8 Former EFL Players Aiming to Shine in the National League

Several National League clubs have strengthened their squads by signing players with extensive experience in the English Football League (EFL). Some players have dropped down the pyramid to extend their careers.

EFL Players Aiming To Shine In The National League

While others aim to use the fifth tier as a springboard back to the EFL, read on as we look at five former EFL players aiming to make their mark in the National League, starting with one who has twice won the title at this level.

Scott Quigley – Eastleigh

Eastleigh’s new striker has an excellent track record in this division, having previously won promotion with Barrow (2019/20) and Stockport County (2021/2022). Quigley notably scored twice for County in a 5-3 FA Cup victory over League One outfit Bolton Wanderers and his signing is undoubtedly a major coup for Eastleigh. The 31-year-old has established himself as a permanent fixture in attack and is expected to spearhead the club’s challenge for a play-off place.

Will Grigg – Chesterfield

Grigg was the scourge of online bookmakers in the United Kingdom and Ireland during his time in League One, scoring plenty of goals in several promotion-winning teams. The best new sports betting sites in Ireland for 2023 will be running scared of the Northern Irish striker as he bids to fire Chesterfield back into League Two. Grigg has already weighed in with plenty of goals this season and could deliver several sizeable payouts to punters who back him to get on the scoresheet each week.

Freddie Sears – Dagenham & Redbridge

Former West Ham United wonderkid Freddie Sears never quite met expectations after being tipped for big things during his time with the Premier League club. The ex-England Under-21 international forged a reasonable career for himself in the Championship and League One, Before joining Colchester United in League Two in 2021/22. Sears was released by the Essex-based club this summer and has now dropped out of the EFL to sign for Dagenham & Redbridge.

Adam Clayton – Rochdale

Rochdale’s acquisition of Clayton this summer has boosted their hopes of securing an immediate return to League Two. The midfielder initially made his name with Leeds United and Huddersfield Town, before joining Middlesbrough for a seven-figure fee in 2014. He spent a season in the Premier League with Boro in 2016/17 and his higher-level experience will be invaluable to Rochdale this term.

Michael Jacobs – Chesterfield

Having spent the past four seasons in the National League, Chesterfield are desperate to regain their EFL status. Their hopes of justifying the bookies’ tag of title favorites were boosted when they secured the services of attacking midfielder Michael Jacobs this summer. His previous clubs include Northampton Town, Derby County, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, and Portsmouth – a CV that stacks up extremely well in the National League.

Timmy Abraham – Boreham Wood

While Tammy Abraham has forged a decent career for himself at the top level, his brother Timmy has struggled to make his mark in professional football. The 22-year-old was on Fulham’s books, before being sent out on loan to Several lower-league clubs including Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle. He was released by League Two club Walsall at the end of last season and is now bidding to reignite his career with Boreham Wood in the National League.

Tom Naylor – Chesterfield

After leaving Wigan Athletic this summer, Tom Naylor joined Chesterfield on a three-year contract.
The versatile player, who made 36 appearances in the Championship last season, boasts plenty of experience in the EFL. Naylor started his career with Mansfield Town, before enjoying spells with Derby County, Burton Albion, Portsmouth, and several other clubs.

Richard Stearman – Solihull Moors

Former Premier League defender Richard Stearman signed for Solihull Moors after being released by Derby County this summer. The 35-year-old has made 77 appearances in the top flight and has played over 450 games in the EFL for numerous clubs. Stearman helped Sheffield United win promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and his experience will be a useful asset to the Midlands outfit.

David Stockdale – York City

Veteran goalkeeper David Stockdale returned to York City this summer, 20 years after making his debut at the club. The 38-year-old spent most of his career in the Championship, League One, and League Two, although he did have a spell as Fulham’s number-one in the Premier League. Stockdale return to York has not gone to plan, with the goalie sustaining an injury that has kept him out of action since mid-August.