LUKE VARNEY
CHELTENHAM TOWN
Striker
28/09/1982
Leicester, England
Luke Varney joined the Brewers in January 2017 on an 18 month contract from Ipswich Town. Nicknamed 'Reg' is known for his strong work ethic, teamwork and ability to score important goals. Varney's career started at Quorn FC as a semi-pro before being spotted by Crewe Alexandra, where he spent three years at scoring 27 goals in 95 games. Including a season in League One, where he scored 25 goals in all competitions after being a part of a strike parternship with Nicky Maynard.
In May 2007, Alan Pardew manager of Charlton Athletic at the time, signed Varney for £2million rising up to £2.5million on appearances. Varney scored his first goal against the club he supported as a kid Leicester City and went onto score eight goals in 37 appearances. His second season didn't go too well as he only managed two goals in 17 games before joining Derby County on loan. Varney scored on his home debut against Crystal Palace and joined the club in January 2009. Unfortunately for Luke a number of niggling injuries and illness meant he did not play much and went to Sheffield Wednesday on a months loan where he scored two in four games. Varney joined recently promoted Premier League side Blackpool where he ended the season with five goals in 30 appearances. His goals included strikes on his debut against Fulham and a winning goal away at Liverpool one many Blackpool fans will always remember. Many expected Varney to join Blackpool on a deal after his loan but he opted to join Portsmouth instead.
After one year on the south-coast he joined up with Neil Warnock at Leeds United where he enjoyed a first year spell. He then struggled to get into the side and ended up at Blackburn. Following there he went to Ipswich and became a fans favourite and scored five goals in three seperate spells on short-term contracts. After joining the Brewers he scored the all important goal at Barnsley in the 1-1 draw that secured the clubs survival.