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Having been inspired by other stories by some great writers I decided to try my hand using my current new game as a base. I started the game unemployed and have incorporated this into the story. Please give me your feedback as to whether you would like to hear more
FM08 On beta patch.
I lit my first cigarette of the day and settled down at my desk with my coffee. Staring at the wall of my office I wondered if today was going to bring as much numbness as every other recent day. To compound the nothingness of life, I had recently split from my girlfriend.
It had been 2 years since I had gained my coaching badges, struggling from one job to the next to make ends meet and take the courses to become a coach. In the time since, I had small coaching roles with obscure regional teams, the high point being a youth coach at Chorley FC. Having left there I was at a real dead end as to what to do with life. Things had got to the point where even motivating myself to get out of bed in the morning was becoming a real chore.
As is the norm these days within the world of sports and especially football, I had decided to register with an agent. We met by chance in a local pub and after securing an advertising deal selling soap to a long forgotten football star he thought he was on the up. I was desperate for work and so at the time it seemed liked a good idea with nothing to lose. In hindsight perhaps the consumption of too much alcohol is not that good after all for trying to find meaningful employment. That was 2 months ago and unsurprisingly the phone had not been busy with job offers.
Just as I was finishing my coffee and contemplating on what to do with another fruitless day of excitement and thinking I would perhaps spend the day with my mother the phone rang. This in itself was not unusual, it could have been anyone from my mother to the gas company ringing asking why I was late with another payment.
Hello?
Marius, its Roger, still looking for a job
I think by answering my phone at 10:00am pretty much answers that question for you. I replied sarcastically.
No need for pleasantries, I’ve a club interested in you. They’re looking for a new manager.
Manager? Wow they must be desperate, who is it?
Terek Grozny
Who?
In Russia, first division side apparently pushing for promotion.
You are kidding me right?
Look, it’s a job, they offering you fifty thousand ruble a week, on a 2 year contract and before you ask that’s just short of a grand. They said they’re even prepared to let you live rent free in a flat close to the ground.
Let me get back to you in a hour.
On the morning of the fourth of September I was on a plane heading for Grozny. All I knew about the place was from the news and it didn’t make great reading. Military involvement in retaking back the airport from rebels, and I’d also heard in the past that due to the current situation in Chechnya home games are played near the resort city of Pyatigorsk. With the club being disbanded in the nineties things looked gloomy but with a 2004 EUFA qualifying victory over a polish side there at least looked like there might be some semblance of organisation. Besides, it was a job, well paid considering, free accommodation and was out of the cesspool that the UK was fast becoming. Three hours after landing the contract was signed and I was unveiled at a low key press conference as the new manager of Terek. Vladimir Nikitenko the clubs assistant manager thankfully spoke English to a reasonable standard and he spoke to the press regarding my confidence that together we could achieve great things. After being handed my managers very think and wooly coat to which I hastily wrapped around me as I had already lost the feeling in my toes and fingers, I was driven to what would become my new home and after settling in drifted into a long a restless sleep.
Once back in the next morning I watched over training for my forthcoming first fixture on the 5th against Anzhi who were currently mid table. With us sitting currently in sixth with most of the season already gone I knew it wouldn’t be an easy game. After tactical changes and training changes the current captain was dropped and a new one appointed. This unsurprisingly upset the outgoing captain but more surprisingly seemed to please the rest of the team. Overall the depth of the team looked club and we apparently had some rising and older stars. After what I had been used to, this looked positively like brazil by my standards. After assessing training and having an interesting team bonding session where I had no idea what they were saying and they likewise had no idea what I was saying the team sheet was penciled in and we were ready for the home game against Anzhi.
After doing a little research on the morning of the game regarding the referee after seeing he had already issued red cards into double figures and yellows into triple figures I was unsure if he was rather fond of his cards or Russian first division football was juts like the good old Sunday pub league back in blighty. I decided to err on the side of caution and told my players to go easy on the tackles.
After lighting myself a cigarette which no one seemed to mind even though it was purely to warm myself up and stop myself from shivering we were off on our Russian adventure. True to form for the ref after 24 minutes the first yellow of the day was shown to the opposition after sustained pressure on our part. On 36 a second yellow was handed out to the away team and I was starting to wonder if this game would finish with 22 men. On the stroke of half time the 4800 home fans who turned up thought the ball was in only for Valentic to somehow clear off the line. A half time chat telling the lads that they were unlucky not to be winning proved inspirational as on 47 minutes Zangareev powered in from close range. After yet another card for the opposition and relentless pressure, Adiev a former Anzhi player put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute and gave us a deserved 2-0 win.
It was a win in my first game in charge and suddenly in the euphoria things didn’t look too bad after all, or too cold for that matter. Onto the 12th and we made an away trip to KamAZ who were 2 places above us sitting in 4th but only 2 points ahead. For the first 45 minutes they were at us constantly and only some woeful finishing kept it all square coming into the break. Telling the lads that a draw would be a good result and to try and catch them on the counter the second half started in the same vain as the first. Then in the 76th minute a long ball from the back put Djabrailov through one on one and he coolly slotted home under the diving keeper. Again after some more woeful finishing and 5 minutes of tense injury time the ref blew his whistle and it was a valuable away win and also in the process we were up to 4th in the league.
On the 15th we were home to Sodovik, and an unfortunate injury to Ramanovich (who incidentally after playing 3 times in 10 days is unhappy that I don’t consider him a first team regular?) was the only highlight to a rather dull and boring game. Finished 0-0 but I was happy with that especially as KamAZ lost again so consolidating 4th in the table.
The 22nd and away to Avangard Kursk who are sitting second in the table and looking for automatic promotion. Kursk forget to turn up and in the 16th minute Asildarov puts Adiev through for his fifth of the season as the ref waves away the protests of an offside. In the 38th Bornosuzov thunders a ball in the top corner to be followed 3 minutes later by Adiav’s second of the game. On the stroke of half time Asildarov plays a pinpoint pass to Adiav for him to gain his hat trick. At half time the lads are told to not get carried away and as always when you say that Piyuk pulled one back for Kursk. On 66 Kursk went a man down and three minutes later Adiev took full advantage to add his fourth. A wonderful performance was capped by an impressive 5-1 away win and just 2 points separate us from Kursk in the league.
Back home on the 25th against Zvezda Irkutsk saw another fine display with goals from Zangareev (6), Kulik (37) and Kaleshin (45). After looking invincible in the opening 45 minutes injuries to Adiev, Kulik and Bornosuzev in the second period tarnish a good 3-0 home win. The win taking us a point above Kursk and into the automatic promotion places. It’s been a great start so far with 4 wins and a draw in my first month in charge.
Thanks guys, your input means a lot to me as this my first. Anyway, on with the tale...
The next morning the reporters were clamoring for a press conference due to my blistering start to management and the fact that under my guidance we had now gone 5 games without loss and it looked like I had not only steadied the ship but given the players renewed belief and confidence. I had never had so many cameras and Dictaphones pushed in my direction before and this was more nerve wracking than any of the previous games. With help from my assistant words were muttered by myself that I had picked up in my short time in Russia, довольный (pleased), тактика (tactics) and благоприятное условие (happy circumstances). I was learning the language quick but not enough to be able to hold my own. One question that my assistant put to me threw me completely off guard and was unexpected. A reporter from the big papers asked me about corruption in the game and had I experienced this type of thing before. I muttered to my assistant that no I hadn’t and as far as I was aware there certainly wasn’t any here at this club. Vladimir then forwarded this onto the assembled journalists and they seems happy with my comments. Thankfully my assistant answered the rest of the questions that were being fired my way and overall it was pleased with the way it had gone.
The next game was at home to Sibir and a very dour 1-1 draw was played out to a crowd of five thousand. At least the support was coming back thick and fast now that were starting to look like a promotion team. We then had a 10 day break before playing away to the leagues bottom club who were without a win all season. I took the time to find myself a language tutor and take in some of the sights of the surrounding area before arriving back at the club to continue training. I was slowly starting to settle down now and was looking forward to a goal fest in the upcoming game. That night as I relaxed watching a game between Spartak Nilchik and Spartak Moscow, that had been played the week before in the Russian Premier Division there was a knock at the door. I glanced at my watch and wondered who on earth would be wanting me at this time of night. I slowly got up, walked over to the door and opened it to be met by one of the most stunning women I had ever laid eyes on. So far on my Russian adventure all I had mainly come across was the stereotypical old women and farmer type males. I guessed she was about 5’10, slender without being skinny, long red hair and piercing eyes. Before I had time to even open my mouth she handed me an envelope and motioned for me to open it. Still confused I went to the small kitchen, poured myself a drink and then motioned to her to come in and take a seat. I sat back down and tore open the letter. Inside were a lot of UK notes and a very neatly folded piece of paper. I left the money inside for a moment and read the letter.
As you are well aware tomorrow afternoon you will be playing Spartak Ryazan. As I am also sure that you are aware they have yet to win a game this season. Myself and my associates are business men and would be very interested to hear your thoughts on a little proposition we have in mind. Many of our contacts have become difficult of late and we feel that on this occasion you could be of value to us.
Our proposition is simple. Ensure that Ryazan win tomorrow and in return you shall be well compensated. The money in your native currency is a gesture of good will on our behalf and Irina who you have now met, how shall I put this, is a gift for the evening if you choose to accept our business proposal.
I am sure you can appreciate the implications of this becoming public knowledge and we trust that either way we have your strictest confidence, as you ours. When the church bell rings in the town, if Irina is still with you then we shall assume that you agree toout little secret. If she arrives back to me then keep the money and maybe we can do business again in the future. Whatever you decide, please give this letter back to the lady.
I could not believe what I had read. My heart was racing and my head thumping trying desperately to make some sense out of all this. I could feel the sweat slowly running down my neck when Irina offered me a cigarette and softly spoke with an accent that was angelic
2 Minutes.
I looked back at my watch and knew instantly what she referred to. My head was swimming. Here I am in a foreign land with a beautiful woman beside me, a wad of cash in an envelope on the table in front of me and a mystery man waiting for my decision. My gaze went from my drink, to the money, to Irina. I had been in Russia less than a month, what was the worst that could happen. Well I thought to myself, what would any self respecting manager of a football club do?
Three hours later and Irina silently slipped out of my life. I got no sleep that night and by time I got to the training ground to board the club coach I looked a wreck. Vladimir asked me if I was feeling ok to which I replied I thought it may have been something I had eaten and that I would survive the trip. After all, we were playing a team that hadn’t won in 36 appearances and had conceded over 100 goals this season. We kicked off in torrential rain. Least it isn’t cold I thought. 11 minutes in and Boulie, who was drafted in to cover for injuries and internationals was hacked down on the half way line. That was the end of his game today. As half time approached I unusually shouted instructions from the touch line which seemed to have a momentarily confusing effect on the players as my assistant hurriedly tried to interpret for me. Kopilov lost his marker and was played through by a sublime pass and all of a sudden we were 1-0 down. Our players went crazy at the ref who waved away all protests of a possible offside.
Трах бесполезный I shouted towards the ref which caused numerous officials to look in my direction.
The second half never got any better, another injury on 65 saw me pull off a striker for a defensive midfielder, a change that had Vladimir wondering what I was smoking. Moments later still cursing and gesticulating I made another ‘tactical’ substitution to hold on as by now Ryazan were throwing everything at us. With my astute tactical changes we manged to keep it 1-0. After the match I made no apologies about telling the team how they had underperformed to which one player gratefully told the press how I was bouncing of the walls of the changing room. Upon arriving back at our place, I consoled the lads and assured them that we would analyse where it went wrong and rectify things on the training pitch and then make amends 3 days later when we welcomed Khabarovsk.
That night upon getting home there was a black BMW 750 parked across the road from the flat. It was an E38 model, the best in my opinion. That sweet V12 just begged to be revved and I bet it was fully loaded with toys. I went up the steps and opened the door to my home and found (not unexpectedly I admit) a white envelope on the floor waiting for me. I picked it up, threw my coat onto a chair and went to get myself a drink. I opened the envelope and a set of keys fell out onto the floor. I picked the keys up and pulled out what appeared to be documents of some sort. Upon glancing at them they looked like registration documents and there was what appeared to be a bill of sale, conveniently I thought made out to me for the sum of 260k Rubles. The phone rang and an educated eastern European voice just said…
It was a pleasure doing business with you and then the phone went dead.
Back on the training ground all thoughts of yesterdays defeat had been put aside. Kursk had only managed a draw at home which meant we were still second in the league with a point advantage over them. A very dull game against Khabarovsk was made worse by 8 yellow cards being dished out, yet somehow we both managed to keep all our players on the pitch. Still, taking positives from the game we kept a clean sheet and Eugeny Varlamov made his 50th appearance for the club. The lads were told I was pleased despite the draw. Thankfully Kursk lost so with 6 games to go we edge 2 points clear in second. Finally my scout remembered who paid his wages and duly informed me of the players he had found on his travels. Finally I muttered to myself, I can start to build.
A deal for Eugeny Shpedt who was spotted in Spartak Moscows reserves was quickly tied up. A clean tidy young central defender was just what we needed to increase the squad size. Pity the chairman didn’t agree with his asking price stating that maybe we could look at him again at the start of the new season when more funds would available. I checked the web to see how my beloved canaries were doing and was pleased to see them 5th after 10 games. Maybe it wouldn’t be another season of mediocrity for them after all. I promised myself to make the home derby game against those infernal tractor boys in February. The next morning I made a cheeky enquiry for Spillane who was listed for loan, not that I could loan him, but if I could get him for cheap…Norwich came back saying they would settle for a structured deal worth more than 1.2 million to which I laughed wildly. This in turn caused some of the staff at the club to look at me like I had gone mad as they were passing past my office. Savchenkov the manager of Salyut then took it upon himself to remind us that our upcoming fixture was a must win if we intended to push for promotion, to which he was told we were very confident and we were going to stuff them, albeit in my broken Russian. From his reactions I think he understood me. A deal was tied up for a star striker (according to my scout) and for 30k I thought he cant be any worse than what I already have.
Along came the 22nd and an away game to Salyut Belgorod. After welcoming back 3 players from international duty it was game on.After a brisk opening period by both teams Varlanov went down clutching his leg forcing a substation when I had no defenders to replace. Moments later and Adiev found his boots and fired us into the lead. Salyut pulled one back on 50 but goals from Bornosuzov (70) and Adiev (73) wrapped up a good away win before Boulie made it 4-1 with his 25th career goal. Kursk unfortunately got back to winning ways away from home too thus keeping the pressure on us
Who? 
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