Chris Waddle: Alex Scott proves Non-League talent is overflowing

By Matt Badcock

England legend Chris Waddle reckons the Non-League talent pool is overflowing – and the latest graduate to make the Three Lions’ squad, Alex Scott, proves it.

Scott, the Bournemouth midfielder, received his first senior call-up under boss Thomas Tuchel with the World Cup looming next summer and will hope to make his full senior debut in England’s Group K qualifier in Albania this afternoon.

It comes just five years after the 22-year-old was playing for Guernsey FC in the Isthmian League South East before the Green Lions star was spotted by Bristol City.

Winger Waddle trod a similar path, having started out with Tow Law Town in the Northern League, where he caught the eye of Newcastle United.

Lightweight

And after winning 62 caps for his country, including in three major tournaments, himself, Waddle loves to see the role Non-League can play in a footballer’s career.

“There’s a lot of players in Non-League football who still have pedigree,” Waddle said, speaking on behalf of shekicks.net.

“Alex had spells in the youth sides of big clubs, so he’s always had ability. Sometimes, people just don’t fancy you when you’re younger.

“It happened to me. I was very small at school. I had a lot of talent, but I was a bit slight, too lightweight.

“So he might have gone down the same path, with clubs not quite being convinced.

“There are so many talented players at that age who drop out or down, and then they develop and have wonderful careers.

“Look at Stuart Pearce and Ian Wright, they went to Non-League football for a spell, and there are different paths for different players.

“For Alex, it’s a great achievement and he and his family must be especially proud that he worked his way back from playing for Guernsey just a few years back.

“He probably stood out back then, but I’m sure few were expecting him to turn out for England. It’s a great story.”

Regular

Waddle, 64, returned to play Non-League at the end of his illustrious career at Worksop Town before brief spells at Glapwell and Stocksbridge Park Steels.

These days, he’s a regular spectator at Hallam FC and is pleased to see how Craig Denton’s side are faring as they look to consolidate in NPL East following promotion through the Northern Counties East play-offs last season.

“I know the chairman, Richard Pillinger, very well,” the former Marseille and Sheffield Wednesday attacker said.

“They’ve started well. Their first goal this season was to just stay in the league. It’s a big step-up from where they were, and it’s the first time they’ve ever been in this league.

“The budget requirements increase, and the football gets tougher. We’ve seen how they’ve done.

“A few draws, some good wins, and some defeats too. I think if they can match their ambition and survive, they can then build on that.

“But it’s a long season. There’s a lot of travelling in that league with some trips up to the north-east.

“When you’re working a job as well, and play midweek, you might not get home until the early hours and that is difficult to sustain.”