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.
Denne historien er fra August 11, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 11, 2024-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
END OF CUP ROAD FOR EFL BATTLERS
EFL interest in this season’s Carabao Cup came to an end in midweek, but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
GOALS GALORE IN THE TROPHY
THE goals flew in from all angles as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy revved into action again in midweek.
KEEPER GAFFE SINKS TOWN
HUDDERSFIELD boss Michael Duff questioned his players’ mentality after goalkeeper Chris Maxwell’s bloomer handed NonLeague Tamworth a shock win.
ACE SLEW & WILLIAMS SEE OFF REBELS...
DECISIVE goals at either end of the game from Jordan Slew and Rhys Williams helped League Two Morecambe avoid a potential banana skin against National League South outfit Worthing.
MATT'S MEN JUST HAVE ENOUGH GAS
HONEST Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor has acknowledged his side were pushed all the way in their tie against Weston-super-Mare.
'WHITES' ARRAY OF FIREPOWER WILL GIVE THEM THE EDGE OVER RIVALS'
GARY Rowett says Leeds’ glittering arsenal of attacking stars will bring the Championship title to Elland Road.
POMPEY'S GAME OF TWO HALVES
Murphy's in to deny the Tigers
SET-PLAY PREP PAYING OFF FOR PELACH
NARCIS Pelach admitted Stoke have been working tirelessly on set-pieces since his arrival – and he was pleased the hard work paid dividends with the winner against Derby.
Robins lays marker to his Sky Blues
MARK Robins has challenged his Coventry City players to go on a Championship charge after the Sky Blues ended their wait for success on their travels with resounding victory against ten-man Boro.
JUST FAB FOUR BAYO IS UNSTOPPABLE
FOUR second-half goals in an incredible display from Vakoun Bayo powered Watford to a resounding victory at Hillsborough.
