Strikers Instinct (10 page)

It was early morning on the Friday after the last home game of the season and Ed was already at his desk high in the stand overlooking the pitch. He was in a relatively good mood – the first two pop concerts had been sold out and had gone off without incident. So far it had been a very profitable venture and three more similar events were planned over the next three evenings, then on Monday morning the covers would be removed and he could get the groundstaff off his back.

Ed loved being busy – and he expected those around him to follow his example. This last week had been busier than usual. He seemed to have had meetings at all times of the day and night, he was trying to pull together all the details for next season in addition to running the TxT business and he seemed to have spent all week dashing between the TxT headquarters and the Wishton ground. Today was hopefully the culmination of the week's activities as far as the football club was concerned. A full board meeting was scheduled to start at 9am and it was scheduled to last until all the details for the forthcoming season were resolved.

The agenda for the day should have involved all four members of the Wishton Clough board and at certain intervals relevant staff would be wheeled in and out to give their input. That, in theory, was the plan but already there was a fly in the ointment – there were only three current members of the board – the CFO still had to be appointed. Hopefully that was something that would be resolved today.

Ed worked on for a while then his phone rang, it was his PA telling him that they were ready to begin. He liked to be the last person to enter the room – it was only a little thing but it was one of several little tips that he had picked up during his time in the US. Ed grabbed some papers and his laptop and headed into the boardroom.

He saw that the large room contained only a few occupants. Harry Green and Dave Bycroft, the Director of Football – sat at one side of the table – across from the Stadium Manager and Sarah, Ed's PA. Ed took the seat at the head of the table and greeted everyone.

“Sarah – what's the first item on the agenda?” he asked – even though he knew exactly what the schedule for the day consisted of – because he had drawn it up.

“First up is the discussion regarding admission prices for next season – including season tickets.” replied Sarah.

“OK.” Ed said. “Let's hear what you have to say Jeff.”

Jeff Myers provided a summary of several hours of prior discussion with Ed. Harry knew that Ed wanted the board meeting to appear to be as democratic as possible but in reality Ed had already made his mind up about most of the decisions that would be taken today – the other people in the room were there just in case Ed may have missed something. As far as the admission fees were concerned for example, all the costs had been meticulously worked out and Ed had decided to keep the prices artificially low. This decision was not because he felt any sense of loyalty towards the Wishton public but because he simply wanted to make the ground look as full as possible. The public and media didn't know that of course and they would praise him for his benevolence. The other bonus as far as Ed was concerned, was that the more people came through the gates, then the more pies and pints were sold! It all fitted together very well.

Jeff finished his presentation with recommendations for price levels for both home and away fans for next year. It was proposed that the away fans pay the same price as the home fans. Again there were a couple of advantages to this, first of all the price was so low that it was the cheapest ground in the division to visit – again providing great publicity but the second bonus was even cleverer. Because the price for home and away fans was the same, there was little or no danger that the away fans would try to sit in the “wrong” part of the ground. This meant less chance of any trouble in the ground which in turn meant that there wasn't a need for as many stewards.

After a brief discussion Ed proposed that they accept the prices that Jeff proposed with an added incentive that if fans bought a season ticket within the next month they would receive a 10% discount. The motion was passed and Sarah duly noted the agreement.

Jeff went on to discuss the price and range of refreshments that would be available at various sites around the ground next season. He took a deep breath and then proposed that they used a new source for pies next season. Harry glanced up quickly. In most grounds this kind of decision was part and parcel of the season's preparations but pies were always a tricky subject in the North of England – especially in Lancashire.

“What are you proposing Jeff?” Ed asked.

Jeff gave the name of the new pie company and Harry snorted.

“No chance!” he said. “They're made in St Helens and they taste awful – they won't eat them in Wishton.”

Ed smiled. “Look Harry, I know how much the natives love their pies but when they see they are 10p cheaper then they will love them!”

Harry shook his head and voted against the proposal but his fellow directors voted it through. He thought that Ed looked very pleased with himself and it was a few weeks before he found out why. The pie company in question had been in financial difficulty for some time and Ed had picked it up – before the board meeting – for a bargain basement price. Another addition to the Tierney empire.

Jeff then left the room and the Corporate Sales Manager took his place. He went through a range of proposals concerning every day of the week at the stadium – ranging from match days to weddings and corporate events. One of the first things Ed had arranged when the stadium opened was that it could be licensed to perform marriages and the venue was full every weekend. Harry began to lose interest as proposals for different themed match days and menus flashed up on the screen at the end of the room. As expected, all the proposals were voted through and the Sales manager quickly departed.

Ed proposed a quick 10 minute break whilst they checked their messages and when they returned he was smiling. “Good news!” he cried. “Sue has accepted our job offer and will be handing in her notice tomorrow. Once she has worked out the necessary details she will be all ours!”

Harry was also very pleased and he and Ed shook hands. What he didn't tell him was that Sue had given him the news the previous evening and they had discussed a few concerns that Sue brought up. Harry had settled her fears and she seemed happy.

Next up was an item that Harry was genuinely looking forward to – it was time to hear from the team manager. Sandy was warmly greeted and for the next couple of hours they discussed the current squad, talking about which players would soon be out of contract, who should be on the retained list – and probably most importantly – who the manager had his eye on to bring to the club. Wishton was similar to other clubs in that it used a network of scouts to watch games at all levels and they had to sift through a lot of information before Sandy finally left the room.

If it all worked out then Wishton would have their strongest team ever next season – but it would come at a cost and Ed was determined that he would see a big return from his investment, he now wanted Premier League football sooner rather than later.

They decided to carry on working through lunch as both Harry and Ed had other duties to attend to so they had sandwiches as Sarah read through “Any other Business”. Several minor items were quickly dealt with until they reached a proposal from the Chairperson of the Supporters Club. Fran Lafferty was in her late fifties and had been a supporter since she was a little girl. Her whole family was Wishton mad and they hardly missed a match – home or away.

She proposed a competition for all supporters club members to win a chance to become a member of the first team squad for a season. Ed's reaction was immediate. “No way.” he said. “Move on to the next item!”

“Hang on,” said Harry, “we haven't even taken a look. I've known Fran for many years and she is a clever cookie – let's at least have a quick glance at what she says – in fact here is something on the first page that should appeal to you Ed.”

“What's that?” said Ed irritably.

“Fran claims that there is no cost involved with this plan!”

Even Ed had to smile when he heard that.

“OK,” he said, “but I'm not having some overweight old man or worse pulling on a shirt and making us look stupid.”

“I agree,” said Harry, “but it looks like Fran has already thought of that. She proposes that you have to join the supporters club to enter – so at least it will be real fans who get involved – and her next suggestion is also quite clever.”

“Go on.” said Ed.

“Well Fran proposes that all entrants have to pass a fitness test. They have to run a mile in a certain time, do so many sit-ups, press-ups, chin-up's etc, etc. before they can go into a draw to win the competition. Also she proposes that each entrant has to agree to write a short column for the local paper each week. It's quite brilliant really – she proposes a competition that will cost us nothing to run and all the entrants will be fit, educated people.”

Ed gazed thoughtfully back at Harry. “I have to agree that I see a lot of merit in this scheme – but I do see one potential, delicate problem.” He paused for a second and glanced at Sarah before he continued. “What if a young lady wins the competition? We can't include her in the first team squad – it must be against FA rules?”

Harry also glanced at Sarah before he replied. “The fitness levels will be the same for all.” he murmured. “We will encourage everyone to enter but I will be very surprised if there are any ladies who pass the test.”

Sarah went red but passed no comment.

“In that case I take back my objections.” said Ed. “I like the idea of a competition with no cost involved and a chance of some great publicity. However, I'm going to make you personally responsible Harry so don't mess up.”

“Don't worry Ed,” said Harry, “in fact another thought has just occurred to me – let's make it another condition that as well as being a member of the Supporters Club you have to purchase your season ticket in the next month in order to be eligible to enter the competition?”

“Excellent Harry,” said Ed, “but remember – it's on your head if there are any problems.”

The final item on the agenda was a report from Harry concerning the medical situation at the club. He spoke about a couple of players with long-term injuries and the various methods being used in their convalescence. He went on to talk about the need for one or two pieces of new diagnostic equipment and a summary of the rest of the facilities.

Ed then brought the meeting to a close and they left to pursue their various appointments. They all seemed happy with the outcome but none seemed to be smiling more than Harry.

Sue claimed that Luke's favourite night of the week was Wednesday – she actually went as far as to say that he preferred to be with his friends than his family! Luke always strenuously denied this but he had to admit that over the last 18 months or so he had began to look forward more and more to meeting up with his mates for a game of five a side football.

Once again it was Harry he had to thank for putting him back in touch with old friends from his younger days. When Luke was travelling frequently for work he didn't get chance to commit to any long-term projects at home but now he relished the prospect of running around like a daft kid every Wednesday evening. Even though Sue was joking when she spoke about Luke's night out – she saw how much he enjoyed it – and it did him good.

Harry and his friends had been playing for many years but sadly Harry had picked up too many silly knocks and strains so he had reluctantly decided to call it a day. He couldn't afford to get injured anymore – his research was at a critical point – but he still came down most weeks to cheer the team on and to have a few pints afterwards.

Until Luke had arrived, the small group of forty-something's enjoyed their weekly run-around but they never actually looked like winning anything. Most of the competition were much younger and fitter so eventually the older guys would run out of steam. This year, however, was different. They now had a new secret weapon.

Luke had always been a very good footballer. Tall and strong he made the perfect centre forward with a very nice touch for a big man. He also had something that most of his team mates didn't have – stamina! Some of his friends were still quite good footballers but they just didn't have the staying power to run around like children anymore. However, Harry had worked out a system whereby he rotated the team so that none of them spent more than a few minutes on the pitch at a time – apart of course, from Luke who just seemed to be able to run all night.

Tonight was a big night. For the first time ever they had progressed to the semi-final of the five a side knockout cup. All of them – Luke included – were very excited. They seemed to work together well – their goalie had been on top form and Luke had been scoring goals for fun so they were hoping to get to the final. Only one thing stood in their way – and unfortunately that was a very big obstacle.

Thorley Tornadoes were a bunch of 18 year olds from the local college who were very good indeed. Most of them had grown up together and they were unbeaten over the last couple of years, in addition they had actually beaten Luke's team – Green Seniors – twice in the previous weeks. However, the last game had been very close and the Seniors thought they had improved since then. The Tornadoes were a cocky bunch of kids but their captain was the most obnoxious of the lot. Away from the pitch Adam Collier was quite a pleasant young man but once the whistle went he changed completely. He was a very good player but he tried to play mind games with the opposition and he was widely disliked.

Luke and the rest of the team were warming up and Harry was explaining how he was going to rotate the players. After giving his usual team talk he turned to Luke.

“OK,” he said, “I'm just going to come right out and say it. Things would be much easier for all of us if you just accidentally bumped into Adam Collier in the first few minutes – just give him a little knock!”

Luke laughed. “We've been through this before Harry. If things start getting rough then I'll join in as much as anyone but I'm not going to turn into some sort of Vinnie Jones figure in a five a side game.”

Sid Smith moaned, “But it's Adam Collier – he's just a cocky little prat but with him out of the way we would have a good chance to win!”

“OK then Sid,” Luke replied, “then why don't you try to take him out of the game?”

Sid looked embarrassed. “Because every time I try, he just dodges round me as if I wasn't there.”

The rest of the Seniors laughed.

“Exactly,” said Luke, “so let's just play our best and enjoy ourselves – and beat them!”

The two teams came together with the referee and as expected Adam began to talk.

“Have you got your oxygen bottles ready? You'll need them when we have finished with you.”

Adam's team mates laughed and cheered and most of the Seniors glared back miserably – apart from Luke who just laughed and then went to shake Adam's hand.

“Best of luck lads,” he shouted, then he gripped Adam's hand so hard he nearly cried.

Adam didn't show how much pain he was in but for most of the first half he was actually fairly quiet – for once he concentrated on playing football rather than sledging. He had to concentrate – because the Seniors were playing like men possessed and when the half-time whistle went they were leading two nil. Luke had scored first followed by a cracking goal from Sid. Lanky Lowe in goals was having a stormer.

As they gathered around for a half-time chat they were disturbed by a large noise from the other end of the sports centre.

“What's going on down there?” someone asked.

“It's the fitness trials for the supporters club contest.” Harry replied. “The trials are going on every night this week and it looks as if there is a fair turn out judging by the noise.”

“Are you going in for it Luke?” asked Sid.

“No chance!” said Luke. “I'm not getting involved in anything Ed Tierney has dreamed up. No offence Harry.” he added, glancing at his friend.

“None taken.” said Harry. “Look, just forget about the noise from over there and concentrate on winning this game. We're halfway to the final but these lads always come on strong in the second half.”

Harry's words proved right. The Tornadoes ran at the Seniors in wave after wave until finally they scored. Harry screamed at his team.

“Just 2 minutes left – come on – keep em out!”

They nearly did it. Then – with more or less the last kick of normal time, Adam Collier danced through the tiring defence, skipped round Lanky and tapped the ball into an empty net. Seconds later the final whistle went and the Seniors slumped to the floor.

“What happens now?” moaned Sid.

“Golden Goal.” said Harry. “First to score wins – and you had better make it quick. Most of you won't last much longer but they all look as if they could run all night.”

The Seniors looked at the opposition who all looked fresh and keen and silently they groaned to themselves. Thankfully at least Luke seemed to be raring to go.

“Listen,” he urged, “you lot just drop back and defend and I'll do my best alone up front. Just keep it tight and try to get the ball to me. We can still do this!”

His team mates replied with a half-hearted cheer and they all lined up for extra time.

“Right gents,” the ref shouted, “first goal wins, we play until someone scores.”

“This won't last long.” shouted Adam with glee and his team mates roared.

The whistle went and the Tornadoes were straight on the attack. For a few minutes Luke began to have some hope. The Seniors defence seemed to be holding strong. Then, disaster struck. One of the Tornadoes picked up the ball deep in his own half and set off on a mazy run upfield. The boy was like lightening and flashed past the weary Seniors. Second later the ball was in the net and it was all over.

The tornadoes smirked and celebrated and most of the Seniors looked as if they were going to be sick.

“Do you want us to call you some ambulances?” crowed Adam.

“Get away you little creep,” threatened Sid, “or it'll be the last game you'll ever play!”

Adam just laughed. “You couldn't get near me during the game so how are you going to catch me now? Most of you can't even walk. You should all be looking to book yourselves into retirement homes!”

The taunts went on and on until Harry could bear it no more.

“OK big mouth,” he shouted, “let's sort this once and for all.”

Adam began to look worried – maybe he had gone too far. “Come on – we're only joking,” he said, “are you all too old to take a joke?”

“How about that?” Harry said, pointing to the far end of the room.

Adam and his mates seemed puzzled.

“No idea what you are talking about Grandad, I think you've finally lost it.”

Harry struggled to keep his temper. “What I'm proposing is that we have a contest. One person from your team and one from ours take on the Supporters club fitness tests and we see who comes out on top.”

The tornadoes began to laugh.

“OK.” Adam said, “But do you really think that any of your team will be able to finish this without having a heart attack?”

Harry replied, “Who are you putting forward?

The tornadoes had a quick conference and as expected Adam strode forward.

“I'll do it,” he said, “this should be a laugh!”

“OK,” said Harry, “then our candidate is Luke.”

Even though Luke had been expecting Harry to call out his name he was reluctant to take part.

“Come on lads,” he pleaded, “what's this going to prove?”

In reply the tornadoes began to do chicken impersonations. Luke sighed – he knew there was no way out now. They all walked over to the group at the far end of the hall and Harry spoke to someone who seemed to be in charge. A few minutes later he returned.

“OK,” he said, “it's all sorted. Just a few minutes and they will be able to fit us in. Five events. First is a 100 metre sprint, then 3 minutes of press-ups, followed by 3 minutes of sit-ups, then 3 minutes of chin-ups. Finally we go outside to the running track for a one mile run. The winner is the one who wins the majority of events.”

“Fine,” said Adam, “but what do we get when I win?”

The Seniors looked puzzled.

“I guess you get to rub our noses in it?” replied Harry.

“No, that's not good enough,” said Adam, “when we win – you lot will all retire for good!”

The Seniors looked around and finally they all nodded their heads.

“Agreed,” said Harry, “but when we win you will also have a price to pay. We insist that you withdraw from the tournament and allow us through to the final!”

“No problem.” said Adam.

The fitness attendants called Luke and Adam across and explained the rules and then they were ready to start.

The first event – the sprint – was a disaster for Luke. He finished in a perfectly respectable time for a 46 year old man but Adam streaked away and won by a wide margin. The tornadoes cheered and the Seniors groaned – it wasn't looking good.

The next event was the sit-ups. Once again Adam streaked into the lead – he was flying up and down whereas Luke seemed to only have one steady pace. However, after 2 minutes it was obvious that Adam was flagging and Luke showed no sign of slowing down. The pattern was repeated for the next two events – it was the classic tale of the tortoise and the hare. Adam flew ahead whereas Luke just went in the same steady rhythm. After each event the three neutral judges compared notes and nodded in agreement. Harry had agreed that the results would only be revealed after the final event.

Adam and Luke trudged outside and readied themselves to run the mile. The starter sent them on their way and as expected, Adam flew into the lead. After the first lap he was almost 100 metres in front but it became obvious on the next lap that Luke was slowly fighting back. Halfway during the 3rd lap there was only 10 metres in it and then – just as they hit the fourth and final lap, Luke drew level.

The small crowd was going wild – the Tornadoes and Seniors were trying to cheer their runner across the line. Suddenly the Tornadoes began to look worried as Luke grinned at Adam then waved goodbye! As they hit the final straight Luke powered on and comfortably beat his younger opponent. Luke stood gasping but Adam seemed to be throwing up.

Everyone waited in anticipation – they knew Adam won the first event and Luke won the last but they couldn't work out the other three events. They had made a rough estimate at each sit-up etc. but they knew that the judges would have ruled some of them out because they perhaps hadn't been done correctly. Finally they were ready to reveal the results.

The senor timekeeper moved forward to speak.

“OK,” he said, “both contestants won one event each – here are the results of the remaining three events. You can all study the exact count later but each event went to the same person. We declare the winner to be – Luke Linden!”

For a few minutes there was bedlam. The Seniors were trying to carry Luke around the hall whereas the Tornadoes were all complaining that the contest was fixed. Then the exact figures for each event were revealed and they finally had to accept the inevitable. The only person who didn't seem bothered was Adam who was still throwing up outside.

“Well done Luke.” Harry said. “We never doubted you!”

The rest of the team dragged Luke away to enjoy a few well-deserved pints. Harry was the last to leave and no-one noticed as he nodded to the chief fitness assessor. Then he passed Adam on his way out and once again – no-one noticed as they both winked at each other as they passed……