You really comparing an exception like Smalling who went to Man United to a guy who's best option is probably India? Smalling was 18-19 with Maidstone and spent the whole season with Fulham's youth side before even getting any proper minutes with them... it wasn't like he went straight from 5th tier to 1st tier like that.
Nicol could barely do anything with amateurs in Scotland and then scores 15 goals in West Australia (not even one of the better state leagues).
Hell, even Vardy scored 31 in 36 in the 5th tier... obviously too good but then had an off year in the Championship and then did very well (16 in 37)... had an off year in the Premier League and then kicked ass (24 in 36). It was never instantaneous and these guys showed quality beyond those leagues. Nicol was shit in a league full of amateurs! 5th tier in England is mainly professional.
From the noise from some fans on twitter, it seems Mumbai will shut shop rather than play 2nd div. Sad since with DSK pulling out there was a case to keep them. so no mumbai or Pune in this ileague!! well done life long chairman of Aiff & WIFA president for the paste decade!
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Nicol could barely do anything with amateurs in Scotland and then scores 15 goals in West Australia (not even one of the better state leagues).
Unless they move difficult for them to survive.