Former Cod Army favourite named in England squad
Fleetwood Town chairman Andy Pilley is flushed with pride to see former star Jamie Vardy named in Roy Hodgson’s England squad to face Ireland and SloveniaThe 28-year-old scored 31 goals in 36 appearances for Town- playing a key role in their promotion to The Football League.
He was sold to Leicester City for a non-league record £1m fee and has since enjoyed promotion to the Premier League with the Foxes.
His form in recent months has helped City in their bid to secure top flight survival and caught the attention of Hodgson - who is without man of the moment Harry Kane - the Spurs man joining up with the Under-21 squad as they bid to become European champions.
Pilley said: “I’m delighted for Jamie. It’s been a magical journey for him and we’ve played our part.
“To be playing in non-league and then be named in the England squad is an extraordinary achievement.”
Vardy might never have got his shot at fame had Town not come calling - a £140,000 deal taking him to Highbury from Halifax.
“It was a calculated gamble,” said Pilley. We were brave, we listened to the scouts, we trusted their reputations and we agreed to pay the money. Look how it ended up.”