DALES HAS CAREER ALL IRONED OUT
ANDY DALES says dropping down into NonLeague, rather than learn your trade through a professional academy, has helped resurrect his promising career.
The 23-year-old winger, who started his career at Derby County, scored 23 goals for Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Mickleover Sports last season to earn himself a place on the V9 Academy, run by England World Cup ace Jamie Vardy.
Now, after impressing scouts in a series of trials at Manchester City’s Etihad Campus, Dales has earned himself a dream move to League One Scunthorpe United in what is a club record deal for Sports.
Dales told iFollow Iron: “I think the club have been looking at me through the year. I got the phone call to come in and have a word, and it’s gone from there. It’s a big step up, I can’t wait to get started.
“I’d been at Mickleover for four years up to now. It’s really good there and I enjoyed it. It’s a good set of lads there, but this is where I want to be.
“Not everyone can go through the same route. Not everybody can go from being in an academy and play for the first team straightaway. Some people drop out of it and into Non-League, working their way back up.
“I’ve done that and can’t wait to get started in the EFL now. It’s been four years since I’ve had a proper (pre-season). It won’t be easy but I can’t wait.”
Mickleover Sports tweeted: “Dales is arguably one of the best players to wear the Sports shirt and we wish him all the success for the future.”