Back in 2018, a number of players plying their trade in the National League were touted as the next Jamie Vardy, the Leicester City star who made the remarkable jump from non-league football to Premier League glory.
Everyone seems to think there’s going to be another Jamie Vardy, but while he’s been having a party for a few seasons now, it’s more than a decade since his big move. That’s ten years of painfully informed pundits predicting that there’s another Vardy on the way. Spoiler alert – there never is. Anyone can load up Whoscored and look at strikers who are under 23 in the non-league scene, pretending they know about talent, but only scouts, putting in the hard yards every week, really know.
In 2018, Sky Sports suggested these players were the next Jamie Vardy. Now in 2024, we revisit these ten players and see where their careers actually took them.
Lyle Della-Verde – Braintree Town
In 2018, Lyle Della-Verde was with Braintree Town after spells with Fulham’s academy and a series of lower-league clubs. Despite showing promise at a young age, his career had stagnated in the non-league, although he had the potential to impress with his tricky wide play and passing ability. He had just moved to Braintree, hoping to reignite his career.
As of 2024, Della-Verde has continued to feature in the non-league pyramid, without making the leap to the Football League. After a few years with various non-league sides, including a notable spell at Hayes & Yeading, Della-Verde remains a solid presence at step five of the football ladder but never managed to break into the professional ranks.
Blair Turgott – Maidstone United
Turgott had a bright youth career with West Ham and represented England from U16 to U19. However, by 2018, he was battling for recognition at Maidstone United after several unsuccessful EFL stints, hoping his goal-scoring prowess in the National League would earn him another shot at the professional game.
In 2024, Blair Turgott has experienced a footballing revival. He earned a move to the Swedish top flight with Östersunds FK, where he flourished and later returned to the EFL with Newport County. Turgott’s career path took unexpected turns, but he has re-established himself as a professional, albeit not at the top tier of English football.
Dayle Southwell – Halifax Town
In 2018, Southwell was rebuilding his career at Halifax Town after a difficult spell at Wycombe Wanderers, where he failed to replicate the form that had made him a star at Boston United. He had netted four goals early in the season and was hoping to re-attract EFL attention.
By 2024, Southwell had spent several more years in the National League with mixed success. His inability to find consistency saw him drop further down the pyramid, playing for non-league sides like Alfreton Town and Gainsborough Trinity. Unfortunately, Southwell never made it back to the Football League and remains a notable figure in lower-league football.
Jack Hindle – Barrow
In 2018, Jack Hindle was enjoying a breakthrough year at Barrow after an impressive spell with Colwyn Bay. He was a versatile forward who could score and create goals, earning him recognition as one of the National League’s rising stars.
Hindle’s career saw a modest rise after 2018. He was part of Barrow’s side that won promotion to the Football League in 2020, but he struggled to secure a consistent place in the team. By 2024, he had moved back to non-league football with clubs like Radcliffe FC, and his Football League stint proved brief.
Nicke Kabamba – Havant and Waterlooville
In 2018, Kabamba was at Havant and Waterlooville after a short-lived stint with Portsmouth. The 6ft 3in striker had a history of scoring goals in non-league football and was looking to prove himself once again after being released by Pompey.
Kabamba’s career saw a resurgence. By 2024, he had made his way back into the Football League, turning out for clubs such as Kilmarnock in Scotland and Northampton Town. Kabamba’s physical presence and goalscoring ability earned him a respectable career in professional football, though he never hit the heights of the Championship or Premier League.
Serhat Tasdemir – AFC Fylde
In 2018, Serhat Tasdemir was only 18 but had already made a name for himself at AFC Fylde, winning their Young Player of the Year award. His performances had drawn interest from EFL clubs, and he was one of the brightest young prospects in the National League.
Tasdemir secured a move to Peterborough United in 2019, but by 2024, he had struggled to make a significant impact at the higher levels of the game. After loan spells and limited appearances, he returned to the lower leagues, where he continues to play in the National League.
Jack Barham – Barnet
In 2018, Jack Barham had just signed for Barnet after a prolific spell at Greenwich Borough. He impressed immediately, capitalising on an early-season injury crisis to establish himself in the first team.
Barham’s progress has been steady but unspectacular. By 2024, he has remained a reliable non-league striker, featuring for clubs like Dartford and Maidstone United. He never quite made the step into the Football League but has enjoyed a solid career in the lower tiers of English football.
Mike Fondop-Talom – Wrexham
In 2018, Mike Fondop-Talom was catching attention with his performances at Wrexham. The powerful striker had scored five goals early in the season and was seen as a potential key player in their push for Football League promotion.
By 2024, Fondop-Talom has carved out a respectable lower-league career, featuring for a number of National League clubs, including Hartlepool United and Oldham Athletic. Despite strong performances, he hasn’t managed to secure a prolonged spell in the Football League.
Macauley Bonne – Leyton Orient
In 2018, Macauley Bonne was the standout striker in the National League, having scored 25 goals for Leyton Orient the previous season. His goalscoring prowess was expected to lead him to the Football League soon.
Indeed, Bonne’s career took off after 2018. By 2024, he has played in both the Championship and League One, including a notable stint with Charlton Athletic. While he didn’t reach the Premier League, Bonne established himself as a proven EFL striker.
Josh Kelly – Maidenhead United
In 2018, Josh Kelly was just breaking through at Maidenhead United after a prolific loan spell at Walton Casuals. The young striker was regarded as one of the most exciting talents in non-league football.
By 2024, Kelly has progressed well, moving up to the Football League with AFC Wimbledon in 2023. Although not yet a household name, Kelly has shown the potential to develop into a solid EFL player, continuing his upward trajectory.
Conclusion
Looking back at these ten players, it’s clear that few followed in the footsteps of Jamie Vardy. While some, like Macauley Bonne and Blair Turgott, managed to carve out respectable Football League careers, the majority remained in non-league football. It demonstrates just how rare Vardy’s ascent was, as many of these players possessed great potential but found the leap to higher levels more challenging than expected.
Editor In Chief