Jamie Vardy
As Jamie Vardy prepares to bid farewell to Leicester City, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and his players have expressed admiration for the striker’s illustrious career. However, they remain determined to spoil his final appearance for the Foxes at the King Power Stadium this Sunday. Vardy, who began his journey in non-league football, has become an inspiration for many players, showcasing that talent and hard work can bridge the gap to the Premier League. With 144 top-flight goals and a Premier League and FA Cup title to his name, Vardy will leave the club after Sunday’s match, marking his 499th appearance and potentially his 200th goal for Leicester City.
Kieran McKenna said: “It’s obviously a fantastic journey he’s been on and he’s someone very well regarded there and by everyone in English football. We’ve got our motivation going into Sunday and it’s going to be very different than Leicester’s, so we’re going to try and do everything we can to make it our day.”
Kieran McKenna continued: “Yeah, I think he has been. I think I became a little bit more aware, dropping down to League One for the first time, how much players use seeing others who’ve gone through the leagues at whatever age as motivation. It helps them keep believing that you can climb if you keep working on your game, keep improving and keep on top of your condition.”
Sammie Szmodics said: “I had a good chat with him at the end of last season after we played against Leicester. He gave me a bottle of champagne, said congratulations for the season I had (at Blackburn), which is something he doesn’t need to do. I don’t really know him on a personal level but it just shows the sort of character that he is.”
Sam Morsy said: “What he’s done is a remarkable achievement. He’s opened the path for people to do it. Because of what he’s done people now look at non-league and lower-league players more. He should have played more for England in my opinion, had an amazing career and, without being an incredible professional, he wouldn’t have done that.”
Vardy’s journey from non-league football to Premier League stardom is a testament to his dedication and skill. His potential final goal could see him surpass Robin van Persie on the all-time Premier League goalscorers’ list and possibly draw level with Teddy Sheringham. Ipswich Town, while acknowledging Vardy’s impact, is focused on their own objectives for the match. The Tractor Boys’ players, including Szmodics and Morsy, have drawn inspiration from Vardy’s career, seeing parallels in their own paths through the football pyramid. Despite the respect and admiration for Vardy, Ipswich is determined to make their mark and ensure that the day belongs to them.
About The Author
