April 2007.
The one report I did not enjoy receiving those days was Alan Marshall’s Physio Reports as they only added to the woes of the team. Today was no exception. Ewan Norris needed specialist treatment for his ribs and with an estimated three to four weeks treatment required he too would be out for the rest of the season.
Ian McCormack had sustained a broken foot in training and his season had also come to an end with him being out for between three and five months.
One piece of good news was that Jock Thomson was back in full training.
The Globe as usual carried the better report on our game on Saturday against Albion including the controversial red card shown to Stephen Quinn but no amount of protest would make a blind bit of difference to the result.
The Scotsman carried the story of Sheffield Wednesday Manager Craig Simpson’s decision to resign from his post. As usual they carried a list of his likely replacements and equally predictably my name did not appear.
The same paper carried the placings in the Monthly Awards competition. Nobody from Montrose made the top three in the Player category while Derek Cunningham can in third in the Young Player contest.
I made second place in the Manager of the Month Award.
Just before lunch Brian Murphy appeared in the office requesting that he be placed on the transfer list as he felt that he should be a first team regular player but was not being given sufficient playing time in order to impress me. He felt that he would be better off playing elsewhere.
I checked with Dean and taking his views into consideration agreed to Murphy’s request.
During lunch Sandra asked me if she should attend the Board Meeting that afternoon to take the minutes as she had in the past.
“I don’t think so Sandra.” “Our illustrious leader made it quite clear that your services were no longer required by him.” “I assume that his P.A. will take over your duties.”
As I spoke I realised that with his penchant to arrive bang on time and to make a bit of an entrance as he did so it was unlikely that he would have considered the provision of drinks for the meeting. He could always arrange for his expanded catering staff to meet our needs I thought.
Allison and I decided as usual to loiter in the lounge until meeting time while Sandra went back to her office at the end of her normal lunch hour.
I timed our arrival carefully so that we entered the Board Room with about one minute to spare before the start time of the meeting. I had been correct in my assumption that drinks had not been a consideration.
Making his normal entrance just after our arrival Paton headed straight for his seat then stopped dead. As he did so a young lady entered the room behind him. The new P.A. I assumed.
Looking accusingly at Garry he said, “There are no name cards, pens or paper laid out.” “No coffee either.”
Garry: “Well there wouldn’t be as you dispensed with the services of Sandra at the last meeting.” “One of her duties was the laying out of this room prior to any meeting.”
Paton was at a loss for words and his eyes darted about the room before alighting on Allison.
“You Allison – you can do that in future and in the meantime get some coffee in here.”
“She will not!” I said. “Allison is far too valuable to me and the football department to waste her precious time making coffee for you.”
Again he was speechless but the barb had hit home and he did not like it.
“If you want this room laying out properly and coffee on demand then get your P.A. to do it.” “Those duties were after all the responsibility of your secretary before you moved her on.”
He was livid and just stood there with a face like thunder looking as though he was about to explode all over me. I just ignored him and guiding Allison to her normal seat sat down next to her. After a moment the other Directors joined us at the table in their normal places and just sat there waiting for the meeting to start.
It took a little while but eventually Paton pointed his P.A. towards a spare seat and said “You sit there and take the minutes.” No please, no thank you, nothing but the bare instruction. I almost felt sorry for the lady. It wasn’t her fault her boss was an arsehole.
Sitting in his customary head of the table position Paton finally got the meeting underway by automatically saying that the minutes of the last meeting should be read.
Unfortunately for him there were no minutes in the room. Another oversight.
Realising that he simply moved on asking Garry for his financial report.
Garry reported in his normal clear concise manner and the report was duly carried.
Dave was next up with his Admin Report which showed him to have had a busy month. A second receptionist had been hired and would start one week from today. Two of the required three secretaries were in place with one allocated to Garry and one to himself. The ground staff level had been increased to three and all were working normally and a new Head Chef would start work in May.
Again his report was carried.
My report was pretty brief. We had, as expected become Division Champions and would be preparing for the new season at a higher level ‘quite soon’. At my quite soon remark Paton chipped in.
“Why quite soon, why not prepare now?”
“If you want me to spend £5000 today on a player I can get for nothing in two months time then I am happy enough to spend your money.” “The player would be unable to join us anyway due to there being no transfer window.”
He looked embarrassed.
To hell with this I thought.
“That concludes my report.”
“A bit brief this month Mr Thomson.”
“Well football is like that sometimes.”
Now what did he have in store for us this month I wondered?
“Gentlemen I have offered Mr Thomson a new contract containing some very favourable terms via his agent Georgina Lucas.” “I assume that you are aware of this Mr Thomson?”
“Yes I am.”
“In her initial reply Miss Lucas intimated to me that at least four other clubs were interested in securing the services of Mr Thomson.” “I would have thought that such things would have been included in you report to the board.”
“When it comes to a contract to which I am a signatory Mr Paton then I consider that to be a private, personal matter between me and whoever the other party may be.” “While I am happy enough to discuss your offer in what is after all a public forum via the minutes I will not discuss anything that is my business and not that of Montrose Football Club.” “For the sake of good will though I will say that there is a world of difference between a club expressing an interest and actually offering me a contract.”
“I find the difference you refer to as being somewhat subtle at best Mr Thomson.”
“None the less Mr Paton there is a difference.”
He sat for a while obviously gathering his thoughts. Apart from a feeble attempt to embarrass me or to demonstrate my perceived disloyalty I could not see the purpose behind his statements.
Eventually he spoke again and although still on the same subject he was trying a different tack.
“It seems that I will have to ask you directly.” “Mr Thomson has any club other then Montrose offered you a contract as Manager starting next season.”
“Mr Paton I can assure you and the Board that not one of the 42 Scottish League Clubs nor any of the 92 English League Clubs have offered me a contract for any position within their organisation starting at any time you choose to mention.”
“However my Agent has received an enquiry from four English League clubs as to my attitude should they make me a formal contract offer?” “In this context each club described their situation regarding facilities and staff and also informed me of any medium to long term ambitions they may have.” “They also listed some of the more relevant clauses of a possible contract but only as a starting point for any subsequent negotiations.”
“That is the total extent of your so called offers as at this very minute.”
“Mr Thomson I still have difficulty in discerning the difference between what you and I call a contract offer.” “The situation that you describe is, to my mind, an offer from another club no matter how you may attempt to disguise it.”
“As you wish – let’s agree to differ on that otherwise we could be here all day.”
“Very well but one final question I must ask you Mr Thomson is are you considering any contract offers from any source?”
“The only offer my agent has on the table is one from you which she has passed to me and after some consideration we both had some points to negotiate on and you will be informed of those in due course.”
“Yes I received her reply this morning.”
“In that case Mr Paton you are more up to date than I am.”
Garry: “Mr Chairman, Jim, might I suggest that this discussion is going nowhere and as we all have other duties to perform you should agree to differ and move on?”
Paton: “Very well Mr Kerr point taken.” “As I have no further business concerning the club I will now close this meeting.”
At that he left in his normal brusque manner with the P.A. trailing behind him.
Garry: “Would you mind making us some coffee please Allison, I think we are all in need of one?”
He waited until she had returned and served us all before continuing.
“Jim as much as I hate to admit it he does have a point.” “I know that you see things in black and white Jim but the situation regarding the contact you or your agent has with four other clubs is certainly a very grey area.” “While they may not actually be offering you a contract right this minute I certainly think that the intention to do so is there.”
Dave: “I agree with Garry on this one Jim and I am certain that all three of us are only acting in the best interests of the club when questioning your intentions in this manner.”
Barry: “Like the others Jim I agree.” “We are certainly not wholeheartedly supporting Paton in any of his actions that is for sure.” “We are all fully aware of the benefit you bring, and have brought, to the club and I for one see know reason why you should not continue to do so.” “I fail to see any advantage to the club in Paton offering you a new contract unless it is to increase the term you are with us.”
“As it happens gentlemen there is an increase in the term of the new deal.”
Garry: “Jim I know that you consider this to be a private matter between you and the club but we are Directors of the club and will have to sign off on any new contract anyway so what issues do you have with the deal?”
“Very well Garry the only real issue is the complete removal of the clause giving me total control over all football matters.” “When Ryan first made the proposal to me almost a year ago I said then that this clause could be a deal breaker.” “I meant it then and I mean it now.” “Apart from that there is nothing in the new contract that could not be settled amicably.”
Dave: “If we assume that Paton does not reinstate that clause what would you do Jim?”
“I could see out my existing contract but that would not be a very smooth ride as I would likely be at loggerheads with Paton throughout the term.” “In the meantime if anybody makes me a serious acceptable offer I would consider it carefully.”
Garry: “Thanks for your honesty Jim.”
“No problem Garry now if you will excuse me Allison and I have some work to do.”
Back in the office Allison asked what work we had to do and I replied, “Nothing.”
“It was time to move on as I think they were about to discuss their share acquisitions and possibly try to reign in Paton.” “I could be wrong though.”
Sandra then buzzed through “Georgina Lucas on 2 Jim.”
“Hello gorgeous how are you today?”
“I’m fine handsome how about you?”
“Well I guess, apart from a desire to stick my boot up my chairman’s arse and tell him to stuff his job.”
“That good eh.” She said chuckling.
“Speaking of your illustrious leader he had replied to our request for changes in his contract offer.” “He has dismissed out of hand the reinstatement of your complete control over football matters clause and has included various other changes – mostly to our benefit.”
“I don’t care what he is offering as a bribe without that clause there is no deal.”
“Is that what you want me to tell him?”
“Yes please Georgina.”
“OK but I’ll leave it for a couple of days or so and he may think we are considering the proposal and leave you alone for a while.” “In the meantime I’ll post the offer to you wasting some more time.”
“Why all the time wasting tactics?”
“It gives the others a bit longer to get their act together and make you an offer or not.”
“A bit deceitful isn’t it?”
“No – it’s called good business practice.”
“I also have heard from Accrington Stanley and Carlisle.”
“What do they have to say – I thought we had turned down their approach?”
“We did.” “Stanley simply acknowledges our decision and hope that maybe at some point in the future we could do business.” “Nothing unusual there most clubs will accept and acknowledge even the firmest of refusals.”
“Carlisle on the other hand have come back to us asking us to reconsider our position.” “They are ‘prepared to meet any reasonable demand’ that we may make.” “I can fax it on if you want but that is the main event in it so I had intending including it in the same post as Paton’s offer.”
“Post is fine by me.”
“Exactly what was your problem with Carlisle Jim?”
“As far as the club amenities and staff were concerned little or nothing and Storey seemed to be the kind of guy I could get on with although I did have a little concern at the speed that he wanted to progress.” “He was thinking two maybe three seasons while I was thinking four or five.” “Apart from that nothing that was insurmountable.”
“Accommodation was an issue right from the start with Carlisle being somewhat limited in what was available Hotel wise and, as you said yourself, the standard of club housing was not great.”
“There was also the obvious issue of the still present flood damage and the smell.” “Both were particularly unpleasant.”
Allison who was listening intently gave me a thumb up at that one.
“I can’t and won’t argue about the smell other than to say it is a lot better than it was in the immediate aftermath of the flood.” “It is now totally confined to underground rooms, cellars, car parks etc. and is lessening with each passing day.”
I had by now switched on the Speakerphone in order that Allison could hear what was being said.
“As far as living accommodation is concerned nobody said that you had to stay in Carlisle.” “The Lake District is just down the road and within easy driving distance of the club with some rather nice hotels and the odd house or two on the market.”
“You are trying to make it sound very attractive Georgina.” “Hang on while I talk to Allison I do have another half to consider those days.”
Looking enquiringly at Allison she sort of shrugged and said “If they are prepared to buy us a home them at least we can have another look.”
“Georgina.”
“Yes Jim.”
“Test the water by asking them to buy us a detached suitable property in the Lake District within an hours drive of the ground and while we are waiting to move in they pay for decent hotel accommodation near the location of the property.”
“He just might say yes Jim.”
“If he does then I will know that he is serious and we can have meaningful talks.”
“OK Jim I’ll get right on it.” “I’ll be in touch.”
Turning to Allison I said “I think you have just added Carlisle to the list.”
On Wednesday Georgina’s post arrived and it was just as she had said. Paton had increased a few of the cash figures in our favour but there was no total control clause. I scribbled a very large No on the cover and returned it by mail to Georgina.
Jim Storey’s offer to meet any reasonable demands was actually a hand written note. Knowing that he would have our reply by now I merely gave the note to Sandra to include in her files.
On Thursday the Dell passed on the fact that Brian Laws had been installed as the new Sheffield Wednesday Manager and that Stenhousemuir had sacked their manager. It appeared that even lowly Stenhousemuir were not considering me as a suitable candidate.
Alan Marshall also submitted a report that for once was mainly good news. Although Mike Miller had to be sent home with a cold both Declan Hogan and Tony O’Doherty had started full training after their respective injuries.
Saturdays home match against Dumbarton although not exactly a walk over did not stretch us unduly as we grabbed the points with two first half strikes by Scott Campbell. Nigel Maher won the Man of the Match Award and consulting the Dell later on I saw that everybody had been awarded a rating of at least seven which I though was not too painful. Dumbarton’s players on the other hand barely rated a six.
The day’s results saw Gretna promoted to the Premier Leagues as they were declared Champions of the First while Greenock Morton also moved up a Division after being made Champions in the Second Division.
At the other end of the scale Alloa were relegated to the Third Division from the Second.
After the game we spent the evening in the suite lazily using Room Service to take care of our food requirements. While there and as Allison was watching TV I fired up the Dell and had a good look at the three clubs that were interested in me as a manager.
I did not learn anything of any significance that I did not know already other than the computers impression of the relative strengths of each squad. Although not that familiar with the overall quality in the English Division 1 it looked as though each team only required the odd player or two to keep the club at its current level. Getting them promoted would be a different ball game.
An off the cuff assessment such as this put Carlisle way out in front of Gillingham who were closely followed by Brighton.
It looked as though Carlisle would be the easier club to manage certainly in terms of foorball and at least in the early portion of a contract. Once each club had been stabilised at its current level and were pushing for promotion then I adjudged them to be about equal.
Although I left the machine running I eventually sat just staring at the screen but The Brain had moved on and was engaged with other difficulties associated with a move.
Not the least of those was the accommodation situation. If we were, even temporally, staying somewhere at the club’s expense then the attitude of the Chairman to my relationship with Allison would have to be a consideration.
Although not the most advertised of any Chairman’s character their religious beliefs and attitude to marriage or simply living together was very varied. Some would not turn a hair or even give a thought to the fact that Allison and I were living together as man and wife. Others would take a totally different view and say ‘not at my club’. The latter attitude could even be a deal breaker as far as they were concerned.
I spent a lot of time thinking over the situation and the pros and cons of marriage and the move.
Alright we were engaged. To give it it’s full title ‘engaged to be married’. That however only indicated intent there was no built in timetable associated with the condition. We were engaged to be married but that marriage could happen in six years or six hours – the when was not part of the contract. The length of most engagements was usually determined by a variety of factors not least of which was finance and accommodation.
Financially we were both pretty secure with well paid jobs and more than a little cash in the bank. Allison also owned a valuable property that was mortgage free and, God forbid, on the demise of her mother would presumably inherit an even more valuable property and add to the funds in her bank account. I was worth about £250k in various bank accounts and investments and was adding to that at a rate of about £1000 per week as I had little or no living expenses to find.
Strange as it may seem accommodation was the only problem we had. Yes, as long as I was at this club it was not an issue. I could even move out of the hotel into Allison’s home and on that basis negotiate an increase to my weekly wage without going into the realm of bonus’s based upon performance. We could even do that, sell Allison’s home thereby increasing her available bank cash and move in with Sarah. All of that however did create one big problem. Without a total control clause I would not be happy in my work even if I was allowed to do my job in a manner I considered best – and there was no guarantee of that scenario.
The whole thing was developing into a Catch 22 situation but The Brain knew that the answer was in there somewhere and it would come out eventually.
I broke off from the machine a giving Allison a quick cuddle and a kiss on the cheek I ordered some coffee. I seemed to think better with a cup in my hand.
Allison looked at me quizzically but seeing that I was still deep in thought returned to her viewing. She knew that when I was ready all would be revealed.
When the coffee arrived I poured for us both then sat opposite Allison still deep in thought.
The Brain worked through things in its normal systematic manner, discarding some things, retaining others. Eventually it arrived at one fact. The only personal problem that might prevent me from taking or being offered a job was the fact that I was not married to Allison. Solution – get married. Simple when you think about it really.
Right then with that settled the only question is when?
As a married man I can go to any club where I think I can work freely and do a decent, if not a good job. Therefore I do not need to stay at Montrose and tolerate Paton and his antics. If I do join a fresh club they will want me in place before the beginning of next season proper which in England would mean starting work at the club in June 2007 at the latest.
The last match of Montrose’s season was a home league game against Elgin City on 28th April. If we got married as soon as we could after that game, say the following Saturday, we could honeymoon until towards the end of May then move to wherever picking up the reigns at the new club at the beginning of June. To do so I would have to give Montrose notice that I wanted to quit on the last day of May 2007.
Timetable sorted.
Next problem. Would Allison agree? Problem after that. When do I tell Montrose?
“Allison.”
“Yes?”
“As we are officially engaged I assume that marriage is part of the deal?”
“Well that is normally how it works Jim.”
“How does early May grab you?”
“May!”
“Is that a problem?”
“Well you are not exactly giving a girl a lot of advance warning are you?”
“Not really.” “I thought that you would not want the Cathedral and all the trimmings that go with it.” “I was thinking Registry Office, Reception here say a dozen or twenty people, then honeymoon until the end of the month.”
“Well the Cathedral bit is certainly out.” “I have been the white wedding dress route and the omens were not good.” A registry Office would be fine but maybe a few more people and the honeymoon idea sounds great.” “Any ideas on where?”
“Virtually anywhere you like.” “We can go the traditional Seychelles/Maldives route or any where that takes your fancy.” “Caribbean if you like.”
“I wondered what you were so deep in thought about.”
“Well now you know.” “I have also decided to leave Montrose and I will ring Georgina about that tomorrow so be prepared to move sometime at the end of May, beginning of June.”
“You have been doing some thinking haven’t you?” “Did you also decide on the number of kids we will have?”
“No but you can throw away the contraceptive pills from the wedding night on.” “If we have them then great if we don’t and feel the need then I suppose we can adopt.”
“That’s what I like – a man capable of decisions.”
“Yeah, provided you agree with them you mean.”
That raised a giggle or two.
On the following day, Sunday, we went over to Sarah to pass on the news. Needless to say it was greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm and hugs and kisses. Even the fact that we would be moving on to somewhere in England did not faze her unduly.
From then on I might as well have moved to another planet as ‘the wedding’ became the sole topic of conversation. As most of the discussion was carried out in the kitchen as they prepared Dinner I took the opportunity to contact Georgina.
Passing on the news she was just as pleased and excited as the other two women in my life and was full of questions that I couldn’t answer. Eventually she gave up saying that she would talk to Allison in the week.
“Now that you know my plans and movements gorgeous what are my chances of getting a new job starting in June.”
“As you intend to completely cut your ties to Montrose I would say pretty good.” “If nothing else any hesitant Chairman out there might make a move now that they know you are free and available.”
“As regards to our current interested clubs I have already contacted them as we agreed and have asked for a quick reply.” “If there is nothing in my tray when I get to the office tomorrow I will ring them and get things moving one way or the other.” “If you have nothing else then I will let you get back to your wife to be.”
“Congratulations Jim and very well done.”
During an excellent dinner Allison told me that she would like to sample the bitter olives and could we honeymoon in Greece please.
“If that’s what you want then that is what you will get.” “You tell me the wedding date and I will arrange as long as possible in Greece.” “You do realise that when we come back we will have to stay in your house for a while?”
“Not a problem as by then it will be ours not just mine.”
Arriving at work that Monday morning Sandra soon had us settled in our office with coffee. Passing on the news had her and Allison gushing at one end of the room while I sat there like a lemon at the other. Sandra was not to know but I was keen to see whatever faxes had arrived over the weekend. She had not even dropped the papers off yet. I was not irritated I just felt a bit neglected.
Eventually things calmed down enough for Sandra to get working again and the papers and file was soon in my clutches. Before she returned to her office I instructed her to type out my resignation letter. “I want my last day here to be 31st May 2007.”
A quick glance at the file showed that it only contained a request from Ian Mackin to be placed on the transfer list. I rang down to the dressing room and left a message for Dean to come up and see me at his earliest convenience.
The newspapers did not make much of our victory on Saturday. The general consensus seemed to be that our superior finishing decided the match and gained us the three points.
With three games left to play we led the league table by 23 points while East Fife in second spot had qualified for a Play Off spot. They were followed by Queen’s Park and Berwick with Elgin and Dumbarton still in with a shout for the remaining spots.
With the newspapers and file dispensed with I sat looking at the Dell but my mind was on my current staff. Did I want to take any of them with me?
Really there were only three possible candidates Dean, Martin McBride and Looney. The others just were not good enough for the English game especially at Division 1 level.
I knew that all three were perfectly happy where they were and there was always the question of whether they would want to leave or not. I thought that Dean could be a good manager one day and a club like Montrose, provided he could tolerate Paton, would be an ideal breeding ground. I decided to wait and see what Looney and Martin would be replacing at the new club before making any offer.
I would ask Dean if he fancied being Manager here and if so would recommend him to Paton. I knew that could well be the kiss of death but I would have no compunctions then about taking him with me.
Dean arrived just before our mid morning coffee break and sat there while I explained Mackin’s transfer list request. Before he answered I also passed on the news that Sandra was preparing my resignation letter and that my last day at the club would be the 31st May.
He was a bit taken aback but expressed his good wishes and hoped that everything worked out for me.
I then told him that, in my opinion, he was well suited to take over from me and that, if he wished, I would make that a recommendation to the Chairman. I explained that with the relationship between me and Paton being somewhat strained this might not be the best thing to do. I left it entirely up to him.
After a few minutes silence during which I could see him thinking things over he said that he believed that he needed at least one more year as an assistant before he would consider himself fit to take the lead.
I did not try to influence him in any way merely said that I respected his decision and hoped that he would be able to improve his undoubted skills under the leadership of a new manager.
As regard to Mackin Dean thought that under the changing circumstances his request should be turned down.
Asking when I would be telling the players I said “Under normal circumstances I would have preferred to keep this news as quiet as possible but as we are already Champions and there is plenty of time for them to get used to the idea I’ll probably do it tonight provided I can get to see the Chairman before then.”
“OK Boss.”
“One more thing Dean I’m getting married as soon as we can arrange it and I want you to attend the wedding.”
“Congratulations Boss and you too Allison,” he shouted across to her, “It’ll be my pleasure to cover you both in confetti.”
About ten minutes after he left Sandra appeared with the coffee, the update file and my resignation letter all ready to sign.
Without any further ado I signed the letter and sealed it in the envelope provided.
With that done and dusted I sat back and began to enjoy my coffee.
“You looked pleased with life Jim.”
“Yup.” “I’ve signed the letter and all I have to do now is deliver it then find another job.”
“Well I too am happy as I have managed to arrange things for the 5th May,”
“Great!”
“The Registry Office could only do us sometime in August but they suggested trying some of the various establishments that had licenses for weddings.” “They gave me a small sample to try and right at the top was The Links who were only too pleased to fit us in.” “I also booked a suite for me and mum the night before the wedding at your expense so all we need now is to tie up the details with them and get some invitations out.” “Who is your best man?”
“Looney I suppose.” “He is the oldest friend I have around here and we have always got on well and shared many an adventure together.”
“I don’t wish to know any of the gory details please.”
I was still laughing when Sandra came in to clear away the cups.
Ringing the dressing room I got a hold of Looney.
“Congratulations Jim, Dean has just passed on the good news.” “How on earth did you convince that gorgeous creature to marry a dirty old sod like you?”
“Quiet please – she doesn’t know that.”
“Seriously Jim I am really pleased for the both of you.”
“Thanks Looney.” “We have just fixed the date.” “Saturday 5th May at The Links – no time so far we will sort that out later on today.” “I want you to be my best man Looney.”
“My pleasure Jim, my pleasure.”
Hanging up I then dialled Paton’s number. When his P.A. answered, I still did not know her name, I asked if he could fit me in today sometime.
“I’m sorry Mr Thomson but he is not in the office today at all and I do not expect to see him before Wednesday at the earliest.” “I do have a contact number and could get him to ring you if it is urgent.”
“That won’t be necessary thank you.”
Well I had done my bit I thought. Who do I pass the letter on to in his place?
Rightly or wrongly I decided on Garry Kerr and gave his office a ring.
Within five minutes I was sitting in front of Garry while he read my letter.
“I assume that you decision is final Jim?” “There is nothing I can do or say to persuade you otherwise?”
“No I’m afraid not Garry.” “His continued exclusion of the football control clause made my position here completely untenable.”
“Very well Jim in that case I accept this letter on behalf of the board.” “Do you want to recommend a replacement?”
“Garry I could recommend Alex Ferguson and he would say that he is completely unsuitable.”
Back in the office I at last had the time to study the update folder.
As expected everything was from Georgina.
Top of the pile was Gillingham FC’s reaction to our proposal Scally felt that there certainly was a basis for negotiation and accepted the majority of the clauses. As I had expected the biggest sticking point was the club purchasing a property on our behalf.
“Current property values in the Kent area would mean an investment by the club of anything up to one million pounds.” “In order to support this kind of investment the club could not agree with the inclusion of any release clause that did not give the club a return similar to the original investment.”
“For similar reasons the club could not agree to any payment of achievement bonuses at the stated level.” “A reduction of say 90% might be a more acceptable figure.”
“A three year contract would be a minimum requirement of the club but annual pay increases at the proposed level we consider to be excessive.” “A more realistic 25% would be acceptable to the club.”
“The club was looking at a contract start date of 1st June 2007.”
“If we considered that an agreement was possible then Mr Scally would be willing to meet face to face in say Newcastle at a time convenient to both parties.”
The bonuses must have been Georgina’s idea I thought.
Looking through it again I got the impression that Scally had gone off the boil somewhat.
Second was Carlisle United. Storey accepted that accommodation “had to be a part of the package” but felt that the more expensive that part became to the club the more concessions I would have to make in order to make the whole thing a viable scheme that the club could tolerate. He felt however that those concessions would reduce with each complete year of the contract until the third and any subsequent deals would reflect a “more normal arrangement”.
He stressed that I was wanted by the club and that he was confident that a contract acceptable yet fair to both parties could be agreed. He remembered “with pleasure” our visit to Carlisle earlier in the year and having showed us the club’s facilities at that time felt that a fruitful meeting in say Glasgow would suffice to complete a deal.
While I was slightly concerned at the lack of proposals and numbers I felt that Storey was very keen to secure my services and that could only be good for any negotiations that might take place.
The last fax concerned Brighton who while prepared to meet hotel expenses were not at all keen on actually purchasing a property that would belong to us and not the club. That apart they were amenable to all our other proposals and like Gillingham wanted me in place on or by 1st June 2007.
Keen but not desperately so was my assessment of Brighton.
Although it was by now approaching lunch I dialled Georgina.
“Hello handsome what do you think of the faxes?”
“I don’t think that Brighton will get anywhere near producing a satisfactory deal so already I am tending to discount them.”
“Gillingham might come up with something but again I have reservations.”
“Carlisle seems to be the keenest of all three but I would need to hear their further proposals and have some numbers within those proposals before making any decision.”
“I think you have got it just about right Jim.” “How about I arrange a meeting in or near Glasgow this week when we can move things on a bit.”
“OK I’ll wait for your call.”
With that we hung up and Allison, Sandra and I adjourned for lunch.
During lunch the girls left me to my thoughts which I was grateful for.
As we were nearing the end of the meal Georgina rang my mobile “Hilton Hotel, William Street, Glasgow on Wednesday there is an Executive room booked for you and you are expected at lunch time.” “Storey will meet us upstairs in the Executive Lounge at one o’clock.”
“Thanks Georgina.”
Looking around the Lounge I saw Garry on his own across the room. I went over to him to let him know that I would not be around Wednesday and possibly Thursday. He did not ask why and I did not volunteer any information.
Back in the office the Dell flashed up that Sammy Lee had been appointed as the new man in charge at Bolton Wanderers. It was none of my business but I could not see him lasting all that long.
About three o’clock I said to Allison that it might be a good time to go to the hotel and tie up the details they would need for the wedding. That put a large smile on her face and we were soon entrenched in the hotel talking business with a Facilities Manager who seemed to know what she was talking about.
It took a good hour or so during which time I was mostly surplus to requirements – I was only the groom after all – to get everything sorted to their mutual satisfaction. At the end of it all the only outstanding matter required by the hotel was the number of people attending that they had to cater for.
I figured that would occupy most of our evening. I wasn’t wrong.
One very good reason for escaping from the wedding preparations was the need to tell the players that I was moving on so while I was happy to escape the hotel room I was not overly enamoured with the reason I was in the dressing room at seven that evening.
Once everybody was in and settled I called them to order.
“As you all know the club has had a new Chairman for about two months or so now.” “I am afraid that he and I have not been seeing eye to eye over various matters concerning the running on the club.” “The situation has deteriorated to the extent that I felt that I had no alternative but to resign as Manager of the club with effect from 31st May 2007.”
That caused a bit of a hubbub which caused me to pause until they had all settled down again.
“Unfortunately I have been unable to personally see the Chairman today and formally hand him my resignation letter but I have passed it on to the Board via another Director.” “In spite of me having to deliver this news via the back door as it were through no fault of mine I expect the Chairman will accept the fact and allow me to leave as planned.”
“To those of you who have never experienced this kind of thing before I have to say to you that it is a perfectly normal process as a club develops.” “Managers do leave, as do coaches and players.” “It is a fact of life that you will become accustomed to as your career progresses.”
“I have really enjoyed working with you all and am extremely proud of the visible progress you have made.”
“I wish all of you every success in the future.”
Turning to leave I was interrupted by Tom Doyle shouting “Three cheers for the best Boss I have ever worked with.”
At the end of the cheers all I could do was step out of the room.
Back at the hotel it was a while before I could get the brain to change gears and get back to wedding plans. Somehow it did not feel so important anymore.
Travelling down to Glasgow was an easy journey that Wednesday morning and finding the Hilton and getting booked in was just as simple.
As we had arrived about two hours before we were due to meet with Storey we relaxed somewhat before showering and getting dressed for the meeting. By one thirty I was fully booted and suited and Allison was smartly turned out in a business like costume.
The telephone announced that Georgina was in Reception and was on her way up to see us.
After the inevitable how are you’s were done and dusted we decided to go straight up to the Executive’s Lounge to meet the man.
We settled ourselves in a secluded booth and ordered drinks all round which were duly delivered along with a platter of nibbles.
Storey was bang on time and dressed in a similar fashion to me. A thorough business man. He was accompanied by a smartly dressed middle aged lady that was later introduced as the Personal Assistant Margaret Anderson.
After renewing acquaintances we were soon settled and ready for some serious discussions.
“Jim before we allow Georgina here to run riot with me with all sorts of proposals containing numbers that have been doubled or trebled between her brain and her mouth I would like to settle the accommodation issue.” “I feel that with that done to our mutual satisfaction it will smooth the passage somewhat of anything else we have to discuss.”
“That’s fine by me.” “Before we begin though I have one question.”
“Fire away.”
“At every point both before and after we met last time around everybody, including yourself, referred to you as Jim Storey.” “According to the club web site you are Fred Storey.” “Which is correct?”
“Actually both as I will answer to either.” “My given name at birth was Frederick but somewhere along the line that was converted to Jim and it has been that way ever since.”
“One of life’s peculiar facts Jim.”
“OK Jim thanks for that.”
“Right then back to the accommodation issue.” “The club subscribes wholeheartedly to the view that we will have to provide suitable accommodation for you and Allison and that is not a problem for us.” “The absolute minimum we can offer you is a hotel suite with all expenses met by the club.” “We do however also subscribe to your view as suggested in Georgina’s proposal that there is no suitable hotel within the boundaries of Carlisle itself therefore we have to look out of town.” “If you are going to look out of town then there is no better place to look than within the boundaries of the Lake District.”
“The nearest town of any description to Carlisle in the Lake District meeting the maximum one hour travel requirement, which we agree with by the way, is Keswick a very picturesque town on the northern edge of Derwentwater.” “The town possesses a few decent class hotels but we would recommend that you stay at the Skiddaw Hotel situated in the Main Street of the town.” “The hotel has two excellent suites either of which we would reserve for you either as permanent or temporary accommodation.”
He paused to take a drink from his glass.
“Obviously Jim we are aware that you and Allison would have to see the place to confirm our assessment.”
“I’m sure that could be arranged.”
“Right then let us assume that you are firmly entrenched in a suite in The Skiddaw and you are happy.” “You will only be happy for so long – a year, two at the most.” “We want you at Carlisle for longer than that but you will not stay there without any roots.”
“We will purchase on your behalf a suitable property in the Keswick area.” “That way you can start work settled in the hotel until such time as the property is ready for your occupancy.” “The property we have in mind, and again subject to your and Allison’s approval, is a detached house with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms 3 reception rooms, a modern kitchen and utility room.” “There is a double garage attached to the main building complete with private entrance, parking in front of the home above a flowered and grassed front garden.” “The rear of the property is a field of approximately 3 acres which is presently uncultivated.” “There is a private driveway leading to the main road to Keswick and beyond.”
“I have brochures of Keswick Town, The Skiddaw and the house which I will pass on to you later to study.”
“The club have reserved the house by bidding so it is not liable to disappear in the time it takes you to get there.”
“Can I ask how much this is costing the club?”
“I haven’t got any exact figures Jim But I think the hotel for two of you is about £1300 per week and buying the house about £850,000.”
“That is an awful lot of money.”
“True Jim but that is also the reason why the numbers we are offering in other clauses will not be as high as you would normally expect – certainly initially.”
“I accept that.”
“Before we get to those clauses Jim I would suggest a break while you and Allison have a look at the brochures.”
“That’s fine by me.”
Storey duly produced the brochures and sat chatting to his P.A. and Georgina while Allison and I poured through them.
Alright they were brochures and like any brochure they were designed to emphasise the good points of the product and to assist in any sale. Nonetheless they could not disguise the fact that Keswick was a lovely town, The Skiddaw was a first class comfortable hotel and the house would be most peoples dream home with the addition of some quality furniture.
Without the need for us to speak I think we both were of the same opinion.
“Satisfied Jim, Allison?”
“We want you to grow roots with our club and that can only happen if you have an investment in the area.” “We are therefore offering, as part of your contract, the freehold of the property as described.” “As part of this clause we will pay for a suite, including all expenses, at The Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick until such time as the house is ready for your occupation, i.e. furnished and decorated to your specifications.” “The club will pay for the decorating costs but the furnishing of the property is your responsibility.” “There will be no time limit on the length of your stay at The Skiddaw but the freehold of the house will not be transferred until the day after you move out of the hotel permanently.”
“Any comments on the first clause in our contract Georgina?”
“Only the inclusion of the club paying for all legal expenses associated with the transfer.”
“Agreed.”
“Any comments Jim. Allison?”
“I assume that our approval of the house is no longer on the table?” “It is this house and this hotel – take it or leave it?”
“That’s about the size of it however as the house will be your property you can always sell it and purchase elsewhere – provided that any such purchase is within the boundaries of the Lake District.” “We would not be amused if you sold that house and purchased another property well away from what we would consider our catchments area.” “If that scenario did occur the club would consider any such act a breech of contract and would seek full restitution of all our costs associated with that particular aspect of your move to Carlisle United.”
“Everything I have said will form part of your contract with the club.”
“Any further comments Georgina?”
“None Jim it is only right that you protect your investment.”
“Will you accept this complete clause as a part of your contract with Carlisle United Jim?”
“I see nothing in it that I could seriously object to however I would, as you would expect, need more time to study and assimilate the implications.”
“Fair enough but there is nothing that leaps out at you this very minute that would require any serious renegotiation?”
“Correct.”
Storey smiled shook my hand and ordered a fresh round of drinks.
“Well that’s one clause down with God knows how many to go.”
The atmosphere around the booth was a lot easier with what might have been a potential deal breaker safely tucked away.
Storey: “If we can move on to deal with Allison’s contract I would be grateful.”
Georgina: “Fire away.”
Storey: “We want to offer you Allison the position of Personal Assistant to the Manager, Mr Jim Thomson, for the duration of his tenure in that office.” “You will to all intents and purposes be employed by him and will be only answerable to him and to nobody else within the organisation of Carlisle United Football Club.” “For this
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