Standard of non-league football

[lakes]

Thought i would try and be original and start a thread about football for a change!!

I believe the level of non-league football is getting stronger and not worse as some people have suggested on this site.

With the low level first year pro wages at lower league clubs, talented younger players are opting to work and go down the semi-pro route, as higher leagues and even our own are paying very good 'expenses'.

There are a large number of lads being released from pro clubs going into non-league football with a pro 'pedigree' that interests non-league clubs. These players are physically fit, well drilled and coached far better than in my youth!!

We all know that fitness at our level is important to lads only training once/twice a week and i believe that more players of todays era are keeping themselves in far better condition than previous years.

Having had a background working as a scout at Sheff Utd and coaching at centres of excellence and academies on top of my non-league playing time i am very impressed and entertained by what i see at UCL level currently, let alone the Unibond and Conference North level games i have seen both last year and this.

I invite your sensible football related comments!!!

[honestref]

First off Lakes - you can't be paid very good expenses. Expenses are defined and anything over that is taxable earnings- don't fall into that trap!

Lads coming down from pro-clubs are always a good source of talent but they sometimes struggle to fit into the smaller pond but from what I have seen, most have there heads screwed on and can contribute.

I think the standard is definately getting stronger down the league. There are lots more clubs on the fringes of the top 2 or 3 league places and therefore it's more ineteresting for most spectators.

I think the UCL is a great league and a good standard - just look at how many teams make better progress than Ridgeons teams in the FA competitions.

Good luck to all in the cup today.

[footballfan]

Hate to sound like an old fart but i stand by that Non league football is not as good as it was say 20 year ago. Many reasons for this including the wider range of opportunities that exist now in other areas and also society being more politically correct and softer.

Football has improved in so many ways it is incredible and more enjoyable though i do feel that we are over coaching the talent out of naturally good players.

I could back up my argument all day long for reasons why i think this way including the dreaded playstations and X boxs!!!!!!

In my opinion, footballers involved in non league football today are generally less talented and determined than in the past.

It's still all good though and my opinion still makes me feel like i could still play now and so i am sticking to it ;D

[robt]

I personally believe the standard of UCL football has improved from what it was 10 years ago. This could be seen as a suprise because in reality it is one step further down the non league ladder due to the restructure 4 or 5 years ago. Perhaps with the gap between UCL and the next level not being as severe, due to the restructure, players have decided that the travelling etc of the next level isn't worth it. Also i imagine there isn't a massive money difference between the next level. There will always obviously be bigger clubs at the next step but i think in general a lot of the clubs are ex-UCL, ex-Ridgeons, ex Ryman Div 2. I also believe UCL Div 1 is considerably stronger, this is based on a blind belief, as i haven't seen much of it but from talking to people. I think this has meant teams in the Prem know they will be relegated if they finish in the relegation places. I agree that the talent pool is smaller due to youngsters having other things to do but with people in general getting bigger and faster then the standard has improved. The UCL will never be as strong as what it was 25 years ago because there was none of the subsequent steps of non league. There was the equivalent of the Conference and then the UCL and other feeder leagues. In effect Step 2 of non league.

[footballfan]

Good points