Football's Cinderella Man - A rags to riches story
Every single amateur team will have come across a player who once (a) played at a high level or (b) had trials with a team in a top division. They might still show flashes of that promise, or they may stomp around taking out years of frustration on their opponent’s shins. However there are also some superb examples of players who walked the other direction on this path.
Jamie Vardy is flying high with Leicester in the heady heights of the Premier League. His rise to stardom is pretty incredible. So much so that Hollywood has come knocking and a movie of his life is in the offing.
From non-league football to setting records in the Premier League, from making his England debut to scoring 30 yard volleys in front of the England manager, Vardy’s season has been real Roy of the Rovers stuff. Released by Sheffield Wednesday as a teenager for being too small (they must be kicking themselves), Vardy’s story gives hope to players across the country that their chance may still come.
Alan Pardew, Crystal Palace Manager said: “I think it's important someone like me highlights Vardy because it is important for the game. “When you're playing non-league you've still got a chance of that dream. There is always an avenue to give players that dream of what Vardy is doing right now. “There can be certain pampering being done in the academies that softens players. There is no chance of that in non-league.”
David Bosomworth, Chairman of Vardy’s former club Fleetwood Town said: “We always knew he was special. He had hunger, desire and work-rate. “I hope his story is a message to players rejected by Football League clubs who think about packing it in. Don't! Go into non-league and show what you can do.