TYRONE Mings’ incredible rise from zero to hero proves that non-league football can help players rediscover themselves when they think the world is crashing in on them.

That is the belief of Yate Town’s director of football Nigel Hawkins after Mings secured a massive £8 million switch from Championship side Ipswich Town to Premier League new boys Bournemouth last week.

Mings joined Southampton as an eight-year-old but, when he turned 16, the Saints had to let him go when their youth budget was axed.

The defender spent a short time at Yate Town after leaving Southampton – and, after moving to Chippenham Town, Ipswich offered him a trial.

He impressed and his reputation grew to the extent that Arsenal were chasing him last January and, it is believed, Newcastle and Aston Villa were among those sides who wanted him during the current transfer window.

However, Bournemouth, backed by the millions of Russian businessman Maxim Demin, have taken the former Yate ace into their squad and, once in the highest English league and mixing with stars like Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, Mings could get onto the radar of England manager Roy Hodgson.

Hawkins, who is in charge of youth development with Yate, said of Mings’ rise: “It’s a fairytale, really.”

Although Hawkins became involved with Yate just as Mings was leaving, he added: “It’s a great story and any youngster can look at this and see that there is a route to the top.

“I think Tyrone has proved that he always had the ability and those who have the ability and are released from clubs can prove themselves in the non-leagues.

“It should not think that dropping down into the non-leagues is career over. They can be spotted and picked-up as Tyrone has. I think there is always a chance for any player.

“And I think that the price of some players will see big clubs looking more at the non leagues and signing a little gem that appears.”

Yate will not get any kick-backs from the sale of Mings, but Hawkins added: “It is great to see a former player from this club getting on like this. We are very much a development side at Yate and, although it is a good standard in our league, we would never discourage a player from moving on up the ladder if they had an offer.”

The 22-year-old has signed a four-year deal at Bournemouth and manager Eddie Howe said: “We are signing a player of huge potential. We believe he has everything required to be a success in the Premier League.”