Jamie Vardy named FWA Player of the Year
Leicester’s star striker Jamie Vardy has been voted the 2016 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association. Vardy won the award with 39% of the vote of the 290 journalists eligible.The 29-year-old has scored 22 goals in the Premier League this season as Leicester close in on an incredible Premier League title.
Seven Leicester players received votes in the FWA poll, with midfielder Danny Drinkwater, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and defenders Wes Morgan and Danny Simpson being recognised by the voters.FWA chairman Andy Dunn, of the Sunday Mirror, said: “It is testament to their all-round excellence that so many Leicester players polled votes from our members. The Jamie Vardy story, though, clearly captured the imagination of so many writers.His record-breaking feat of scoring in 11 consecutive matches is the jewel in what will surely be Leicester’s Premier League crown.And the Footballer of the Year award is not just a reflection of his fantastic season, but recognition of a remarkable journey from non-league to the international stage.”
Vardy will be honoured with the accolade at a gala dinner in London on 12 May. This is the latest award for a Leicester player with winger Riyad Mahrez winning the PFA player of the year last week. The England international was delighted saying “It’s a great honour to win such a prestigious award and to have my name added to a list of previous winners that includes some unbelievable players. Thank you to the Football Writers’ Association and to everyone that voted.Thank you also to my team-mates, who are the reason I’ve been able to achieve anything. It’s been an amazing season for all of us at Leicester, based on teamwork not individuals, which you can see in the voting. Thanks also to the manager, all the staff and the fans for their support.We’re all totally focused on getting over the line in the final two weeks of the season and turning a great season into one we’ll never forget. Hopefully I can contribute to that and, if selected, carry some good form into the Euros this summer.”
Jamie Vardy and his team mates could yet celebrate the title should Tottenham fail to beat Chelsea tonight. Regardless of tonight’s result Vardy thoroughly deserves this award and looks set to shine for England this summer at EURO 2016.
