In the folklore of Leicestershire footballing circles, few names spark as much warmth and affection as Christian Fuchs and Jamie Vardy. As the tireless left-back and the clinical talisman of Leicester City's 5,000-1 Premier League miracle in 2016, they forged a bond in the fires of football’s greatest underdog story. To City's Blue Army fan base, they remain the architects of a dream, remembered as much for their 'No Fuchs Given' attitude and Vardy's house-party celebrations as for their tactical discipline and success on the pitch.
What's the score with these two Leicester City legends?
Today, their vocations have shifted across borders and divisions away from the East Midlands. Whilst Vardy is currently testing his mettle in Italy with Cremonese, Fuchs has traded the sunshine of Charlotte FC in North America's MLS for a gritty survival scrap of English Football League Two management at Newport County in Wales.
In a move that highlights their enduring friendship, Fuchs admitted to placing a cheeky "SOS" call to his former teammate upon arriving at Rodney Parade. He jokingly asked the striker to "pack his bags" for South Wales, seeking a proven winner to ignite Newport’s frontline. Though Vardy remains in Serie A, the gesture speaks volumes of the rapport and trust built during their King Power days.
At Rodney Parade, Fuchs is determined to channel his inner Claudio Ranieri to keep the Exiles afloat. Emulating the legendary Italian’s 'Tinkerman' charm, Fuchs has introduced Ranieri-esque rituals, such as personally shaking hands with every journalist before press conferences.
It'll be free pizza next. Dilly-ding, dilly-dong! By the way, that was the Italian’s bell impersonation. Gianfranco Zola said he's been doing it in Italy to wake up lazy players for years!
"'I've asked Jamie Vardy to come and play for me'"Fuchs - Daily Mail
By blending this old-school warmth with modern insight, the former Austria captain hopes to conjure one more miracle. If he succeeds again, he will of course prove that the spirit of 2016 is very much alive in the dugout. Although, fans would want Vardy back on Filbert Way rather than with Fuchs!