Richard Wood column: Losing the record was a kick in the teeth

Leicester City, the Premier League champions.
Richard WoodRichard Wood
Richard Wood

An unbelievable achievement.

The scenes from Jamie Vardy’s house party on Monday night were incredible. The videos of the players celebrating were great to watch and, for me, epitomises team spirit. What a journey that team have been on for the last two seasons, from avoiding relegation to becoming champions.

It just goes to show that anything is possible in football. If you believe, it can be achieved.

Congratulations to Leicester City FC.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sadly, our 11-match unbeaten run came to an end last weekend.

After securing our Championship status last week, we craved to go undefeated for the remaining two games but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Last Saturday's lap of honourLast Saturday's lap of honour
Last Saturday's lap of honour

Personally, I was really looking forward to this final home game but losing to Blackburn put a dampener on the day for me.

Don’t get me wrong, it was still a good day.

It was a chance for players and fans to show their appreciation for each other’s efforts throughout the season and later that night celebrate our achievements at the awards dinner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But, as a footballer, I hate losing football matches. I always play to win and when I don’t it hurts. This also applies in training where there is always a competitive edge between everyone.

Hopefully we can finish the season in style with a win away at Hull on Saturday.

On a lighter note, and for everyone to have a laugh at my expense, I got my front tooth knocked out again on Saturday in a challenge with Elliott Bennett. I have certainly taken a lot of stick from the lads this week. It looks horrendous and the dentist can’t fit me in for another seven days. At least it won’t be knocked out against Hull!

I first knocked it out a couple of years ago when playing at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium for Charlton Athletic. Rovers striker, Chris Brown, who is now at Blackburn, caught me with an unintentional elbow and knocked it clean out. I needed a crown fitted but this isn’t as strong as a normal tooth so is always susceptible to been knocked out again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Once I have it repaired, it looks like I’ll be wearing a gumshield from now on.

Last Saturday's lap of honourLast Saturday's lap of honour
Last Saturday's lap of honour

This sort of thing comes with the territory of being a central defender. I can add my missing tooth to the badly broken nose and my many scars above my eyes to the list now.

I’ll keep sticking my head where it hurts to help win games and be playing every week.

Finally, it was a nice touch from the club to have the players’ families involved in the day. My children certainly enjoyed walking out with me at the start of the game, and they loved walking round the pitch afterwards, waving to and clapping all the supporters. That’s all they have been talking about since!