SAM VOKES’ career highlights include two promotions to the Premier League with Burnley as well as scoring an iconic goal for Wales at Euro 2016.
So the Gillingham striker, who plays the final game of his career against Shrewsbury tomorrow, has been keenly following developments at Turf Moor this week.
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Sam Vokes will retire after Gillingham’s showdown with Shrewsbury Credit: Getty
The striker won promotion to the Premier League with Burnley and Wolves Credit: Reuters
Scott Parker’s exit by mutual consent on Thursday following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship made current Wales boss Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard the early favourites to take over.
But ex-Clarets hero Vokes, 36, who was part of two promotion-winning campaigns under Sean Dyche in 2014 and 2016, wants Bellamy to stay put with the Dragons and qualify for Euro 2028.
Vokes, who also played alongside Bellamy for Wales at international level, said: “Craig’s got previous at the club as assistant to Vincent Kompany so I think he would do a good job for Burnley.
“But I’d like him to stay with Wales because he’s been great. We were unfortunate to miss out on penalties for the World Cup but he can lead us to Euro 2028.
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“I’m sure he would like to get a club job at one point in his managerial career but I’d love to see him walk Wales out at a major tournament and get some success. You can see how passionate he is about Wales.
“He never got there as a player and he’d love to get the country there as a manager. But he can achieve that with the group he has got.”
Vokes played for 11 clubs in total since his pro debut for Bournemouth against Nottingham Forest almost 20 years ago.
After a promotion to the Premier League with Wolves in 2009, it was his seven-year spell at Burnley where the forward will be best remembered at domestic level as he played a central role in the rise of the Clarets under Dyche.
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Vokes has happy memories at Turf Moor Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The former Wales international is desperate for Burnley to bounce back after their relegation Credit: Getty Images – Getty
A decade on, Burnley are back in the cycle of promotion and relegation and, whoever takes charge beyond Mike Jackson’s four-game caretaker spell will have the task of trying to earn an instant return to the Premier League.
Vokes and co did so following relegation in 2015 and the hitman reckons his ex-club avoiding a squad break-up is key to bouncing back.
Vokes added: “Burnley find themselves in a funny place. In the last few years, they have been too good for the Championship but then struggle when they get to the Premier League.
“It’s great to get promoted but you don’t want to be caught as a yo-yo team too much.
“As a club, it would be good to get some stability. When we had success at Burnley in the past, we had a core group and a culture built from within us and that brought success higher up the levels.
“When I was there and we bounced straight back in 2016 the club were investing on the training ground, the stadium. The club is at a different phase now.
“So building on what Parker did and keeping hold of key players rather than losing them will be vital. Zian Flemming has scored nine goals in the Premier League and did very well so it’s important you keep core players like him.”
Vokes reached the top himself when he was part of Wales’ incredible run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals under Chris Coleman.
Vokes pinpointed his Euro 2016 goal against Belgium as a career highlight Credit: Getty
He wants current Wales chief Craig Bellamy to turn down the Burnley job Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The 64-cap ace scored 11 times for his country but he famously put a header past Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois to seal a dramatic last-four spot in the 3-1 triumph.
Vokes beamed: “It was an amazing time. We went to our first tournament for Wales in over 50 years and I think people on the outside had no expectation of us getting out of the group and even getting a win.
“To find ourselves reaching the semi-finals was unbelievable.
“On a personal note, to chip in, do my bit and score against Belgium in the quarter-finals is a night me and my family will never forget.
“I can’t lie – I’ve probably watched the goal 500 times! It has to be my most played goal.
“The promotions with Wolves and Burnley to the Premier League were amazing seasons to be part of but the top of it all must be reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals with Wales. It was a dream come true.”
Steven Gerrard is among the frontrunners to take over at Burnley Credit: Getty
Scott Parker left the Clarets earlier this week Credit: Reuters
Vokes hangs up the boots after tomorrow’s League Two clash at Priestfield but ends his playing days with immense pride.
He said: “I announced my retirement on Monday and I’ve had mixed emotions all week.
“I’ve known for a while having spoken to my wife and family, it is a strange feeling but I’m excited too. I’m just glad I can do it on my own terms.
“All my family will be there and hopefully it will be a nice occasion and my girls can join me on the pitch at some point. It’s a moment for everyone to celebrate.
“I love football, I’ve had amazing times and I’ll look back fondly on my career. I’ll try and stay in the game. I need a break first to take stock of the last 20 years.”
