Jamie Vardy’s rise from non-league to international football has been well documented in recent years, with almost everyone in football familiar with the Leicester City striker’s inspiring story.  

Halifax to Fleetwood to Leicester was the route Vardy took from non-league to the Premier League, with the striker eventually winning the title with the Foxes in a memorable 2015/16 campaign, which also led to him representing England in Euro 2016.

The 30-year-old’s route to the top of the game led to him opening his own football academy – V9 Academy – who look to unearth non-league footballers and hand them a opportunity to earn a professional contract in the Football League.

Vardy’s first graduate was Danny Newton, who earned himself a move from Tamworth to Stevenage, after an impressive 2016/17 season saw him score 34 goals in the Conference North.

Newton has made an impressive start to life with Stevenage, and here at FLW, we believe he is one to watch, as the 26-year-old has all the attributes to go further in the game.

The forward has made a strong start to the Sky Bet League Two campaign, helping Stevenage to sixth and 21 points from their opening 11 fixtures of the season.

Newton has scored on six occasions already, also adding one assist to that total, so far justifying Stevenage’s decision to hand the inexperienced forward a two-year contract at Broadhall Way.

The 26-year-old has quickly adapted to life in the Football League, similar to Vardy, with the pair having similar traits, according to the England striker himself.

Comparisons will clearly be made between Newton and Vardy, and the likelihood is that the former’s career will not see him match Vardy’s unbelievable achievements.

However, Newton is certainly a player to watch, and his early season form suggests we might see him at a higher level before long.

Stevenage fans… What do you think? Let us know your thoughts!