career; he definitely ticks all the Vardy-esque criteria.
#2 Jay Simpson
Now for a more recognisable name and a bit further ahead in his journey to replicate Jamie Vardy’s fairytale story. Simpson is a sharp shooter who currently plays for League 2 side Leyton Orient. The winger-cum-striker is quick and agile like Vardy and has seen his goal-scoring record rapidly improve since joining the east London club, having converted 30 goals in 72 appearances for the O’s.
Simpson started out in the Arsenal academy which he joined at the age of nine, but failed to ever break into the first-team. Loan spells at a variety of different clubs left his form fluctuating and a sense of consistency non-existent. A move to Hull City in 2010 promised a lot but his return of just 12 goals in over 80 showings was far too slim. One year out in Thailand followed before the Englishman returned and at the age of 28 and scoring regularly, he is being followed by a host of top clubs.
#3 Alex Woodyard
The former England C player has himself claimed he and other non-league individuals aspire to be like Vardy. Strong, incredibly physical and able to shield his defence, Woodyard operates as a holding midfielder for Braintree Town and has been monitored by Colchester, who could provide a suitable jump to league level following their relegation last season.
The 22-year-old too has experience of manual work as a labourer not too long ago and now looks set for a career in football. His attitude is refreshing like Vardy’s; he is grateful for every opportunity that is put his way and could very easily gobble up the chance to play in England’s third tier in the not too distant future.
#4 Morgan Fox
Of the selection of player here, Fox is the most likely to cut it in the Premier League in the coming years. A contented regular at Charlton Athletic at the moment, the 22-year-old Welshman could be on the way to Old Trafford shortly, as a potential short-term replacement for the sidelined Luke Shaw.
It’s a lot tougher to make an impact as a defender compared to being a forward where a string of goals illuminates your name, but Fox’s contribution at the back for the London side is incredibly valuable. Born in Chelmsford, Morgan has had a relatively modest career in the Championship and League One (with Notts County on loan) but that never stopped Jamie Vardy.
#5 Daniel Nti
Not dissimilar to Ryan Giggs in his playing style, the Worcester winger is hot property in non-league football at present. His goal tally in the 2012/13 season helped the club to fight the drop and the 23-year-old has plenty of time to begin climbing up the ranks.
Not even a full-time footballer, Nti currently works in finance and the number cruncher may need to be on hand to manage his own salary if a big side comes knocking, with Bradford and Coventry having already claimed interest. Trials have come and gone for the forward without success but he has kept his head high and hopes that he’ll be seeing the net bulge in England’s top tier in years to come.
