retired_rkp278

"Ring ring!"

Ben picked up the phone, and heard a familiar voice.

"Hi, is this the residence of Ben Cee?"

"Yes, it's Ben Cee speaking."

"Hi Ben. It's Arsene. We have a bit of a problem with your work permit, so if it's okay can you come down to the stadium as soon as you can."

"Oh." Ben was momentarily stunned, but regained just enough compusure to reply "I'll be there right away Sir."

Ben immediately ran out of the house towards the stadium. Being located five minutes away, it didn't take very long. Ben dashed up the halls and reached Wenger's office faster than you could say 'Ashburton Grove'.

"You wanted to see me Sir?" Ben panted.

"Oh yes. Have a seat."

"You see Ben, the Home Office has turned down your first application for your work permit." Wenger delivered the grim news.

"However, as with all cases, we have the right of appeal. The thing is, at the appeal hearing, we need you to turn up, and justify to the court why you deserve this work permit."

"We will assist you to the best of our ability, but you have to prove to the court that you are an exceptional talent that is worth granting a work permit to."

The reality started to sink in. Ben's career now lies in his ability to argue in front of a magistrate about his potential ability and usefulness and future contribution to the club and country. Being a shy young man, this seemed like a tall order for him. Will he be able to pull it off?

Mercenary93

Really good story mate. Just one thing that's wrong. Arsene Wenger isn't that nice.. haha great story.

retired_rkp278

Thank you. One can only hope...

As the date of the hearing draws near, Ben found himself full of nerves. He tried practising at home, what to say to the magistrate and so on. Arsenal too did their bid to help, hiring lawyers to assist in the procedure, and make Ben's time a little easier.

All in all, the club spared no effort to make sure they could sign this Singaporean talent, and it made Ben felt wanted, for pretty much the first time in his very short life.

Before long however, the British press latched on to the story, and being what they are, they were often inaccurate in their reports.

The Sun - Arsenal Sign Jungle Boy
Arsenal are due to appear at a hearing to appeal for a work permit for their recently discovered talent, from the South East Asian jungle state of Singapore. 20 year old Ben Cee comes with no previous professional playing experience, and his signing is seen as a risk, or even a mistake, for the normally astute Arsene Wenger.


The Daily Mirror - Singaporean Alien Pops Up At The Emirates
Arsenal are to appeal at a hearing for a work permit for their new signing, 20 year old Singaporean Ben Cee. Being of an unknown stature, this seems to be a big mistake for the club to go through all the effort to sign someone who is easily inferior to a random lad plucked off the streets of London.

And so on. Obviously some of the comments did hurt the young man (especially having his country described as a 'jungle', when in reality it is as cosmopolitan as London, if not more), but Wenger would not be put off by the ruthless British hacks. "I have faith in you, young man." he reassured Ben.

retired_rkp278

Erm, I may have a bit of a problem with updates this week, as luck would have it I have a massive report to finish on my last week of work. So hopefully you guys are a bit patient and await the next episode next week, when I finally get freedom.

retired_rahalbob

hehe, I like the newspaper headlines. Good story Ben, shame I'll have to wait until next week for the next installment

retired_rkp278

Thanks mate. But it leaves a nice cliffhanger doesn't it? Will he get the work permit?

Mercenary93

Is this made up? You should be publishing this, not posting it on forums haha keep it up.

retired_rkp278

Haha. It is made up. I wish I could write a book. :p

Anyway, sod work, here's the next update.

Ben Cee, Arsene Wenger, some of the coaching staff and a couple of lawyers turned up at the London Cown Court for the hearing. This was arguably the most pivotal point in Ben's life, and could ultimately decide his career, or even his life.

So, the hearing started.

Magistrate: "Why, young man, do you think you deserve a work permit in your opinion?"

Ben: "I think that I can contribute a lot to this football club, and indirectly to this country."

M: "But you don't have a past history of contribution to your own country. What makes you qualified to say you will do so here? You haven't even held a job prior to this, let alone have a professional career."

Now this was true. The facts started to hit him hard. It was not looking good.

The lawyers then cut in, arguing how Ben was an exceptional talent who should be given a chance to prove himself. All in all it was a very nervous time for this young man, as the words flew between the lawyers and the magistrate.

After about three hours of debate, the magistrate called for recess, with the verdict to be reached afterwards. This only served to prolong the agony of young Ben.

retired_rkp278

After recess, they re-assembled back in court, where the magistrate delivered his verdict.

M: "Ben Cee, in view of your past history and lack of contribution, I would have to deny you the right of a work permit allowing you to work in this country."

The room went silent. Ben was stunned, and was nearly in tears. Wenger was surprised too, for he expected success.

Ben's dream seemed in tatters now, and he had absolutely no idea what his next step would be. Not only could he not play, he had to pack his bags and return to Singapore, where he would have to face his friends and family, and be labelled as a failure.

Ben was inconsolable that night.

What would happen next for this young man? Stay tuned...

retired_charytine

Good stuff Ben :thup: Excellent idea for a story and not in the usual fashion too.