127 Goals Later: Jake Tabor's Incredible Rise from Non-League to League Two

Rising from the muddy pitches of non-league football, Jake Tabor’s story has caught the attention of English fans. At 22, the prolific striker has earned his first professional contract with Swindon Town. It is no surprise he is raising the eyebrows of supporters and experts given the 127 goals in 91 appearances he scored over the past two seasons.

His two blistering years with Amersham Town have earned him a move to Swindon, and sparked comparisons with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Charlie Austin - two strikers who made the same leap from non-league to league football and never looked back.

Swindon fans hoping for a fairy-tale might have found one in Tabor. But who is this sharp-shooting striker? And what makes him worth the gamble?

From the Combined Counties to the EFL.

Proud to sign my first pro deal at 22!

Now, it’s time to prove myself.@Official_STFC pic.twitter.com/TCQhvUY9Vp

— Jake Tabor (@jake76t) June 28, 2025

From Amateur to Professional

Tabor’s route into League Two professional football has been defined by grit and determination. His early career saw him bounce between multiple clubs such as Rayners Lane, Northwood, and Harpenden, before exploding onto the radar at Amersham Town in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North - Step Five of the football pyramid. That’s five tiers below Swindon’s League Two.

Jake Tabor Club History:
Swindon @Official_STFC
Amersham @AmershamTownFC
Leighton @LeightonTownFC
Rayners Lane @RaynersLaneFC
Northwood @NorthwoodFC
Harpenden @Harpendentownfc
Oxhey Jets @oxheyjetsfc
Crawley Green @CrawleyGreenFC
Berkhampstead @BerkoFC
Sarratt @sarrattfc pic.twitter.com/1FGaHbGUqd

— Zup 🚂 (@idkmatetbh) June 29, 2025

But while the facilities might have lacked polish, the numbers didn’t lie. Tabor bagged 76 goals and 26 assists in 2023/24, followed by 51 goals and 14 assists this past season. Those are absurd figures at any level, and it’s little surprise scouts began to take note.

“It’s absolutely amazing to sign my first deal, something I never thought would happen, especially at 22 years old. It’s a dream come true,” Tabor said on signing.

“Now it’s time to prove myself at this next level.”

We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Jake Tabor, who has signed his first professional contract ❤️

— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) June 28, 2025

Why Tabor Could Be Swindon’s Diamond in the Rough

Tabor is quick, direct, and relentless - a self-described mix of Vardy and 'skinhead' Rooney. He also looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo as an inspiration, although admits he doesn't quite have the legend's stepover ability. More than anything, he comes across as hungry on the pitch and when speaking to the press. This might be his most valuable asset in a Swindon team under Ian Holloway, a manager known for backing fearless footballers.

“He’s ex-Premier League, and that’s something you don’t get at this sort of level. To be coached by someone like him is incredible,” said Tabor on Swindon Town's YouTube channel.

The early signs are promising, especially considering he’s already broken the record for Holloway’s notoriously punishing fitness test, ‘The Run’.

The drill - a high-intensity shuttle involving nine continuous sprints of increasing and then decreasing distances (from 20 yards up to 100, then back down) - is designed to test a player’s stamina and mental toughness. Tabor didn’t just pass; he clocked 2 minutes 55 seconds, breaking the previous record of 2.57. Holloway reportedly told him it was the fastest time he’d seen in 20 to 30 years.

Even more telling? Tabor trained for it in advance, measuring out the distances with a tape measure and running it repeatedly over the summer with his mates. That sort of dedication will hopefully breed future success.

Highlights Vs @Wolves U21’s

3 goals.

Thanks to Darren @EstudiantesLdn for the amazing opportunity. pic.twitter.com/rizJEj9D0p

— Jake Tabor (@jake76t) May 13, 2025

He also doesn’t shy away from the big step up.

“It is a massive jump,” he admits, “but if you can find the back of the net, I don’t see why you can’t do it at that higher level.”

Fairy-tale in the Making?

Raw potential doesn’t always translate into success, but Tabor is clearly prepared. His time across nine clubs in the lower leagues has shaped a player comfortable in different dressing rooms and systems. As he put it:

“Being in lots of different teams and changing rooms builds you as a player… it’s put me in good stead.”

The fans have already given the new signing lots of confidence and belief. Writing online, one fan who watched him at Amersham said:

“He has so much potential.”

Rayners Lane wrote:

"Congratulations Jake, truly deserved. The work you put in on and off the pitch delivers moments like this. From everyone at the Lane... Best of luck."

It’s early days, but the intent is there. Tabor wants to earn his place, become a regular, and 'score week in, week out.' With Swindon’s first pre-season match just around the corner, he’ll get his first chance to show whether those 127 goals were just the start of something special.