The traditional role of the centre-forward, commonly known as the number nine, is increasingly rare in modern football, a trend that is evident even in lower-tier leagues across England. Once the primary source of goals, these specialised strikers have, according to observers, largely fallen out of favour in contemporary football tactics, replaced by more versatile attacking players who often fill multiple roles on the pitch.

This shift is reflected at various levels of the game, including the National League South, where Horsham Football Club currently competes. Club insiders note a noticeable scarcity of classic number nine strikers capable of consistently converting chances. Despite stepping up to a higher level of competition, Horsham has struggled to find the kind of forward who embodies the traditional striker’s attributes: physical presence, clinical finishing, and an instinct for goal.

Horsham’s recent campaigns, overseen by long-serving manager Dom di Paola, have been characterised by strong defensive organisation, energetic pressing, and dynamic wing play. While these elements have contributed to the club’s rise through the ranks and helped secure league survival, the challenge of producing or recruiting prolific goal scorers has persisted. In their first ten league matches of the ongoing season, Horsham managed just ten goals, highlighting their offensive struggles.

The club’s supporters and staff nostalgically recall the contributions of veteran striker Chris Dickson, whose arrival in 2019 coincided with Horsham’s Isthmian Premier title victory. Since his departure, however, the search for a similarly effective traditional striker has remained elusive.

The wider National League system is similarly affected. Football analysts point to the coaching philosophies prevalent in elite academies and professional clubs, which favour sophisticated tactical schemes such as the “false nine” and the deployment of attacking midfielders or inverted wingers over out-and-out strikers. These tactical trends are underpinned by heavy reliance on data analytics and possession-based styles, which may inadvertently limit the development of classic goal poachers.

Despite this trend, some notable exceptions endure. Players like Matt Rush, who regularly scores for National League leaders Boreham Wood, continue to demonstrate the value of a reliable finisher. Additionally, the remarkable career of Jamie Cureton, a 51-year-old still active at the semi-professional level, illustrates the enduring appeal of traditional striking qualities. Cureton’s prolific scoring record across multiple tiers of English football stands as a testament to the impact a dedicated centre-forward can have.

Ultimately, the decline in traditional number nine strikers has significant implications for both the aesthetics and effectiveness of football at all levels. Clubs without such players may find it increasingly difficult to convert chances and secure victories, underscoring the ongoing debate about how coaching practices influence player development and team success.