Gillingham manager Mark Bonner is excited about the prospect of coaching non-league hot-shot Marcus Wyllie.
The recently signed striker scored 30 goals to help Enfield Town to promotion last season and before that bagged 83 goals in 140 appearances for step-five side Risborough Rangers, playing for the team while studying at university in Nottingham.
Making the step up at Gillingham in League 2 is going to be a challenge but Bonner’s well-placed to help. The Gills boss has worked his own way up the ladder and sees plenty of potential in their 25-year-old forward.
“Everyone loves him,” said Bonner. “Kenny Jackett and Andy Hessenthaler have spent a lot of time scouring games in leagues and his goal record last season was excellent.
“His story is a good one and he is late into football. There is a real hunger about him. It is a big jump.”
Wyllie quit his job as a teacher at a special needs school for the chance to go full-time.
He hasn’t scored yet – although he was claiming Gills’ third at Southend – but was a constant threat in the two games he’s played, against Dartford and in Essex at the weekend.
“It will be a big adjustment for him going full-time,” said his manager.
“It’s a big step for him to take, but he has speed, he can run, he is sharp in and around the box and he can score different types of goals.
“He’s certainly one we think has got lots of potential and I’m looking forward to seeing how much we can help him.”
Just how far Wyllie can go remains to be seen but the Gills are willing to give him a chance.
Bonner said: “He is not one I have looked at or spent a lot of time watching over the last couple of years. He is a new one for me as well but I just love the excitement that he is an unknown to everybody.
“He has got goalscoring qualities and he is quick and he has a real hunger and determination to make the step up and I love that. That’s the developer in me.
“I have grown up coaching in academies and developing players so I love the chance to try and give people an opportunity and see what they can do. It is an exciting one for us.”
The director of football at Wylie’s old club, Risborough, Mark Eaton, said: “Marcus is not only an incredibly talented footballer but an even better human being. He 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.
“At this level of football, seeing one of our players make it into the professional ranks is deeply satisfying and makes it all worthwhile.
“Everyone at the club is so proud of him, and we are pleased that we were able to play a part in his journey. We wish him every success at Gillingham.”
At Enfield, the forward made 85 appearances, scoring 40 goals and providing 20 assists. His second season there was a lot more productive than the first, as he found his feet at a new level.
The Gills will perhaps have to be patient too.
An Enfield statement following his departure said: “We are thrilled for Marcus to be able to fulfil his ambition to become a professional footballer.
“It is credit to both his hard work and to the coaching, support, development and man management he has received at the Town that have all contributed to him making the step up.
“We’ve all thoroughly enjoyed his performances and goals over the past two seasons and have no doubt he will go on to be successful in the full-time ranks.”
Wyllie’s last goal for Enfield was in a 3-0 play-off final win over Chatham Town.
