Matt Badcock
AN INFORMED AND ENTERTAING READ
There is one aspect of recruitment strategy more EFL clubs need to place far greater emphasis on: FOMO.
When it comes to unearthing a Non-League diamond in the rough, a Fear Of Missing Out would go a long way.
There are countless players showing their quality every week in Non-League, right under the noses of EFL clubs. They're just asking to be snapped up someone. Suitors must not get caught on their heels!
Teamsheets on a Saturday afternoon are littered with examples of players who have taken the Non-League route and are mainstays in the League. Some have even gone onto the Premier League and international football.
Kieffer Moore scored his first Premier League goal for Bournemouth last weekend, just a few years after putting in the yards at Truro City, Torquay United and Forest Green.
This summer has seen another batch get their chance higher up. Ollie Tanner has moved to Cardiff City from Isthmian League Lewes, the same division Wycombe Wanderers new boy Jasper Pattenden was winning with Worthing last season.
Niall Maher, at FC Halifax, has stepped up with Grimsby, while Shaymen forward Billy Waters has followed Pete Wild to Barrow, and defender Tom Bradbury has joined League One Cheltenham Town.
Matt Lowe has moved to League One Accrington Stanley from National League North Brackley Town and there's been other good moves for players like Armani Little, now at Forest Green, and John McAtee, who has gone up with Grimsby but has been snapped up by Luton Town.
So who's next? The list is a long one. Here are some targets EFL clubs should have on their hit-list before the transfer window shuts. If they can get them!
KABONGO TSHIMANGA – CHESTERFIELD
Tshimanga has probably been the National League's worst kept secret for a few years now. First the former MK Dons striker ripped it up at Oxford City before making the switch to Boreham Wood. More goals flowed and the only real surprise was his next move came within the National League, albeit to big-hitters Chesterfield.
Tshimanga hit 25 goals for the Spireites last season. Impressive? Even more so when you consider his campaign ended in February following a serious injury. He's now work-ing back to full fitness and, no doubt, back in the goals soon. Could play Championship no problem. Will cost a fair whack to get, however.
JOE SBARRA – SOLIHULL MOORS
Scouts should probably have season tickets for Solihull Moors these days. Kyle Hudlin has just landed a move to Huddersfield Town, now on loan at Wimbledon, and how he fares will be fascinating.
But there were plenty of stand-outs at Moors last season as they narrowly missed out on tion to the EFL promofor the first time in their history.
A huge part of their success has been Sbarra. Just 23, he has already played more than 50 times in the Championship and League One for Burton Albion but Moors have given him the chance to really flourish.
Last season he scored 18 goals for midfield, made the team of the season and was awarded The NLP's Young Player of the Year. It's a no brainer. But he has just signed a new and improved deal with the Moors.
RUBEN RODRIGUES – NOTTSCOUNTY
Portuguese attacker who has shown he can cope with the physicality of English football no problem. He's been huge for Notts County since his arrival from Dutch side Den Bosch two years ago as part of the club's new statbased recruitment philosophy.
Can receive the ball in the tightest of areas and be totally unflustered, he has played in a number of positions for the Magpies but really shone last year with 22 goals as part of a lethal attack including Kyle Wootton and Cal Roberts. Those two have now moved on so Rodrigues will take some prising from Notts' hands.
GREG OLLEY – GATESHEAD
Olley had 28 assists last season as the Heed won National League North division to return to Non-League's top flight.
The classy midfielder has represented England C and already wears the captain's armband at Gateshead at just 26. The last time he was in the National League's top division he scored seven goals and will be looking to make a similar impact as the club return to the level they were booted down from just a couple of years ago.
JESSE DEBRAH – FC HALIFAX
It's been a tough summer of departures for FC Halifax following yet another play-off campaign. Captain Niall Maher has led the departures that also included boss Pete Wild.
Keeping hold of 22-year-old Debrah will be just as hard with reports Huddersfield Town are close to getting the former Dulwich Hamlet defender.
Any other suitors may need to act fast!
BAILEY HOBSON – ALFRETON TOWN
Just 19 and on a sharp trajectory having just completed his first season in the National League North.
When football was allowed to return after the first Covid lockdown, the youngster was playing in the Rotherham Sunday League for High Noon FC. That led to the former Handsworth Parramore and Maltby Main midfielder being recommended to Alfreton by former Barnsley striker Shaun Tuton.
The unassuming youngster soon found himself in the first team and soon the scouts were watching. He's raw but is well thought of across the Non-League game.
For exclusive stories and all the detailed EFL news you need, subscribe to The Football League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.
