Football
BLACKBURN striker Sammie Szmodics has the world at his feet – but will he be Premier League bound next season?
Sammie Szmodics, Blackburn's prolific striker, reflects on his remarkable season, aiming for Premier League promotion. In an interview with SportsBoom, Szmodics discusses his goal-scoring feats, the Golden Boot award, and his journey from non-league football to the brink of the Premier League.
Image Credits: BBC Sport
The Rovers hitman dazzled this season with 33 goals in all competitions.
And his incredible goalscoring form helped the Lancashire club avoid Championship relegation.
But, arguably, if he’d have played in any other team then he would have most likely have been competing for promotion this term.
However, Rovers’ leaked goals for fun this season, but luckily they had Szmodics to bail them out of trouble on numerous occasions.
“It's a pinch myself moment [what I’ve achieved this season],” Szmodics told SportsBoom.com.
"I knew I could score goals at any level, but if someone had said to me I’d score 33, well it’s a dream for me.
“It’s been an up and down season for Blackburn, but from a personal one it’s been my best season to date.
“It’s been a tough season, but [new manager] John Eustace has come in and done really well, sured it up at the back and I’ve carried on scoring goals – and it’s helped.”
Image Credits: BBC Sport
Smzodics’ incredible goalscoring exploits saw him become the first striker since Alan Shearer to scorer 30 goals in a season for Blackburn
“To even have my name in the same sentence as Alan Shearer is absolutely ridiculous,” he added.
“It was a bit of a pinch myself moment to get a video from Alan Shearer, but that’s where I’m at the minute.
“Sometimes it’s a pinch myself moment and sometimes I’ve got to realise what I’m doing for my goals is really good and is the best thing I’ve done so far.
Szmodics surprisingly missed out the Championship Player of the Season award, but was rightly rewarded for his stunning season by scooping the coveted Championship Golden Boot Award.
“I’m delighted and also relieved to win it because I’ve been at the top all season and I’ve been chased by some great names, so to top it off with the Golden Boot is amazing,” reflected Szmodics.
“It’s a massive achievement for me because I would never have imagined scoring that amount of goals.
“To be up there all season and to actually win it, and to have the trophy here, it’s amazing for me.
“I’ve been free flowing all season. I think scoring two against Rotherham early on has really helped me kick on and I’ve just had good momentum and kept finding the net.
I think out of all the accolades I’ve had this season, this one ranks as number one. I won the Player of the Month award in November, which was a big thing for me, but I don’t think anything tops the Golden Boot.
Sammie Szmodics
But it’s not all been plain sailing for Szmodics, a player who has risen steadily through the ranks from Non-League level to put himself on the cusp of playing in the top flight
The 28-year-old started his career at Colchester United, struggled for goals and was dished out to Non-League Braintree Town on loan to find some form – and goals,
A big move to Bristol City followed, but he played just three games for the Robins and spent most of his time on loan at Peterborough United before signing a permanent deal at Post.
“It would be stupid for me to say I wasn’t doubting myself [at Bristol City],” admitted Szmodics.
“I went to Bristol City from Colchester United for a £1million, I was a young lad and I found the step up hard.
“But I still do believe I should have been given a chance.
“However, that’s football and, looking back at it now, maybe I wouldn’t be in this position now if it had worked out at Bristol City.
“My journey has been from League Two at Colchester to on loan at Braintree in the National League, so standing here now as the top goalscorer in the Championship is something I never thought I’d do or achieve.”
Promoted Leicester City, Everton and West Ham are all linked with a move to secure Szmodics’ signature for next season, even though he still has two and a half years remaining on his current deal at Ewood Park.
“I’d like to think so [I could make the step up to the Premier League], but it’s about getting that opportunity and chance to do so,” revealed Szmodics.
“But hopefully I’ve shown people who doubted me in the Championship what I can do and that I can make that step up and do it at that level.
“We’ll have to see what the future holds. It’s everyone’s dream to play in the Premier League – and hopefully I can achieve that.
Blackburn defender Dominic Hyam has been blown away by Szmodics’ exploits in front of goal in a season to savour
“I don’t think there’s anyone I’d like on the ball more than Sammie, especially in the Championship,” said Hyam.
“He’s been electric all season, he’s been magnificent. He’s been unbelievable and he keeps talking about a purple patch - I think it’s the longest purple patch ever recorded!
“I’m so proud of him. He’s a great lad, just a great character to have in the changing room and an even better character on the pitch.
“He’s a leader, he gets us the goals and we’re all delighted for him.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.