retired_c_huibers

Come on weres the rest

retired_rkp278

Oops. Real sorry abt this. Kinda forgot. Anyway I'm having a bit of writer's block, so I hope to update soon, but no promises.

Apologies.

retired_manragh

Interesting story so far Ben, hopefully some more updates will come soonish

Slightly off topic:

Just a quick note if you're interested or any of your other readers are the FMS awards are coming up soon for more information you can read here

FMS Awards - Inroduction

They're user-nominated and user-voted awards; if you're interested in voting - remember, even "lurkers" who've not posted a thing are eligible to vote! - you can register to vote at

FMS Award - Registration

retired_rkp278

Woo, awards! I'm not looking to win any, but it's nice that this gets a bit of recognition.

As Ben prepared to head out of his house for his first training session with Woodlands, he received a call.

"Hello"

"Hello, is this Ben?"

"Yes sir, I'm Ben"

"Ben, it's Mr Wenger here. I'm sorry to give you such short notice, but if possible can you fly back to England as soon as possible? There's some things I need to discuss and show you."

"Wha'?" Ben was in a state of shock over the news.

"Don't worry about the costs. We'll pay fo your airfare and everything. Just pack your bags and head over as quick as you can."

"Um...Okay" Ben stuttered.

"We've informed Woodlands about this too, so you need not do so."

Ben hurriedly packed his bags, and rushed to the airport in a cab.

retired_rkp278

After another long haul flight to London, which was quickly tiring poor young Ben out, Ben made his way to the Emirates Stadium.

The following conversation ensued between Wenger and Ben:

AW: We've just received news of a change of rules by the British Home Office. Apparantly, because Singapore is a former British colony and part of the Commonwealth, all citizens from now on no longer need a work permit to work here.

B(hardly believing his ears): Wow, that's great then.

AW: So, that means from now on, you can stay here and play for us.

B(thinking long and hard): That would be good sir, but...

AW: But?

B: I'd like to try my luck playing on loan for Woodlands first, to get a bit of first team football. Is that possible sir?

AW: Sure, if you think that will aid your development. However, we have the right to recall you anytime we wish.

B: Sure thing sir.

AW: All that long haul flights must be tiring you out. Do take a proper rest, and we'll arrange your flight back tomorrow.

B: Thank you very much sir.

retired_rkp278

The next morning, Ben woke up as he prepared for his fourth transcontinental flight in a short period of time. "Oh, why isn't Singapore in Europe?" silly Ben thought.

As soon as he touched down, again, the jet-lagged Ben reported to the Woodlands Stadium for training. As the Singapore League runs on a different schedule as the English League, the season had already been halfway through. Ben could still be registered for matches, but it will be a tough task for him to break into the first team at that point.

Woodlands' manager, Jorg Steinbrunner, was a German who had spent his twilight of his playing career at the club. Under the tutelage of Woodlands coaching legend R.Vengadasalam, Jorg learnt the ropes of management and when Venga jumped ship to become Tampines Rovers' Director of Football, Jorg took over and moulded the team from perennial underachievers to one that could challenge for titles on a regular basis.

Jorg introduced the coaching staff to Ben. Laurence Lau is the assistant manager who will help Jorg out. Jeffery Tham is the first team coach, Sivarajan is in charge of the youths and reserves, and will help Ben develop his skills, and Joseph D'Angelus will be in charge of fitness training.

And that was it. A total of five staff members. You could tell money was tight at Woodlands.

retired_rkp278

However, Woodlands had one of the strongest squads in the S-League. Ben already knew some of them from watching the matches on TV and observing them training on the field outside his house, but Jorg gave a brief introduction anyway.

Some of the major stalwarts in the side were:

Yazid Yasin - First choice keeper, previously played for Home Utd and arch-rivals Sembawang before joining Woodlands.

Bah Mamadou - Malian defender who has acquired Singaporean citizenship. Is now the mainstay in the centre of defence alongside Romanian Lucien Dronca after the departure of Singapore international Daniel Bennett to SAFFC. No-nonsense journeyman defender

Lucien Dronca - Romanian defender who came from Maltese side Birkirkara. One of the biggest stars in the side, and forms a solid partnership with Mamadou.

Azlan Alipah - Former Tampines rightback, will be tutoring Ben for the coming season.

Ahmad Latiff - Hot headed striker who has had his fair share of troubles with officials throughout the most of his career. Club captain.

Laakkad Abdelhadi - Star striker from Morocco. Current top scorer in the league and proving an able replacement for former Woodlands favourite Agu Casmir, who has left for Gombak Utd.

Akihiro Nakamura - Japanese Defensive midfielder who has acquired Singapore nationality as well. His friendly personality belies his tough tackling role on the pitch.

Park Tae Won - Another one who has gotten his Singaporean passport, this Korean veteran striker can usually be depended on to get goals for the club. Perfect strike partner for the deadly Laakkad

Ali Imran Lomri - Left winger mostly known for his shining bald pate and his temperement. However, on his day, his crosses can be deadly for the opposition defence.

That's the introduction mostly done with, now for the real business of playing.

retired_rkp278

Ben was given the 33 shirt at the club, at his request. His favourite 3 was taken by his mentor Alipah, so he had to make do with 33.

Jorg told Ben in no uncertain terms that he will have to work his way up and fight for his place in the first team squad. There would be no preferential treatment simply because he was on loan from Arsenal. Ben understood this but as long as he was playing, be it in the reserves or first team, he was satisfied. All he was looking for was to improve his skills sufficiently so that he could cut it for Arsenal.

At the time of Ben signing, Woodlands was in second place in the league, behind the Young Lions, which was basically the Singapore U-23 team. Home Utd and SAFFC were breathing down their necks in 3rd and 4th place as the title race seemed to be going down to the wire.

The board had hoped that Woodlands would qualify for continental competition that season. Normally that would entail either winning the league or Singapore Cup. But as the Young Lions would be ineligible for continental competition, finishing in second place to them would be sufficient. Nevertheless, the club promised that they would do their utmost to bring silverware to the club, something which they haven't done in their entire history, incredibly.

retired_rahalbob

looking good ben, kutgw

retired_rkp278

Thanks mate

Ben spent most of the remainder of the season playing games for the Woodlands U-18 and Reserves, as he sought to build his fitness and skill level.

The first team, meanwhile, was playing their hearts out as they were looking to finish in their best ever position in the league. With a handful of games to go Woodlands were still in 2nd place, but they had built quite a big lead over the teams behind them. Going into the final day they were one point behind the Young Lions, who played SAFFC whilst Woodlands travelled to disposed champions Tampines. It was going to be a nail-biting finish.

However, they had been on a magnificent cup run that brought them to the final of the Singapore, with a magnificent semi-final win over SAFFC. Their final opponents were Albirex Niigata's Singapore feeder team, who despite struggling in the league, accounted for the Young Lions during their own cup run.

However, Albirex, like the Young Lions, cannot qualify for continental competition as well. As such, Woodlands has achieved their target now regardless of what happens. But there will be no let up however, as the team desperatly wants some silverware to show for their hard work.