A former Non League footballer who played for Risborough Rangers has joined an EFL club.
Marcus Wylie, who spent several years with the Horsenden-based club where he scored 83 goals in 143 matches, has signed for League Two outfit Gillingham.
The 25-year-old signed for the Kent club from Enfield Town after bagging 34 strikes in 49 appearances for the North London team.
His goals saw his previous club helped them secure a third-place finish in the Isthmian League Premier Division last season.
Welcome to the Pride of Kent, Marcus! đ”âȘïž#Gills | @MagnusSearch pic.twitter.com/WTtLou8jpB
â Gillingham FC (@TheGillsFC) July 22, 2024
They would eventually win promotion to National League South via the play-offs.
The move to Gillingham is also the first-time in Wylieâs career he would have played in one of Englandâs top four divisions as a full-time professional.
Risborough Rangerâs director of football and former manager, Mark Eaton, said: â"Marcus is not only an incredibly talented footballer but an even better human being.
âHe was a dream to manage: quiet and humble, he let his performances on the pitch speak for him, creating his own showreel of great goals.
âAt this level of football, seeing one of our players make it into the professional ranks is deeply satisfying and makes it all worthwhile.
âEveryone at the club is so proud of him, and we are pleased that we were able to play a part in his journey.
âWe wish him every success at Gillingham."
Marcus first joined Risborough as an 18-year-old, signed by Jamie Rayner and after making 48 appearances in his maiden season, he went to the University of Nottingham.
Despite the distance, Mark Eaton persuaded him to return to the club, and Marcus regularly travelled from Nottingham to play in games.
Mark once remarked that Marcus had âmagic in his bootsâ, and this was proven due to his incredible scoring record.
â Anthony Hedges (@AntHedges) July 22, 2024
This included bagging 36 goals in his first campaign.
He was also an integral part of the clubâs 53 unbeaten league run, which eclipsed records once held by Nottingham Forest (42) and Arsenal (49).
Speaking on his move to Gillingham, Marcus told the clubâs media outlets: "I am really excited to be here; it all happened so quickly and I am still processing it.
âThis is what I have always wanted [playing full-time] and I am delighted to finally get the chance to do it."
"Director of Football, Kenny Jackett, added: "This is a really significant signing for us.
âAs a community club, we have a responsibility to scour the various leagues and recruit players who we believe have a bright future and can add depth to our squad.
WONDERFUL WYLLIE
â Risborough Rangers FC (@RRFC_1971) July 22, 2024
The Club Celebrates Marcus Wyllie's Achievement: Signing with Gillingham FChttps://t.co/DOqu45o5OL pic.twitter.com/dHt2LYsP3n
"We have done our due diligence on Marcus, he is a strong hardworking lad who had a prolific season with Enfield Town and I have no doubt he is the type of player that Gillingham fans will enjoy watching.
"Our recruitment team are working very hard when it comes to spotting talent in our region who have the capabilities to play at our level, and possibly even higher.
âWe are giving players the opportunity to show what they can do and we will continue to work hard to add quality to our existing setup.â
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