SIX weeks ago, Vaclav Hladky was dreaming of facing Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and the rest of Liverpool’s superstars in a Premier League curtain-raiser at Portman Road.
A permanent fixture in the Ipswich side that completed a fairytale rise from League One to the top-flight last season, it was roundly assumed that negotiations over a new contract would be a formality.
But they weren’t. May ticked into June. Pre-season loomed. Then, on the first day of July, the bombshell dropped.
Hladky, a fan favourite whose ball-playing qualities proved so integral to Kieran McKenna’s short-passing style, had rejected the Tractor Boys’ final offer.
“It was a painful decision, obviously,” admits the 33-year-old, who joined Burnley a fortnight later having shunned several clubs in his native Czechia.
“For me personally. Also for my family and friends. They all expected me to be playing in the Premier League. They were so excited about coming to games and watching me on TV.
“But things didn’t work well for me. I had some long, long conversations with the club and the manager. Tough conversations. I talked a lot with my family and the people I trust.
“It was hard, you know? The Premier League… that is where everybody wants to be. It is a dream to play there. For me also. But in the end I made a decision with a clear head and I was happy.”
Happy
The precise motivation behind that decision remains unclear, but considering Hladky arrived at Portman Road in 2021 via St Mirren and Salford, he is unlikely to harbour the sort of nest egg that would guarantee a comfortable retirement.
If Hladky sought a life-changing contract in the twilight of his career, nobody could be grudge him, and Ipswich fans certainly didn’t.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
NUNEZ SPARKS ROUT OF IN-FORM TIGERS
NORWICH City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup was delighted with his side’s performance as they made it four wins in six games to maintain their climb up the table after a slow start.
SHAUN RUES SOFT LATICS' BORE DRAW
WIGAN manager Shaun Maloney had mixed emotions after his side drew at Stockport to make it six games unbeaten.
Bielik's words are own goal for Blues
IN MY early days at Brighton, we won back-to-back promotions and were practically unstoppable.
CLAIMS OF RACISM TO ASSISTANT MAR DRAW
PORTSMOUTH boss John Mousinho apologised to assistant referee Bhupinder Singh Gill for alleged discriminatory comments made from the stands during the draw with Oxford United.
WILDER'S PUSH FOR BIRTHDAY BOY RAK-SAKYI IS PAYING OFF
Hatters in slump as loan star hits brace
ARGYLE STUN ROVERS AFTER WAYNE SEES RED
PLYMOUTH assistant head coach Pete Shuttleworth praised Argyle’s never say-die attitude as the greens secured a last-minute win over high-flying Blackburn.
Former teen star is now real deal
FAMOUSLY, Karamoko Dembele was just 13 when he made his debut for Celtic’s under-20 side in 2016.
DERBY DATE SO VITAL FOR OMER
Interim boss has chance to boost bid
LINDSEY LINK-UP LIFTS LAURENCE!
LAURENCE Maguire has been reunited with Scott Lindsey at MK Dons - and believes his old boss is the right man to propel them into the League Two promotion shake-up.
I WANT TO ADD MORE ELLIOT
NEW Crawley Town boss Rob Elliot has promised evolution not revolution after stepping into the huge shoes vacated by Scott Lindsey.
