The impact of a single decision cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to the trajectory of football clubs. Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League, just six years after their remarkable title win, left many fans puzzled.
There have been several astonishing teams in the history of the Premier League, one of which, alongside Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester side, is Blackburn Rovers. At first glance, it may seem unfathomable that a club that hasn’t been in the Premier League since 2012 managed to win England’s top league. However, delving deeper reveals the significant investments made by their owner at the time, Jack Walker. The infusion of funds allowed them to acquire formidable players like Alan Shearer, who played a crucial role in their success during the 1994-95 season under Kenny Dalglish.
While Blackburn Rovers and the pouring of investment into the club can be disregarded in this context, there remains only one anomaly in Premier League history – Leicester City. Jamie Vardy, dubbed the Foxes’ equivalent of Shearer, had his career path altered by one decision, potentially impacting not only his team but also another Championship side.
Believe it or not, one of the Premier League’s most prolific goalscorers was once associated with the Owls – Sheffield Wednesday. Vardy began his football journey as a junior player for Wednesday, having grown up as a devoted fan. He bore witness to the intense rivalry between his club and Sheffield United throughout the late 90s and early 2000s.
Despite having spent well over a decade as a Leicester player, Vardy has not been shy about expressing his personal biases and dislike towards the Blades, culminating in a brazen celebration at Bramall Lane where, after scoring to put his side 1-0 ahead, he taunted the home fans.
In an ideal world, most footballers would aspire to play for and achieve success with their childhood club. Even when playing for other teams, the affection for the team that ignited their love for the game persists, especially when immersed in such a fiery rivalry. So, what if Vardy had remained with Wednesday?
The Butterfly Effect proposes that staying with the Owls would have drastically altered Vardy’s path. However, why not indulge in the speculation of what could have been? We all acknowledge the incredible talent and potential he possesses, a trait that would not have changed had he stayed with Wednesday.
Following his departure from his boyhood club, Vardy went on to score over 200 goals in his club career. He even surpassed Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record for most consecutive Premier League games with a goal (11), earning him the iconic accolade from Martin Tyler, “It’s 11, it’s heaven for Jamie Vardy.” The Yorkshireman has attained triumphs such as winning the Championship, the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Community Shield with the Foxes, in addition to being crowned Premier League and FWA Player of the Season for the 15/16 campaign.
Vardy’s mercurial talent has etched his name into Premier League history. Considering the history and fanbases of both Leicester and Wednesday, there is no reason to believe that he could not have achieved success with his childhood team as well.
Granted, Premier League titles, FA Cups, and Champions League appearances are often products of fortuitous timing. However, with Vardy leading the line for Wednesday, they might have found themselves in a higher tier than the one they currently occupy, instead of being relegated below it.
