retired_sibel

Prelude to management:

It's been 15 days since both Halim Ahmad and Rudi de von Ausfern were interviewed by their respective future employees - Halim for Gombak, Rudi for Groningen. 15 days have passed, and no news were heard. It might be perfectly understandable - the Dutch Eredivisie was having their winter break, while the S-League was having its pre-season preparations. Both Groningen and Gombak United were considering their options for the good of the club progress. And while Rudi and Halim bide their time to wait for answers, they knew their chances of being manager of the respective clubs are in the brink of rejection.

Another week passed, and still no news. Both are getting impatient and frustrated. Will they still get the chance of a lifetime? Will they live their dreams and visions? Or will they return to their normal lives as nothing but fallen heroes?

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Author's comments:

Sorry for the long wait to another post. I've got final-year projects up my butt for the past two weeks, plus writer's block. By then I just noticed that my game starts in February instead of January (a major oversight when I did my first post - I was sleepy, lah! Took me all night to think of the story!), hence the prelude.

BenArsenal - It's Europe, anything goes in the media. Just look at The Sun. Altavista BabelFish is my friend.

To the rest, thanks for your comments. I'll post the story in a few days' time, when I have much more free time. I'm posting this in project class, so juggling both FM and projects have been a failure in the past.

retired_rkp278

Right. I understand your plight about projects. I was in your shoes once too.

There is a player in Gombak that I actually know in real life. I only found out that he was in the game recently. His name is Kor Chun Wei. Do keep an eye on him.

retired_rajaijah

Gombak in my game are very strong too,won 3 times in a row and their youths are good too.

retired_sibel

I return! After countless writer's block, the FM story shall continue!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Gombak United: The Next Pride of Singapore)

31st January 2007, 3PM

It was a cloudy Wednesday afternoon. I was doing my rounds looking for a fare - I took up a part-time job as a taxi-driver to pay my bills - when suddenly my handphone rang its Macarron Chacarron ringtone. I fixed my Bluetooth headset on my left ear and responded to the call.

Me: Hello?
Male Voice: Hello. Is this Halim Ahmad's mobile phone number?
Me: This is Halim speaking. To whom am I talking to?
Male Voice: This is Jeffrey Lee, Gombak United's general manager. On behalf of Gombak United Football Club, I welcome you as manager of the club's playing staff.
Me: (parking my taxi on the roadside) Well, thank you sir. When do I start?
Jeffrey Lee: Pre-season preparations start tomorrow, so officially that's when you begin. I suggest taking your time tomorrow to acquaint yourself with the players and the coaching staff after training tomorrow.
Me: Wait, who'll take charge of training tomorrow?
Jeffrey Lee: Your assistant Swandi Ahmad will take care of that.
Me: Thank you very much, sir.
Jeffrey Lee: You're welcome.

I have never grinned so widely in my life before, sia. The appointment was overdue, but nevertheless it's time for me to prove my mettle and show Singapore that local talent has a spot right here in Gombak United.

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1st February 2007, 9AM

I stood on the gates of Jurong West Stadium. It was not like Anfield, where the Shankly Gates greeted all who approach the entrance of Anfield with the words "You'll Never Walk Alone" inscribed on it, but it was overwhelming nevertheless, particularly when you are appointed manager of a S-League club such as Gombak United. With a nervous disposition, I entered the gates and through the car park I trudged through until I saw the running track flanking the field on an entrance. On the running track, I saw the players doing their pre-season training. I looked at them; they are generally consummate professionals passionate about the game of football. But knowing my vision, I wish to see a fully-local squad in Gombak United. I took a seat at the grandstand as I looked at them doing their pre-season training.

After training, 11AM

I went to their dressing room. The whole squad had finished their shower, and they are fully clothed by now, assembled around the room. "Good morning, guys," I said to break the ice, "I'm Halim Ahmad, and I'll be your manager for this season. Firstly, my hope is that we can work together to achieve glory in the foreseeable future, and I feel that with the squad at my disposal, we can achieve great things together. Looking that we have yet to coordinate as a unit, based on the training session just now, I invite you guys for lunch at the kopitiam (food court) later at 12 - I belanja (pay for food) you guys. So how?" The team responded positively to the offer, though not quite with enthusiasm. "Ok, guys, we'll see you later while I talk with the coaches."

After the team shook my hand on the way out, I talked with Swandi Ahmad, my assistant, on the first-team players.

Goalkeepers

1. Adi Saleh (30, Singaporean, GK)

Not the tallest of goalkeepers at 178cm, according to Swandi, but his distribution and his ability to rush out and sweep away through balls is notable at most. 8 caps to his name, which speaks a lot about his international exposure. And at 30, his prime is somewhere near, but his laziness might delay his peak.

13. Zaiful Nizam (19, Singaporean, GK)

Gombak's very own Bruce Grobbelaar with a slight tinge of Rene Higuita, according to Swandi, with a height of 171cm. His distribution is about on par with Adi, but his lack of concentration makes Titus Bramble look like a better keeper. His determination, hard work and influence reminded me of myself during my younger years.

Verdict: Zaiful is a bit young and raw. A more experienced keeper is needed in case Adi gets injured.

Defenders

3. Jaslee Hatta (25, Singaporean, SW/D LC)

A footballing centre-half, who can play on the left, his notable asset is distribution. At 176cm, he may not be notable for defending high balls, but his bravery and aggression is second to none. If only he tries to get stuck in to tackles, Swandi noted out.

14. Nor Azli Yusoff (23, Singaporean, D RC)

A right-back who can also play at centre and also defensive mid. The only notable thing about him is his accurate corners, Swandi noted out, along with his bravery and decision-making. He's got some pace, a team player and also tries to work hard for the team. Nevertheless, a backup player.

12. Precious Emujeraye (23, Nigerian-Singaporean, D C)

Gombak's notable rock in defence at 187cm, as Swandi said, and I couldn't agree with him more. Has almost everything a decent defender needs - tackling, marking, heading, bravery, concentration, positioning and jumping. Only downsides are his anticipation and decision-making, but team-work and set-piece delivery makes him far more special. The fact that he has already represented Singapore 9 times by the time I took over put him further into my plans.

2. Faizal Senin (25, Singaporean, D C)

Not a very technical player, according to Swandi. Only things he's noted for are his aggressiveness and his leader-like influence. Nothing more than a backup.

6. Winston Yap (30, Singaporean, D C)

A perfect partner for Precious, though slightly similar in terms of mentality and technique, except set-pieces. Nevertheless, part of my plans for the club.

4. Sevki Sha'ban (22, Singaporean, D/WB L)

Gombak's answer to Juan Pablo Sorin. Noted for his long throws, jumping, determination and teamwork. Part of my plans, nevertheless.

Verdict: I don't think I have a decent right-back, even though Jaslee can play there. Need a right-back and a more decent backup at centre-half.

Midfielders

17. Obadin Aikhena (20, Nigerian, DM)

One for the future, Swandi told me. Technique and corners are there, and with a determined attitude and hard-work, he can be a star. With him having a Nigerian passport? Not a chance here as long as I take charge at Gombak in the future. Better luck somewhere else, I have to say.

10. Theerawesin Seehawong (26, Thai, M C)

Swandi called him a creative midfield dynamo with an eye for a pass. Also someone who would dictate tempo with his range of passing. He's in my plans for now, but soon I might have to offload him in favour of a Singaporean who plays just like him.

5. Ruhaizad Ismail (24, Singaporean, AM R)

Somewhat a tricky winger with an eye for a spectacular, Swandi noted out. Technique more of a downside, though compensated with teamwork and decent work-rate. Can play as striker and at the centre of midfield, though I have to stave him off the latter due to his nonexistent passing range.

20. Gabriel Obatola (19, Nigerian, AM RC)

A creative force on the wings or behind the strikers, said Swandi. Notable for his somewhat pinpoint crossing and passing, good finishing, creativity, work rate and flair. Part of my plans for now, but will be phased off in favour of a Singaporean.

8. Jalal (26, Singaporean, AM L)

His claim to fame? His single name. Other than that, he is decently able to take on full-backs, though his aggressiveness might be something to be wary about.

7. Syed Karim (22, Singaporean, AM C)

Can play behind the strikers and nowhere else. An okay finisher and passer, but creativity is quite stifled. A leader on the pitch, nevertheless, though his aggressiveness needs to be checked.

Verdict: No decent left-winger and a backup on the hole.

Forwards

18. Norfahazly Kamsan (22, Singaporean, AM/F C)

A decent finisher, with an eye for tricks and long shots on par with Arshad Khamis. His rapid change of pace is also noteworthy. Potentially able to become a good player at the club, Swandi noted, with good luck and hard work.

19. Alfred Emujeraye (24, Nigerian, ST)

It was Precious's idea to bring him and Emmanuel to Gombak, Swandi said to me. A slightly creative forward with an eye for a screamer, but very competitive. He'll be phased out soon, whether Precious likes it or not.

36. Timothy Neo (19, Singaporean, ST)

Another one with a potential to make it big, Swandi said. A decent first touch, and just that for now. A backup to me nevertheless.

Verdict: Just one more striker is needed and my squad is complete.

Squad verdict: I'm gonna stick to the current squad for this season, plus some additions aforementioned. Once I can get some prize money from winning stuff, I'm gonna slowly phase out the foreign talent.

Shopping list: A right-back, a left winger, a forward.

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After a brief talk about the players, we shifted to the coaching staff.

Swandi Ahmad (Assistant manager)

He's quite decent when it comes to tactics. Someone who has an eye for discipline. I guess I can keep him.

Kevin Wee (Coach)

I think he's too redundant alongside Swandi. Gets the sack.

Iskandar Ishak (Goalkeeping coach)

Right man, wrong job preference. He'd be better off coaching technical aspects, but rather sticks to goalkeepers instead. Among the first to get the sack.

Shasi Kumar (Youth coach)

Works well among the youngsters, helping them hone their fitness levels.

Hyrizan Jufri (Youth coach)

Doesn't work as well like Shasi, but does a great deal with tactics.

-----------------------

After a common agreement with Swandi, I called Iskandar and Kevin over for a talk, one by one starting with Iskandar.

Me: Aku dah 'discuss' dengan Swandi tadi, and aku nak offer kau mutual termination.
(I've discussed with Swandi just now, and I'm offering you mutual termination.)

Iskandar: Eh? Kenapa pulak?
(Why?)

Swandi: Aku rasa kau tak layak untuk coach goalkeepers. Patutnya kau boleh train technique, tapi kau tak nak. So kita dah common agreement lah, mutual termination.
(I feel you're not qualified to coach goalkeepers. Supposedly you can train technique, but you don't want. So we came to a common agreement, mutual termination.)

Iskandar: Okay lah, apa nak buat. Tapi kalau nak mutual termination, 26 ribu dolar kena kasi aku lah, sebagai ganti rugi.
(Okay, what to do. But if you want mutual termination, you've to give me 26 thousand dollars as compensation)

Me: Itu aku boleh settle.
(That I can settle)

--------------------

Next up, Kevin.

Me: We came to an agreement to offer you contract termination.
Kevin: You kidding me, man. If you're offering to rip up my contract, I demand 100k.
Me: (sighs) Okay, I'll settle on that.

I was glad it's over. Now I'm late for my team's lunch at the kopitiam.

retired_rkp278

Nice.

For a striker, see if you can prise Agu Casmir from Woodlands. He is absolute class in the S-League. On form he is unstoppable.

retired_sibel

Author's Notes: Alright, it's the fasting month and I have loads of free-time in the wee hours of the morning to compensate the school recall due to project work (whoever plans this nutfest of a Vacational Project Programme must be a nutcase). So hold your horses, 'cause here we go!

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(The Next Lion in Groningen)

31st January 2007, 2PM

It was a chilly afternoon in the town of Groningen. Rudi cycled through the suburban area of Groningen, hopefully awaiting for the phonecall from the FC Groningen bigwigs. While he is a patient man, he knows that the winter break in the Eredivisie is almost over. In his mind, another day without a phone call and he plans to pack up, embarking on another career and forget about a spot in the dugout of Euroborg.

Just as he reached his hotel room, he received a call from his mobile phone. Seeing the call as anonymous, his mind was in a dilemma. What if this anonymous number was a prank caller who tries to give death threats? Curiosity got the better of him as he pressed the 'Answer' button.

Rudi: Hello?
Male voice: Is this Rudi de von Ausfern?
Rudi: This is him.
Male voice: Sorry to have made this information overdue, but on the behalf of the FC Groningen board of directors, I congratulate you for being appointed as trainer of FC Groningen.
Rudi: Well... I couldn't thank you enough for this opportunity. So when do I begin?
Male voice: There will be a press conference tonight in the Euroborg at 6PM. You will meet the board of directors 30 minutes before the press conference. It's a black tie meeting, so do wear formal attire.
Rudi: Well, thanks for the wonderful news.
Male voice: No problem.

Rudi felt a sense of satisfaction, so much so that he waltzed through the hotel lobby in jubilation.

That night, 5:25PM

Rudi emerged from the taxi, with a white shirt, a tie, a pair of blazers, black pants and leather shoes to boot. He looked at the great behemoth that is the Euroborg. The fans called it 'De Groene Kathedraal'; the opponents' fans dub it 'De Groene Hel'. Nevertheless, Rudi looked forward to the challenge of managing a club of such stature.

The first thing Rudi thought of when meeting the board of directors is the board room. He forgot to ask the caller that afternoon on the location of the meeting, so he took a wild guess. As he knocked on the board room, he heard several murmurs. Without further thought, he blanked his mind and opened the door, and was rightfully greeted by the board of directors with a round of applause. After the applause died down, the first person to welcome him was chairman Jaap van der Linde. "On behalf of FC Groningen, I welcome you as trainer of the playing staff," Jaap said as he greeted Rudi. "Please have a seat."

As Rudi took a seat, he saw a glass of wine in front of him. He ignored it and looked at the board of directors. "Let me, on behalf of the board, clarify things with you" Jaap explained in a professional manner. "Firstly, the media will scrutinise you from inside out; ignore them. Those bastards caused disharmony by fabricating our previous trainer's personal life, and I hope you're strong enough to ignore them. Secondly, we expect you to invest on the team and rebuild it as the season starts. Thirdly, to help you achieve your goals, we are allocating 300,000 Euros for transfer fees and 230,000 Euros per week in wages; use them well." The chairman then took a quick breather. "Well, I guess that's about it. Your work starts tomorrow; in the meantime, the press is awaiting you at the conference room."

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(To be continued in next post.)

Raptor

Missed this first time around, always good to have an FCG story :cool:

De Groene Hel
Die Staat In Brand
Boeren Vechten Voor De Stad En Ommeland
En Ommeland!

retired_rkp278

Excellent. I hope you get nominated for an FMS Award too.