The striker who shared a goal tally with Sergio Agüero

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the world of football, few paths are as grueling as the climb through the English pyramid. James Norwood's journey is a masterclass in perseverance, culminating in a 2018–19 season where his scoring output matched that of one of the greatest strikers in modern history.

James Norwood’s career is defined by its steady ascent through the tiers of English football. A product of Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace youth systems, he began his senior journey with Eastbourne Town before moving into the professional ranks. His early development was marked by high potential; in 2009, he represented England Schools, scoring against France at Wembley Stadium while still a student.

His breakthrough came via a unique funding model. In 2009, Exeter City signed him following a successful trial, supported by the '1931 Fund'—a supporters' trust where members paid £19 monthly to help fund wages. This grassroots support laid the foundation for a nomadic but productive career spanning clubs like Forest Green Rovers and Tranmere Rovers. At Forest Green, he became an all-time top scorer in the Conference Premier, eventually helping the club reach its first-ever play-offs.

The pinnacle of his individual output occurred during the 2018–19 season with Tranmere Rovers. Despite a 'torrid' start to the campaign where the club languished at the bottom of the National League, Norwood finished as the joint top goal scorer in all of English football with 32 goals—matching Manchester City’s Sergio Agüero. His season was capped by a dramatic winning goal at Wembley, securing Tranmere's return to the EFL after a three-year absence.

Norwood’s career serves as a testament to longevity and adaptability. From being told he had 'no future' at Ipswich Town in 2021 to scoring equalisers in National League play-off finals years later, his trajectory highlights the grit required to remain a reliable goalscorer across different levels of the professional game.

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