Having made his name playing for some of the North’s biggest non-league sides. Forward Joe Bunney got his big break two years ago, signing for professional side Rochdale.

For an unassuming, young Mancunian, this move came as a shock to many in the semi-pro triangle. As news of his departure travelled faster than the speed of light.

Ofcourse for sides in the sixth, seventh and eighth tiers of the English game, progression is crucial. As clubs work within their means to do the best they can possibly do.

The icing on the cake, is when a player signs for a league club. Raising the profile and exposure of the respective club and the division they play in.

With Bunney moving to Dale, he joined an illustrious list of players that have plied their trade in the non-league game and gone on to better themselves.

As the striker can now say he has something in common with the likes of Charlie Austin, Michael Kightly and Wales captain Ashley Williams.

Speaking after two years at Spotlands, Bunney praised the standard of non-league football and claims he is eternally grateful for the doors it has opened for him.

“The non-league game in general means a lot to me, as it gave me my break into the professional game after leaving Myerscough College.

"I felt I had to get my name around non-league football by scoring goals. I did that at a number of clubs as I went to Lancaster, Kendal and Northwich Victoria with massive help from Lee Ashcroft, I managed to get my break.”

The twenty one year old added; “The professional game is a ‘HUGE’ step up from non-league football. It took me six to seven months to deal with the pace and physicality, but I found my feet and ended up playing twenty six games in my first season which I wasn't expecting at all.

Bunney has recently signed a new contract for Keith Hill’s League One side, which will keep him at Dale until atleast 2016.

As the striker nears his 50th appearance for play-off hopefuls Rochdale. Bunney spoke of the gulf in class between the top and the bottom of the football world, but admitted a lot of the skills he learned playing for the likes of Lancaster City, have helped him become the player he is today.

“I think in football anything you learn along the way whether it's being a fifteen year old kid or a thirty year old pro, it stays with you.
So you could say some things I do now at Rochdale, I leant at my non-league clubs. Although skills need to be tweaked a little due to the opposition being a lot more difficult.”

Bunney left Evo-Stik Northern Premier side Northwich Victoria to sign for the aforementioned Dale in March 2013. Playing in the non-league game for four years, a lot of memories were created.

The six foot one inch striker was initially signed on a dual-contract, which allowed him to play the final third of the season with the Vics. Before moving to his new footballing home. As he continued by saying.

“I have a lot of memories in non-league football. I enjoyed a few FA Cup runs and I scored goals. Two memories come to mind though…

I scored a thirty five yard screamer on my debut for Kendal Town. That's when Ashy (Lee Ashcroft) said I would make it as a league player.”

“When I made my debut for Rochdale, I scored with my first touch and was offered a contract after the game. Northwich’s season still hadn't finished so I had to play two more games for them on a Tuesday night and Saturday afternoon.

"After that dream debut, I came crashing back to reality. I was subbed in both those games due to tackles on me.”

There have been players in the past that have moved on from their lowly beginnings and gone on to play for their country at Wembley Stadium.

In the 80’s and 90’s progression through the ranks was rife, with Ian Wright and Les Ferdinand joining the big boys after honing their skills in the non-league game.

Bunney is still a big fan of the lower leagues and believes more players can replicate his success. Especially with the extended scouting that is being done around the UK in the twenty first century.

“I still follow non-league football closely. I got to games whenever I can and I enjoy watching it. I have a lot of friend’s that still are involved at a lot of clubs too.

“I think there are a number of players in the semi-pro game that if clubs had a real look they could be interested, I think the hard problem is getting them to look, but I do think that's changed a lot in the past couple of years.”

When he is not terrorising defenders in League One, Bunney enjoys watching the semi-pro game. With some of his closest friends, including Ashton United’s Sam Wilson and Kendal Town’s Zach Clark still playing at this level.

“The standard of non-league has always surprised people. Its people’s first opinion to instantly think it's non-league for a reason, so it must be a poor standard. When they watch they are surprised and want to watch more.

“I think the standard has improved I come to watch Ashton in there league and I look how tight things are and how well there doing and it's exciting a lot more clubs want promotion and are having a right go which shows the standard has improved.”

Where else can you watch an entertaining game of football, have a few pints and talk to the players so openly? At the same time spending less than £20.

The non-league game is growing and Bunney believes it can only get stronger with the recent exposure it has gained from his move and others in the past.

“Where do I see it going in the future? I don't really know to be honest I like non-league the way it is. It's unique and has its own feeling about it and I can honestly say if you haven't played in the non-league circle then you wouldn't know what I mean.

“It's a great place to enjoy football but also be competitive about it. Like I said before, I think clubs have opened there scouting barriers a bit further into the non-league now so I can see it producing more pros in years to come.”