TOM Jelley has spent his non-League career climbing the football pyramid and he is hoping he can make one last step into the National League South before he is done.
The 28-year-old full back has been one of Ryman Premier League high flyers Hampton & Richmond Borough’s star performers in a season that sees them battling for the title.
Jelley has played for Chipstead, Banstead Athletic, Walton Casuals, Walton & Hersham, Kingstonian and Tooting & Mitcham United, climbing from the Combined Counties League Premier Division to Ryman Division One South on the way.
If Hampton’s rise from relegation favourites to title contenders in the space of a year mirrors the fortunes of top flight Leicester City, then he might be considered as the Ryman Premier’s very own Jamie Vardy – particularly as he has six goals to his name this term.
And the goals keep coming in the team after Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of Needham Market, and Tuesday’s 4-0 mauling of VCD Athletic kept the leaders three points ahead of the chasing pack.
“I’ve played for pretty much all the clubs around here, so I guess I am pretty well known,” he said.
“With all my moves, I’ve always tried to get to the next level and now I am at Hampton I am loving it. I’d love to get to the National League South.
“It is a great atmosphere at the minute and we are going out believing we will win every games. That makes a big difference.”
Hampton have lost only once in their past 14 games, a run that has coincided with midfielder Josh Casey’s move into the Beavers’ back four.
And the team’s good form as a result has come as no surprise to Jelley.
“He thinks he is a midfielder and he has been great in that position this season, but I think he knows left back is his best position,” he added.
“He got player of the season last year at Kingstonian playing at left back. He has been different quality there this season.”
Hampton & Richmond head to Tonbridge Angels tomorrow (Saturday).
Hampton & Richmond 5-0 Needham Market
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