A land mark day in the history of a football club known as Leicester City unfolded in front of a confounded Man United fan group yesterday. The King Power Stadium stood witness to what could prove out to be the season’s biggest and the most assaulting comeback and nonetheless to a performance which flattened the biggest club in the world. The world of the United faithfuls came crashing down in a heap after their sides squandered a 3-1 lead.
After heading into the break trailing by a goal to two, the game was still open but Manchester United’s knack for not inviting come backs had given a feeling of ‘It’s all over’. Nigel Pearson’s team looked devastating on the break even in the first half but Angel di Maria’s heroics had handed Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils a 2-1 advantage. Ander Herrera’s 2nd of the season doubled United’s lead and by then, it seemed the death knell had struck Leicester. But, it all seemed as if the ‘ never say die’ mentality which was once possessed by Man United of the old had floated into the Leicester players.
Man United fans had never witnessed something resembling that before, apart from their resounding come backs under Sir Alex. The conviction and determination to topple ‘The Comeback Kings’ reflected on the faces of Nigel Pearson’s players resulting in a memorable 5-3 victory which even United fans would remember till death.
Jamie Vardy was central to all that transpired at The King Power Stadium. A man who was on the brink of quitting football 18 months ago, no one could’ve imagined, nearly coerced United fans to quit watching the game. His journey to world recognition hasn’t been easy but would teach you a lesson of never giving up until you reach your destination.
Vardy, who was born in Sheffield just east of Manchester, joined hometown club Sheffield Wednesday at a rather early age. After being released by the Owls at a tender age of 16, Vardy joined Northern Premier League side Stocksbridge Park Steels and broke into the senior team at the age of 20. After racking up a more than impressive goal scoring tally of 66 goals in 107 appearances, he attracted attention from a host of Premier League clubs including Rotherham United and Crewe Alexandra. After a move to Crewe Alexandra failed to materialize , Jamie Vardy turned down a move to Rotherham United. Neil Aspin, who was a long term admirer of the then 23 year old Englishman signed him up at Halifax Town in the Northern Premier League of England.
His goal scoring record at Halifax Town turned out to be even more frightening. Vardy succeeded in scoring 29 times in just 40 appearances for The Shayman during his time at Halifax. He finished as the club’s top goal scorer after scoring 27 times in the 2010-11 season and was even voted the Player’s Player of the Season that campaign. He edged ever closer to completing a hat trick of hat tricks but eventually failed to find his third in his third game running. It was all because of his stellar showings that Halifax laid their hands on the Northern Premier League title. Despite of scoring thrice in his opening 4 games, Vardy secured a move to Conference National side Fleetwood Town in the beginning of the 2011-12 campaign.
He certainly did live up to the reputation of being a proven goal scorer after 31 goals in a total of 36 games, testifying his abilities. His out of the world goal poaching abilities ignited interest from Blackpool, who had an offer turned down by Fleetwood. This decision paid off after Vardy helped them to the 2011-12 Conference National League title and recognition came in the form of the player of the season accolade.
Leicester came calling at the end of the season and Vardy joined the Foxes during the beginning of the 2012-13 season for a record fee of £1 million, a non-League record. A debut goal against Torquay United and one against Blackburn Rovers signaled that the man was set to bigger things in his career. But, life is never as easy as it seems from the outside. His first season was marred by a poor run of form and it even convinced him to quit football once and for all. His lackluster performances prompted Leicester City fans to launch a scathing attack on the social media but manager Nigel Pearson and his assistant convinced him not to quit.
In a League game against Blackpool that campaign, Jamie Vardy won a contentious penalty for City before beating Blackpool 1-0 at King Power. A handful of people purporting to be Blackpool supporters vented their frustrations – wishing harm on Vardy’s wife and daughter. Vardy was accused of not playing fair and was subjected to vile abuse from Blackpool supporters. These anti-social elements on the social platforms added to the woes of his poor form and served as another reason as to why he must quit.
The 2013-14 season came as a new and fresh beginning for him. His 17 goals proved decisive in Leicester’s promotion to the Premier League as the Champions of the Championship Division
5 games into the 2014-15 season and he proved his character and resolve to all his detractors at Blackpool. His work rate, determination and conviction towards winning the game at any cost hurt Manchester United’s defense, which floundered to keep up with his pace and tenacity. Dragging Mark Clattenburg into their defeat does make sense, taking into account some contentious decisions which went Leicester’s way. B
ut it was all because of Vardy’s unfathomable work rate and perseverance that Leicester succeeded in registering their names in the annals of time. He caused young Tyler Blackett all kinds of problems which finally resulted in his clear sending off. His pace and energy made things difficult for the full backs and his ability to have a run at them helped him create and score goals.
18 months after making a now-proven-wrong decision to quit football, 27 year old Jamie Vardy has got a lot to look forward to with an enormous amount of cheer.