Exclusive: Meet the 19-Year-Old Non-League Sensation Drawing Big Club Interest
A stunning strike from inside his own half, captured over 230,000 times on social media, has catapulted 19-year-old Danny Ormerod into the spotlight. The young forward, playing for AFC Fylde in the National League North, audaciously lifted the ball home in a move reminiscent of Wayne Rooney's iconic goal against West Ham United. This moment of magic came against Macclesfield, managed by Rooney's brother John, and capped off a 4-1 victory for promotion hopefuls Fylde.
Rapid Rise to Prominence
Ormerod, no relation to Premier League cult hero Brett Ormerod, has taken the sixth tier of English football by storm. With 27 goals, he is the runaway leader in the golden boot race, showcasing a talent that has Football League clubs queuing up for his signature. In an exclusive interview, he reflected on his remarkable strike, saying, "Loads of people have said that to me, it's like Rooney's one from the halfway line. I didn't have a clue what to do. It's all bizarre but I was just going mental."
His celebration, with arms outstretched as he wheeled away to the Fylde supporters, may have already secured the goal of the season award. Social media reactions, including one tweet urging fans to "enjoy him whilst he’s in non-league", highlight the growing buzz around his potential.
Ambitions and Comparisons
Ormerod remains focused on team success, stating, "The main target is to win the league, I've got my own goals, like top scorer and everything, but the main aim is to win the league and go up." He aspires to play at the highest level possible, drawing inspiration from non-league export Jamie Vardy, who signed for Leicester City for over £1 million, and icons like Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
Manager Craig Mahon sees parallels with Kane, noting, "I think he's a little like Harry Kane now, isn't he? For us Danny's just been a joy to watch. He's just grown and grown. I'm hoping Danny can do something like that." Mahon, who took over Fylde after their relegation, initially planned to sign a new striker but was impressed by Ormerod's rapid development, making him indispensable to the squad.
Overcoming Challenges and Future Prospects
Ormerod's journey hasn't been without hurdles. He faced academy heartache in his teens when he missed out on a scholar's contract at Blackpool, joining Fylde through a friend. Now, he's one of the hottest prospects in the transfer market, with interest from clubs like Bradford City and Gillingham during the January window, and even Championship sides circling.
Despite his tender age, Ormerod combines guile, vigour, aerial prowess, pace, and finishing ability, making him a nightmare for defenders. Mahon admits, "It's going to be tough to keep him. That's why our plans are to try and get to the next level and hopefully we can bring Dan along with us." Fylde currently leads the table, aiming for promotion to secure another season with their star striker.
Ormerod, targeting 35 goals this season, has already surpassed his pre-season aim of 20. He acknowledges the difficulty, saying, "It's not easy. I've scored loads of goals for a 19-year-old, it's all a bit mad. I know I can finish, I can score goals, I know I've got good movement, I know can run, it's just about believing in yourself." His story resonates as a testament to the dream that professional football success can emerge from non-league roots, following in the footsteps of legends like Vardy.
