After nine years at the Millwall academy and a brief stint at Southend United, Higgins' life was at a crossroads. Unsure if he had a future in the full-time game, Higgins dipped his toes in Non-League waters and the rest, as they say, is history.
Fast forward 16 years and Higgins has established himself as one the part-time game's most decorated figures, scoring a whopping 403 career goals and picking up an unrivalled haul of collective and individual accolades along the way.
Undoubtedly his highlight was an iconic first spell at East Thurrock United, which yielded 275 goals and no fewer than four Golden Boots, at Steps 2, 3 and 4. He also won the Isthmian Premier and North division titles and steered the Rocks to a maiden Essex Senior Cup success.
Then, at Hornchurch, he lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley and Isthmian Premier title as well as a Player of the Year and Golden Boot double.
Add further success at Chelmsford City (two spells), Bromley and Canvey Island and you begin to get some idea as to the overall impact that the popular striker had, mainly in his native Essex and surrounding areas.
But, this week, picking after United, finally up a heel injury while playing for Hashtag Higgins called time on his glittering career, met by a social media fanfare from past clubs, managers, teammates and fans.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 27, 2024-Ausgabe von The Non-League Football Paper.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 27, 2024-Ausgabe von The Non-League Football Paper.
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NEWBY IGNITES A VASE DREAM
PROUD Kris Newby says his Romford side can't help but dream of another epic FA Vase run on the road to Wembley - albeit with a brand new squad!
RAMS GO LEVEL BUT FAIL TO GET EVEN
RAMSGATE and Burgess Hill Town played out a very entertaining draw, but the home side will probably feel they should have won the game, despite recovering from going 2-0 down early in the game.
NIFTY NEO SHOWING THAT HE'S THE ONE
CORBY Town extended their lead at the top of the Northern Premier League Midlands with a convincing win away at Darlaston Town.
GRICE BIDS FAREWELL AS BLUES BLUNDER
LEEK Town and Hebburn Town faced off for the first time in a match that marked the end of an era for striker Tim Grice.
PENALTY DESPAIR FOR SAD MANOR
THERE was penalty heartbreak for Bristol Manor Farm after a tight game that either side could have won.
CHURCH WINNER COMES EARLY
ALVECHURCH boss Jimmy Fry paid tribute to his side's defensive qualities as they edged a tense contest with Southern League Premier Central rivals Stourbridge.
MCBRIDE PRIDE AT SUPERB WINNER
ALWAYS absorbing, often thrilling, and at the death, A heart-stopping: two goals in the last 15 minutes earned Eastbourne Borough a dramatic win over promotion rivals Boreham Wood.
CALL FOR CAVALRY HEARD BY CALVELEY!
CHORLEY boss Andy Preece praised the character of his side after they became the first side to defeat Spennymoor Town at home since January to go top of National League North.
LATICS JUST GET THE JOB DONE!
OLDHAM Athletic manager Micky Mellon admitted he had no interest in his side being entertaining following this rather dull affair Dagenham & Redbridge at Boundary Park.
TAYLOR IS 'HURT' BY COMEBACK
WEALDSTONE manager Matt Taylor admitted his side's failure to claim maximum points 'will really hurt'
