Bengaluru: It’s been 10 years and 23 days since a lanky 17-year-old striker walked out for AFC Bournemouth. Now 27, Sam Vokes is enjoying life in the Premier League with Burnley FC.
In many ways, 2016 was the Welshman’s year. The early part saw Vokes and his strike partner play Andre Gray play lead roles in Burnley’s promotion when they went on a 24-match unbeaten run post Christmas, starting exactly one year ago to date.
A fairytale summer followed as Wales surprised, entertained and inspired with their glorious run to the semifinals of the Euro 2016 wherein Vokes’ goal against Belgium in the quarterfinals, undoubtedly a personal highlight, has since been revealed as the fifth most tweeted moment of this year.
“(It was) the best feeling ever,” recalled Vokes. “It was amazing to be part of the team that beat Belgium and reach the semifinals and to score that goal was an indescribable feeling.”
Now, months removed from the thrills and frills of the tournament, Vokes is quite reflective of Wales’ achievement and future. “It was a big burden (years of missing out international competitions). For many years, teams didn’t achieve what they should have. So for us, it was great to be part of the team that got into the tournament for the first time in 50 years. Going forward I think it’s important that we deal with the expectations, because people expect us to win now and it’s not that simple,” he revealed during a telephone interview with this correspondent.
On top for the Clarets
Now, as the year winds down, Vokes, back in the Premier League, lead the scoring charts for The Clarets with four goals and two assists, keeping the Lancashire club, currently 14th and six points above the drop zone, well on its way to retaining their top division status.
While the stars look to have aligned for the striker, it was only a few years ago that he was caught in a web of disappointment, injuries and a whirlwind spell of six loan moves in three years between 2009-12.
His subsequent transfer to Turf Moor fetched him the stability he sought but having missed the first half of the club’s last canter in the Premier League due to a serious knee injury and used predominantly as a substitute in the latter half, the former Wolverhampton man has had to dig deep to rise to the top.
“It’s very hard. The nine months off the field was a tough time. To miss that Premier League season as well, wanting to prove myself at that level,” says Vokes. “But I think when you come back it’s just as hard because you are not really used to it and it takes another nine months really to get properly fit and used to it, to play with confidence again.”
It was that drive and spirit to get another stab at the top division that played a huge part in his successful return to the Premier League. “It’s very hard to get relegated from the Premier League and go straight back up so it was great for the team to do that. Me and Andre scored lots of goals and helped get promoted,” the striker revealed.
Perfect take-off to well laid-out plans
At first glance, Wales’ success might be surprising, but a closer look shows that it was the perfect take-off to years of painstakingly laid-out plans.
“I got called up for Wales when I was quite young, about 16-17. A lot of the players who are now playing in the first team were the ones who played in the age groups with me,” says Vokes.
“In the first team we played very early, managers at the time gave us a lot of games and experience. We weren’t as good as we are now but that gave us experience and in the last couple of years, we are showing that by qualifying and playing tournaments. I think it was important that we played together a lot when we were young because we have a lot of experience at the national level (by the time we are 26-27).”
Turning Moor into fortress
Armed with their previous experience of the Premier League, this season has seen Burnley make their home ground — Turf Moor — a fortress, even taking points of big sides including the rampant Liverpool.
Solidity at the back, often by passing midfield and hitting on the break has seen the club evolve into a tough opposition. “It’s been a good start. We’ve had a couple of big wins. I feel we are a stronger team this year and it’s very close at the minute. Our main goal is to stay up. This year we have definitely got a good enough team to do that,” remarked the man who idolises Alan Shearer.
“We have been playing with lot more confidence. The players the gaffer has brought in, has done very well for us.
“At home we are very strong. It’s a hard place for teams to come and play. When we go away we try to make it hard to play against us as well. It’s important that when we play at home we pick up points.”
The change in style has limited the striker’s touches of the ball but that’s a sacrifice the Southampton-born striker is more than willing to make.
“It’s hard (for strikers) because we don’t get as many chances. Maybe one or two in a game, unlike in the Championship where you get four or five, but the point is to take them when you get it. We know we won’t pass the ball as much, so you have to concentrate hard. I think as a team in the Premier League, you need to adapt. The way we have showed up a couple of times this season show we have done it well,” he explained. There is optimism and hope at Turf Moor as they go into the New Year and there is not even a question of why!
