Non-League is a hotbed for unearthed gems and is a market being utilised more and more by EFL clubs. In this article, we look at four players who have jumped from steps three and four to the EFL this summer.
Burton Albion have made a mammoth 20 signings this summer, with the signings coming from an array of leagues, including the Swedish Allsvenskan, Scottish League One and the Dutch Keuken Kampioen. However, one of the most intriguing and exciting signings they have made is the signing of the ‘Magpie Messi’ Jack Hazelhurst from National League North side Chorley.
It has been a meteoric rise through the ranks for Hazelhurst, going from Step 4 to League One in the space of 12 months. After six years at the City Of Liverpool where he scored 58 goals in 173 appearances, the 25-year-old was signed by National League North side Chorley FC.
His ability and potential were clear to see for all those connected with Chorley, with Hazelhurst penning a new deal in December 2023, just months after originally signing for the club.
The Liverpool-born attacking midfielder joins on a three-year deal after scoring 10 goals in 36 National League North appearances.
He is sure to excite fans with his mazy dribbling and creativity in the final third, as well as being an inspiration to all those players plying their trade in non-league. If all goes to plan at the Pirelli Stadium, Hazelhurst could follow the footsteps of Josh Stokes who has followed a similar trajectory, with the young sensation now playing for Championship side Bristol City.
Like Hazelhurst, Ethon Archer was playing step-four football just a year ago.
Starting at Kinetic Academy in 2018, Archer signed for step four side Whyteleafe, before spells at Bedfont Sports, Sutton Common Rovers and Horley Town.
In the 2022/2023 season, he registered a whooping 29-goal contributions as he gained promotion to step four with Raynes Park. This alerted the attention of Three Bridges. Here, Archer got six goal contributions in just ten games. November 2023 saw his big break, when he moved up two levels to join National League South side Torquay.
The exciting midfielder shone in Devon, again contributing six goals/assists in half a season for the Gulls. His versatility to play centrally as long as out-wide is a major reason why Cheltenham have made the swoop to sign him.
Joining Archer at Cheltenham is Liam Dulson, who signs from Step 4 side Bedford Town. The 22-year-old netted 26 goals at Step 4 last season for Ware and Bedford Town, gaining promotion via the playoffs.
After being released as a youngster from Watford Academy, Dulson has worked his way back through the non-league ranks, scoring a hatful of goals over the last three seasons.
Dulson is a quick striker who excels on the shoulder, able to capitalise on defensive mistakes. His unpredictability and newness to the league will make him a real asset in Cheltenham’s relegation battle.
Another striker that finds himself in League 2 is Marcus Wyllie who signs for Gillingham after firing Enfield Town to the National League South.
He made 85 competitive appearances for Enfield Town, tallying 20 assists and 40 goals throughout that time. His 30 league goals last season also earned him the Isthmian Premier's Golden Boot, and he was voted Enfield Players' Player and Supporters' Player of the Year for the 23–24 campaign.
Wyllie was probably the most sought-after Non-League player outside the National League and it is a testament to his ability that a side chasing promotion such as Gillingham has signed him.
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