Buying players from Non-League teams is often seen as a gamble by big Premier League and even Championship teams. Basically, the logic the club will risk a small amount of money, hoping for a larger gain in the future. An equivalent for an individual would be to put a small amount of money on an online jackpot game hoping that s/he would win big. If Jamie Vardy was able to make it big in the Premier League, why wouldn’t you win a staggering amount of money? Nowadays you can even play casino games on your smartphone. Here’s a good list of mobile casinos and games if you’re feeling lucky. In the meantime, we’ll take a look of some of the most recent examples of former Non-League players who succeeded on the ‘main’ stage.
Jamie Vardy
Every story on Non-League players who succeeded on the big scene, simply has to include Jamie Vardy. The Yorkshireman is a remarkable example that it is never too late. Back in 2007, then 20 year old Vardy played for Stocksbridge Park Steels where he earned £30 a week. A mere £30 a week, and only 9 years later he won the Premier League with Leicester. It is beyond belief. Vardy played for SPS until 2010 when he was hired by Halifax Town, and next season he played for Fleetwood Town. Leicester City, his current club, bought him in 2012 for an amount of £1 million, which was the highest amount paid for a Non-League player. The club then managed to get promoted to the Premier League and eventually win it in 2016. Vardy decided to turn down Arsenal’s offer and remain at Leicester.
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