Don't Ignore Grassroots
The Non-League Football Paper|October 22, 2017

Former Anfield star hails class of Non-League

Alex Narey
Don't Ignore Grassroots

JAMIE VARDY may fly the modern-day flag for a NonLeague player rising to the top of the footballing ranks, but Nick Tanner knows all about hitting the big time… the former Mangotsfield United defender played in the last Liverpool team to win the First Division 27 years ago.

Tanner, left, would make a total of 59 appearances for Liverpool after signing for the Reds in 1988 for £20,000, playing first under Kenny Dalglish before Graeme Souness’ arrival at the club in 1991.

But his path began when he was mucking it out in the Western League, and he remains adamant it was the footballing lessons he picked up in the lower ranks that gave him the edge to take his game onto the hallowed turf of Anfield.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL PAPERView all
CRAIG'S BOOSTS
The Non-League Football Paper

CRAIG'S BOOSTS

MANAGERIAL stalwart Craig Edwards is back in charge of Barking – 23 years after he left!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
LENNIE GETS THE LOVE
The Non-League Football Paper

LENNIE GETS THE LOVE

VETERAN caretaker chief Lennie Lawrence says he is “excited” to be handed the reins at Hartlepool United permanently – just a few weeks before his 77th birthday!

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
MOTORS FEELS LIKE HOLMES!
The Non-League Football Paper

MOTORS FEELS LIKE HOLMES!

WHEN he was younger, Danny Holmes played video games that simulated being a football manager.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
REES HITS FAB FOUR AS TOWN ROMP IT
The Non-League Football Paper

REES HITS FAB FOUR AS TOWN ROMP IT

RICARDO REES struck four times to help Merthyr Town maintain their spot at the top of the table with a dominant home win against play-off chasing Havant & Waterlooville.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
DULWICH DISPLAY DELIGHTS COACHES
The Non-League Football Paper

DULWICH DISPLAY DELIGHTS COACHES

GOALS from Danny Mills, Luke Wanadio and Lorenzo’s stoppage-time finish fired Dulwich Hamlet to a comfortable win over fellow play-off hopefuls Potters Bar Town, though the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
ANCHORS A RAPID
The Non-League Football Paper

ANCHORS A RAPID

ASHTON UNITED hit two goals in two minutes to come from behind to win at Stockton Town.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
SEAGULLS KEEP THE HEAT ON ROMANS
The Non-League Football Paper

SEAGULLS KEEP THE HEAT ON ROMANS

BATH City were made to pay for their mistakes by high-flying Weston-super-Mare.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
CLINICAL COLEMAN KEEN AS MUSTARD
The Non-League Football Paper

CLINICAL COLEMAN KEEN AS MUSTARD

CIAN COLEMAN’S hat-trick lifted Buxton to their highest league position of the season as they became the latest side to frustrate Scunthorpe.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
KEV SEES RED IN REE PANT!
The Non-League Football Paper

KEV SEES RED IN REE PANT!

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher hit out at referee Abigail Byrne following his side’s defeat to Yeovil Town at Roots Hall.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
MARVEL MATTY DENIES MOORS
The Non-League Football Paper

MARVEL MATTY DENIES MOORS

BOTH managers insisted their teams deserved more after Altrincham came from behind to steal a point in a six-goal thriller at Solihull Moors.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024