What Leicester's chairman is really like as Vardy joins elite
Leicester City boss Steve Cooper has spoken revealingly of what it is like to be in charge of the team and liaise with the Foxes hierarchy. That includes Cooper discussing what LCFC chairman Aiyawatt 'Top' Srivaddhanaprabha is really like in real life. The persona we see of the Thai businessmen only emerges on brief occasions. So, what's it like to work for Srivaddhanaprabha?
In addition to looking at that story, we'll cover another important matter. Icon of the Leicestershire team, Jamie Vardy, has now joined one more elite group. The latest landmark of the former England international is, predictably, to do with scoring. And it is goalscoring at some rate at a veteran age. Basically Vardy was already among greatness, this development just highlights that fact further.
Leicester City great Jamie Vardy is on another echelon - literally!
I must admit that I assumed Vardy would have retired by now. This is because it is so difficult to continue successfully at the top level for anything like as long as he has. It is almost impossible to do so as a centre forward.
You see a few goalkeepers ageing towards and over 40. There are some average and preeminent defenders whom manage to play on until they are close to that age as well. Even the odd defensive midfielder lasts to nearly that benchmark.
Yet there is something special about the wily old Fox; I'm older than him so I can get away with that comment. In all seriousness, Vardy has added another exceptional and rare accolade to his collection of honours.
Following a goal in the disappointing match versus Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest, the 37-year-old is now the recipient of a new commendation. And that achievement is that he's currently the fourth-oldest footballer to net in consecutive fixtures in the Premier League. Wow.
"Only Teddy Sheringham (39y 350d), Ryan Giggs (39y 86d) and Graham Alexander (38y and 28d) are perched above the forward on the list"
- TalkSPORT
Working for Top Srivaddhanaprabha and Co.
Cooper doesn't mind giving some interesting information on the club he manages at present. In fact, the Welshman appears to enjoy speaking to media now and again and relishes illuminating on the best characters in the game. Which is quite refreshing, to be honest with you.
The latest back-and-forth with the one-time Liverpool academy and England youth coach is of note once more. If you've ever wondered how Aiyawatt (or Top) truly is behind closed doors, then this is the place for you. Cooper spoke on the 39-year-old who runs the King Power empire with respect, of course:
"I can see why this club has had the success it’s had with this ownership, because they make you feel like you want to do well. They do that through kindness, support and encouragement.
- Steve Cooper
When you engage with him (Top) and meet him, he’s kind-natured. You feel comfortable around him, there’s definitely no fear, but a lot of respect. He’s got a big aura. You can be yourself.
It’s full of support. I felt that even before I accepted the job. That was going to be really important to me on my next job, which ended up being this one.
They’re rational. They’re understanding. They have good knowledge. They’ve seen a lot now, in terms of performance and results and how seasons can pan out. They understand the challenge.
The caveat is that there’s an expectation. I’m very clear of the objectives and the expectations that have been set, and they’re not just on the pitch but off it as well. I live and breathe that every day.
It’s support and goodwill and you feel like someone is behind you and we’re definitely behind him in what he wants to do as well. But we’re under no illusions we’ve got to win games and we’ve got to play well and we’ve got to reach objectives."
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