Brandon M

Mark met up with scout Lee Houghton at the Taunton Dene Services on the M5.

WSM this season had fielded a reserve squad in the reserve league and this meant that the reserves were matched up against league clubs including Chelsea. Suprisingly the reserve team were a long way off bottom of the league but when matched up against the big boys were regularly thumped.

A chance to take up a game involving the Chelsea reserves against Bristol City an opportunity too good to miss.

Mark had always kept a watching brief on the Chelsea reserve team since his arrival in club management.
Mainly in hope that he would spot a players potential early and that Chelsea would either loan them out to him or release them completely.

Mark already knew the names of the future stars and Steve Clarke asst manager at Chelsea doubling up as reserve team boss had readily brought him up to speed with the current crop.

Lee Sawyer would be an England Captain in the future according to Clarke. At 16/17 Lee was already knocking on the door of first team action. At 18 Powerful, dynamic and an ability to read the game a direct replacement for Makele in the making.
Valued at a cool 2 million pounds.

The real reason for the jouney however was that Bristol City were fielding a couple of triallists in their reserve team.
Mark had been tipped off by Houghton that there were potential finds amongst them.

Mark was concerned by the fragility of the defence and wanted some experience on the right side. Sam Bailey's confidence had been dealt a blow by his recent mistake and needed some respite. Bailey was potentially a centre half and his flexibility crucial to the team.
The WSM squad short in experience at this level needed some help.

The focus of the trip Matt Somner. Released by Notts County he had returned home to Bristol looking for a contract.

A yard off the pace and terrorised by a Chelsea team left winger and full back combination Somner was quickly withdrawn at half time for his own good.
Mark had seen enough.

As the half had progressed Somner had shown sparks of life. His poor fitness levels apparant and despite his courage and desire he never stood a chance against the talented youth of the blues.

If Bristol disn't want him then Mark would have a look. Experienced and obviously working hard to find a new home.
He could well be a definete for the squad.

Paul Bliss now having had a taste of success had sanctioned an upping of the wage budget allowing Mark the option of adding players if necessary.

Brandon M

Adding players to the squad in theory was very easy. Football now had a natural boom and bust cycle and like any business had natural wastage.

Talented players either lost their way or couldn't achieve all that they wanted to and became frustrated with the game.
Either way, in the end they would not be offered new contracts by their club and then they would drift around the leagues looking for a suitable home.
Of course there were also those who had not made the grade. The question for these players longer term - did they have something to offer it was just finding someone who could produce the finished article.

The bosman rules and the like had made the football nomad much more obvious and visible within the game.
Like the old wild west 'gun for hire' this had become part and parcel of football life.
Players could even buy out their contract or agree to a mutual termination.

Mark almost regularly heard on the grapevine of players availability. Many would have added to the WSM squad but their wage demands would have blown the remaining budget.
Agents would ring the club direct or players would just turn up hoping for a trial.
Potential players knew of Mark and travelled to WSM in the hope of trial just because of his name.
Mark's contacts from the game also signposted players towards his direction.

Training most weeks included the odd triallist.
The squad banter helped to sell the club and they were treated well. But Mark hadn't seen anyone of late who had made him jump up and notice.

Midfield was looking good and he now had cover in all areas.
In defence Somner, if he joined, would solve the defence concerns in terms of fraility and experienced cover.
Attack Benyon and Newbold were already becomming some team. Whilst there was talent in reserve the lack of experience had began to trouble Mark.
If either of his preferred two became injured or suspended then alarm bells would ring loud and true.
No one would let the club down but none of them had the cutting edge of Benyon and Newbold.

Mark therefore had tasked Lee Houghton to search out some experienced league pros circleing the football periphery.
Houhgton had already targetted a couple of players on monthly contracts. If there circumstances changed then again a deal could be done.
Within the first names Houghton had identified Christian Roberts at Wrexham, well know to WSM's Steve Evans and Matthew Tipton at Macclesfield.
Both fitted the profile Mark had demanded that Houghton was look for.

Whilst Paul Bliss had sanctioned additional players and the increase in squad numbers the wage budget had remained the same.
There was some flexibility to play with but for Mark it was now about adding to the squad with the correct personnel at the right price.

A balancing act.

One player at a higher cost or two or three at sensible wages...

Mark had asked Matt Somner to come down and watch the next home game.
Initial conversations had suggested that a deal at a realistic price could be done but Mark still had to be persuasive.
For Somner the dropping of a league was still a concern but if he could be sold the dream then he would probably sign up.
He had not been offered a deal by City and was becoming desperate for a new club.
WSM were for him close to home and added to his overall interest.

Brandon M

Gravesend - home
2:0

'You little beauty' screamed Mark from the dugout. Benyon had carved open a static Gravesend defence before finding strike partner Newbold in acres of space who then clipped a curling shot into the top right hand corner past an open mouthed keeper.

Only 2100 fans had turned up to watch the game and how they celebrated a wonderful goal.
Mark leapt from the dugout and punched the air in triumph.
25 minutes into the home game and WSM were beginning to turn the screw up a notch on a confidence short Gravesend.

On 39 minutes a Kirk one two with Benyon paid off but as Kirk moved cleanly into the box his heels were clipped by the chasing defender.
Walker added to his season goal tally with well taken penalty.

The penalty may have been dubious and in reverse Mark would have been furious. But in football these things tend to balance up.

Second half Gravesend endured much more punishment with Walker in particular the catalyst for their woes.
Despite the number of chances created WSM failed to convert any of them and as the whistle blew they ended comfortable winners.

The Gravesend journeying few chanted 'what a load of rubbish' perhaps a little unfairly as WSM had been masters of their own destiny deserving the win.
Three points to the collection.

Post match in a local chinese restaurant Mark now a regular sat with potential signing Matt Somner.
Over the banquet meal Mark talked to Somner about the opportunity and the potential of the club.
Whilst mid table they were still close enough to more than make an impact on the top half of the league.
Somner had looked around the club during the day and over the meal expressed that he was interested but that he was concerned that this might be his final move and that it had to be right for both himself and his family.
Money was not an issue.
All that Somner asked for in this direction was fairness.

Mark admired the honest opinion and it certainly made for a refreshing change from the usual money grabbing, how long a contract can I have mercenary that he had most recently been dealing with.

The more he spoke to Somner the more he warmed to the guy. He had been let down in the past but for the right club he would be an asset.

The meal over Mark agreed to give Somner some time to think things over.

For Mark the defence concerns and visible frailty would soon be evident again and the signing of Somner would become crucial to WSM progress. Somner was aware of Mark's thoughts in this area and promised to make a decision within 2 weeks.

Brandon M

Woking - away
2:3

Woking were the ever presents of the conference. A tough outfit always close to the promotion push but never making the final leap.
Always the bridesmaid never the bride.
This year was no different in terms of league placing. Comfortably in the top three and but for an all conquering Torquay side would be top.
Without major stars or loan signings they were a side built to be 'a team' and on their day superb.
A mixture of regular conference faces aided with some talented youth players.

The bookies had no doubts over who would win. Woking by a mile.

With two straight wins under their belt WSM were more than ready for the encounter fielding an unchanged side.
Evans now settled in the defensive unit and looking comfortable and at home, Jermyn and Story adding to a midfield quartet who were capable of causing anyone problems and upfront the powerful combination of Benyon and Newbold.

Woking were one of the leagues form teams and straight from kick off began to put the pressure on WSM. Neat short passing mixed with a direct ball causing mild panic in the WSM rearguard action.
10 minutes on the clock and WSM beginning to get to grips with Woking with Walker and Story offering themselves as potent outballs.
Woking wary of the two changing formation to repel the potential breaks.

20 minutes and Woking scored a first goal. From a corner Northmore had come for a cross but never made it. The ball dropped and despite frantic attempts at a clearance and Northmore himself blocking a shot on the line the ball hit the back of the net.
If antything the goal stimulated a response from WSM and for 15 minutes following the goal they played the football that had got them promoted. But for all of the effort nothing.
An equaliser came from an unlikey source. After a free kick had been given for a foul on Walker, Walker himself launched a ball into the box and found the head of Sam Bailey who glanced a header past a bemused Woking keeper.
On the stroke of half time Woking were behind.

Jermyn made a run from deep in his own half and kept going before hitting a screamer into the top left corner. A stunning goal and WSM were infront and deserved to be.

New territory for WSM.
To be ahead going into the break and holding onto three points against a top league team.
The team talk delivered all about encouragement, and not getting careless.
Mark warned the players that three substitutions would be made at some point in the second half and that any changes made were for the win and to keep what they had earned so far. Don't be disappointed at coming off.

Whatever Woking drank in the half time break worked a treat.
A different team emerged.
Less than 10 minutes into the second half and Woking had hit WSM with two goals.
WSM were now chasing the game and after three substitutions were made they once more pressed the Woking goal.
WSM looked to be going home until a penalty was awarded for handball deep into injury time.

Walker the penalty taker quickly stepped up and smashed the ball deep towards the bottom right hand corner.
The Woking keeper dived late and tipped the ball around the post - a fantastic save!
Walker fell to his knees in anguish as the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the game.
Woking were pushed all the way and had picked up the win.

Brandon M

It was late Monday evening and Mark was all alone in his office. The ground now empty apart from the security guards.
The last to leave had been asst manager Mike Kilgour.

Mark had been toying for some time over possible team selections for the upcoming Stevenage game.
He had listened to the coaching staff run through the reserve team options and even the under 18's.
Who was in form and who could make an instant impact.
The team was a cigarette paper away from being a force to be reckoned with and when playing well they had already demonstrated that they were a side rich on quality who would trouble anyone.
Defensive frailties which included the odd loss of concentration was holding back progress.

Of the defence unit Bailey was out of form and needed a break.
Jarman was struggling with a niggling injury and keeper Northmore who had been a rock all season long seemed to be sucked into a vortex of uncertainty and now was prone to errors that David 'Donkey' James would have been proud of. (He Haw He Haw always lets one in!!!)
Gary Thorne and Craig Rand could come in at centre half and both were match fit and kilgour had agreed that both would be raring to play.
Food for thought.

The reserve group of players in their entirety were struggling in their own league and the regular hammering from the Premier / Championship clubs was hardly helping confidence.

Matt Somner had joined the club which had been a relief for Mark. Somner would make an instant return for the belief shown in him.
But he was nowhere near match fit. If Mark was lucky maybe 2 - 3 games away from a debut.

Mark heard a door click at the end of the corridor and then the slow clicking of stilletto heels echoing up the corridor.
The sound came close to Mark's office.
Unless Mike Kilgour had forgotten to tell him something about his nocturnal activities, Mark had absolutely no idea who was in the corridor.
He stared at the open door intrigued as the sound finally arrived in person.

'Hello gorgeous' purred the vision of loveliness that appeared before his very eyes.
Mark just stared, becoming fully aware that the sight of his mouth open wide and his jaw hitting the desk in awe was hardy an attractive feature quickly recovered before stammering the words.......
'Www what on earth are you doing here at this time of night Carolyn?'

Mark's mouth now firmly back in place and the shock of her arrival slowly disappaiting....
Carolyn Smith, Mark's agent did not just appear unannounced.
No meeting scheduled.
It was if she was a genie in the bottle as she had appeared out of nowhere.......................

Brandon M

Mark quickly recovered his composure.

'Carolyn what on earth are you doing here at this time of night? How did you get in?'

Carolyn amused at Mark's obvious shock at her mysterious arrival replied 'The security guard let me in and I needed to chat to you simple really. I was going to just pop in tomorrow morning but I rang the club to find out what time you would be around tomorrow and the security guard said he didn't know but you were still here. So I thought I'd drop in unannounced. The security guard did give me a wink as he let me in so I guess he thinks we are going to get upto no good'

Mark grimaced at the thought of the security guard spreading the gossip of a late night liaison between him and the mysterious lady.
'No wonder he gave you a wink. You look absolutely amazing and it's very late. Did you tell him that you were my agent?'

'Of course gorgeous and I hope he wouldn't let just anyone in otherwise he isn't much of a security deterant. Now what does a girl need to do to get a drink around here?'

Mark the night before a long away fixture had begun to stay locally.
The joys of the conference making the travelling to distant towns much more regular than the previous season but by staying over it allowed him some thinking space and reduced the disturbance to his family life of an early morning start.
He was now a regular at a top notch Western hotel and the hotel manager a season ticket holder often made available a suite for his use.

Mark had finished his team deliberations and had made his mind up confirming that he would play the same team that had faced Woking with Somner added to the subs bench. Whilst the option of a drink was readily available at the ground either hot, cold or much stronger the surroundings were not condusive to a late night conversation.

Mark switched off all of the lights in his office and after locking the door both walked down the corridor making their way to the exit.

Mark dressed in his normal training kit shorts, t-shirt and for lolling around the office his comfy flip flops looked completely at odds with Carolyn who looking sensational in her designed clobber drew raised eyebrows from the old security guard manning the club entrance. He gave Mark a knowing wink which Mark tried to ignore but his face flushed immediately giving away his obvious embarrassment at the situation.

Carolyn caught the wink and revelled in Mark's uncomfort laughing as the exited the ground.
Carolyn had booked a room at the same hotel as her client and in seperate cars they made their way across town before meeting 30 minutes for that long awaited drink in Mark's suite.

Mark very much on the back foot still had no clear idea why Carolyn had appeared without prior warning poured her a drink from the room's mini bar and opened a can of diet coke for himself.
He could wait no longer ' Carolyn are you going to put me out of my misery and tell me why you are here?'

Brandon M

Mark’s hotel suite had been recently refurbished. The room was luxurious but the furniture and paintings on the walls a reminder of home comforts.
The suite itself compromised of two rooms, one a large lounge full of leather upholstered furniture leading to a bedroom with ensuite facilities.
Both rooms had stunning views out to sea, and was not cheap.

Drinks poured both Mark and Carolyn made themselves comfy in two large arm chairs.
Mark watched Carolyn stretch her long slim legs provocatively before she decided that she would be most comfortable with her legs draped over the side of an arm of the chair facing towards him.
Carolyn had been aware of Mark’s lingering stare but avoided eye contact concentrating on making herself comfortable.
Mark’s eyes refocused onto her face looking for some give away clue to the context of her unusual and unexpected arrival. He downed a large gulp of diet coke aware that he had been staring a little to intently.

They had known each from when they were both in their mid 20’s.
Carolyn had been involved in negotiating a new contract for him at Stamford Bridge.
At the time Carolyn had worked for a larger agency and was a just hired hand learning the ropes of client management. Mark had just been one of the football and media stars on her former boss’s books and her first ‘big’ assignment.

For Carolyn it had been love at first sight and although other close friends had spotted the lingering, furtive glances towards Mark, Mark himself had been oblivious to the tell tale signs.
The closeness and the sparks that flew all missed by the footballer.
Mark had also had intense feelings towards Carolyn in those early days but always felt that she had been out of reach and way off limits.
Together they were some team both on and off of the pitch.

Not long afterwards Carolyn had broken off from the large agency to start her own fledgling business and Mark became her first client jumping ship almost immediately and firmly nailing his colours to her mast.
Together they had conquered the world.

Mark continued to rise in importance in improving Chelsea team winning cups, medals before going onto captain both club and country.
There had been the personal milestones of a wedding and the birth of his precious son to celebrate.
Over the same time Carolyn had become one of the most important agents in the UK.
For Carolyn there had been a marriage.
It hadn’t lasted and her ex-husband bitterly complained that she always seemed to be searching for a lost love.
In truth Carolyn would have openly confirmed these thoughts.
For her there had only ever been one love.

Mark drank slowly from his can and looked casually towards Carolyn.
She had been part of his life forever.
She was beautiful, stunning and astute and the best friend he’d ever had.
Right now though he was bemused to think why she should be here.
He was no longer her most important client but still she continued to deal with him as if he was her no.1.
What was the urgency that brought her all the way from London?

The fire light bounced shadows all around the lounge adding to the intimacy of the room.
‘Carolyn, why are you here?’

‘Mark I wanted to see you for two reasons, one business and two pleasure.
The business is simple.
I want to know when you are going to stop playing this game of ostrich?
I have Premier League chairman interested in you and sounding me out on a regular basis.
And here you are in this quiet footballing haven trying to prove something to yourself.
I believe in you and so do many others.
It’s time to remove your head from the sand and look to what you want from the world.
I haven’t spoken to you face to face but I want to hear from you now just what do you want to do.
Even Paul Bliss knows you won’t be around for ever hence his rationale for waving a three year deal under your nose.
Self preservation for when a big club comes in for you.
I also have a consortium buying a London club. They want you to be manager but want to know if you are interested.
And finally ‘Mr Western Super Mare’ Chelsea want you to become one of their new coaches.
They want to start grooming a potential successor to Jose and have two or three similar positions available for favoured sons. If you remember last season Spurs grabbed the manager from Exeter in a similar long term progression plan.’

Mark had been taken aback by the ferocity of her opening statement.
So much to take in and she had hardly paused for breath. It was if she had been rehearsing the statement for some time.

‘So, Marky what do you think to those thoughts?’ asked Carolyn earnestly as she downed the remainder of her drink before reaching for the bottle and pouring herself a little more alcohol.

'I'

Brandon M

'I'

Mark struggled for the right response to Carolyn's statement.

'I still don't know why you are here. You could have told me all of this over the phone and in likelyhood you will probably know my answers already.
What on earth was the need for the mysterious cloak and dagger appearance?'

Carolyn crumbled before his eyes before dashing to the bathroom in distress managed to blub the words 'I love you, you clot and miss you so much it hurts and now you are miles away I don't think I can do this anymore!'

Mark followed her to the bathroom but found the door locked.
His mind chased the words around, love, hurt and can't do this anymore.......

Ten minutes later and the door opened, Mark waited for Carolyn to emerge before pulling her closely to him and holding her tightly before their lips locked in a passionate kiss.
Together they had both conquered their own worlds.
The worlds were now colliding.

Brandon M

Mark woke in the early hours of the morning. The days early light glimmered into the room as he looked across towasds his right. The tousled head of his agent Carolyn Smith lay still beside him.

They had spent a long night trying to piece together an action plan and despite the heartfelt conversations between the two much was still to be resolved. The closeness of the evening and the revelations uncovered meant that one thing led to another and a bridge had been crossed.

It was too late for regret.
It was also late for Mark who on realising the time raced to get organised and out of the door before the coach arrived for the journey to Stevenage.

Carolyn roused shortly after hearing the shower come to life and propped herself up on the bed as Mark raced around the room looking. Lustful glances and a lingering kiss were all that time allowed for.

Mark promised in those last few snatched moments that they would catch up very soon and that they would agree the way forward together.
Carolyn laughed as her lover hunted high and low for his car keys before stepping on them and leaping around as if he had stepped on hot coals. Socks and shoes on mark grabbed his jacket and before leaving the room pulled the covers back and planted a kiss firmly on Carolyn's lips.
Uncovered and bathed in the early morning light she looked a million dollars.

Brandon M

Mike Kilgour WSM's asst manager journey to Stevenage had been one in stoney silence.
As always he was sat next to Mark.
The two would normally talk through the opposition and key messages to land to the players during pre match preparations. Kilgour had learned a lot and was keen to learn more from the experienced pro.
Today Mark was preoccupied and his mind was miles away.

Mike Kilgour had been the first to arrive at the ground that morning and as always had a chat to Fred the old security guard at the desk. Fred had jokingly mentioned the late night arrival of a sexy agent and what did Mike think was going on.
Mike had warned Fred to be very careful or he might lose the season ticket he so cherished.
Fred had turned into Zippy from Rainbow.

Kilgour knew that Carolyn Smith was the best agent in the country and her arrival could well spell trouble for WSM.
Kilgour and Mark had got on like a house on fire from day one.
Kilgour hoped that Mark would want to work with him long term and quite happily remained silent for the length of the journey.
Whatever was on Mark's mind obviously troubled him.