retired_puly1364

20th of February 2009

I met struggling Amiens at home with a sight to win since, Toulouse were likely to lose today as they played againist Lille away. The fitness of the team is just great and I haven't had single first team injury problem. So I had an opportunity to use every player.

French Second League, Week 27
Valenciennes 3:1 Amiens (8., 23. Sebastien Heitzmann, 56. Michel Gafour)

Nice win. Toulouse lost which gives us a tastey 6 point lead in the league. Heitzmann is by a mile the best goalscorer in the league. It was deserved win as we totally dominated the game, leaving them around 2-3 chances.

22nd of February 2009

I caught my phone ringing as I was taking a shower. "Maria, could you please see who's calling. When it's someone from the club, say I'm not home!" I shouted. She was in the room anyway and soon he shouted back, "It's for you! Sounds very important!" I told that I'll take the phone in few minutes, I had to dry myself first.

As I got down, I grabbed the phone and it was a shock for me.

"Hi, Tanel. It is Brian Lennox here."
- "Hi, Brian. Didn't exept you calling to me."
"Yes, me neither, but I have to tell it to you!"
- "What?"
"Do you remember, the money we had in Cork."
- "Sure. I thought it is a done thing."
"No it isn't. I've heard from my secret sources that police are getting a lot of evidences about it."
- "So, I don't get it. Why did you call for me?"
"They have a sniff in their nose, that you're in it too."
- "In what?"
"I lied to you before. This is no loan we're talking about. It's more dangerous."
- "What, Brian. Where have you got me into?"
"This money is got through bank robberies. Throughout the years me and my little gang, had stolen many banks all around the world. Only true thing is the number 15 million pounds."
- "Now, what do I have to do? Run off to Mexico?"
"No. I want you to know that it is very probable that they will come to question you. They're already closely following me."
- "When the police is following you. How can you call me?"
"I'm on a street. I bought an telephone card. They're only following my bank accounts, mobile calls and other stuff."
- "Anyway, I'm not sure about the laws of Ireland. What could happen to me, Brian?"
"You could be accused of false confession and covering a crime. It could give you a 1 year in jail if they will come to question you and you lie to them."
- "And what happens when I don't lie..."
"Trust me. You don't want to know about it!"
- "So basically, I'm done?"
"No, you've got your hope. I trust you. Can you promise me that it will remain a secret between you and me?"
- "I can keep this between you, me & my wife! I can't keep secrets from her. And she has been in the same room since this phone-call started."
"How much do you trust her?"
- "More than myself."
"Okay. It's your choice. Better tell it to her than police."
- "I think it would be nice to end this phone-call now. I hope I'll never meet you again, Brian."
"Goodbye."

I was angry. It was just too good! Now I'm having a risk of total destroyment. Anyway, Maria could sense my enormous anger and fear, as he started talking.

"What's wrong honey?"
- "This phone-call was wrong!"
"What are you talking about? Old friends?"
- "Yes, Maria, old "friends". There's something I have to tell you."

So I told him the whole story. She understanded me and believed that I'm not guilty of anything. It was relief since it really was like it. The only thing I am guilty of is me even listening to what they said 3 years ago. Just when I had forgot it and my career was going upwards. As a man of honour, I will keep my word and will not tell it to anyone and I'll hope fingers crossed that I will not get mixed into it.

retired_puly1364

27th of February 2009

So I am now living in a world of fears. I was afraid that I have Irish police knocking on my door every second, but this didn't happen. I tried to keep my personal problems away from the training ground and I think I succesfully did that. We travelled to Libourne St-Seurin with the same mood as always. Playing and watching football is the only way to forget my troubles.

French Second League, Week 28
Libourne St-Seurin 1:4 Valenciennes (14. Lorenzo Davids, 20. Sebastien Heitzmann, 37. Vladimir Voskoboinikov, 80. Michel Gafour)

Great win from the lads so I could enjoy couple of hours now! We're doing great in the league. We totally dominated the game, but it was no suprise, it was easy game. As will be the next game. Unless, I'm in Ireland.

2nd of March 2009

Raio Piiroja, Yannick Fischer, Lorenzo Davids, Ito & Michel Gafour were in the ToW.

4th of March 2009

For the past days. I've been looking at Irish news all the time. Very often refreshing the biggest websites in every hour. I knew this scandal, or more like a enormous crime, will come out. So I wasn't suprised reading a news about Brian Lennox being arrested. They only suspected him in few of the robberies, but there was more of them, which probably police is investigating. In the statement, there also standed a quote: "There are a lot of people to question. We've got the names and Irish Police is sure that they know about this."

So I was nervous.

6th of March 2009

No-one had yet knock on my door. But this was about to happen. Before it, I met a club named Boulogne-sur-Mer in home game. There had been no link between me and the Cork in public, so my reputation had not been harmed. I had Gafour out of my disposal due to a small injury.

French Second League, Week 29
Valenciennes 2:0 Boulogne-sur-Mer (13., 26. Sebastien Heitzmann)

Nice win. We had it in bag from the first minutes. We also got an hold of a 10 point lead in the league now as Toulouse had a suprise away-loss againist 2nd half of the table Creteil. Heitzmann is moving towards the best goalscorer title with an incredible pace!

7th of Match 2009

Two guys, dressed like federal agents, were at my door. I had any chance, but open it. I was sure it's police. As they stepped in, one started to talk.

"Mr. Tursk, we're hear because of the bank robberies done by Brian Lennox. We've got info that you know about it."
- "What bank robbery are you talking about?"
"We've got information from now dead sanitar of Cork's training ground that he heard you and Brian talking about it."
- "I don't know anything about no bank robberies!"
"Good, Mr. Tursk. We're a gift to you by Lennox. We wanted to check will you open your mouth or not. We're also bringing you a information that they don't have no information about you."
- "Thank you! What a relief."
"But you still have to be careful..."

Then the other one pointed a gun on me. My heart started pumping. But, they it was a gesture as they left, saying, "don't tell anybody."

retired_puly1364

9th of March 2009

Lorenzo Davids was selected in ToW again.

13th of March 2009

So I had to travel to Grenoble. It was a though away trip. I couldn't concentrate on team in some trainings and they know something is wrong. But I won't be telling what.

French Second League, Week 30
Grenoble 1:3 Valenciennes (9., 83. Gregory Bettiol, 77. Sebastien Heitzmann)

Great away victory from the lads. We gave them a though time, despite them being one of the best teams in the league. That's what you get when you leave my club, mr. Benoit Cheyrou!

After a game - I sat down into my car and there was a guy there.

"Hello, Mr. Tursk. I'd like to question you about the case of Brian Lennox. Mr. O'Shine, chief officer of Ireland police."
- "Hello, O'Shine. What case are we talking about."
"We've got no info, but we think you may know about the case. We're demanding you to come to Ireland in on Tuesday, when the case starts. We'd like to question you."
- "What is the case!?"
"Mr. Lennox is a suspect of several bank robberies."
- "Oh! Didn't except that from him! It comes as a suprise for me. He was such a nice guy there."
"Apparently, it's just an illusion. So can you be there on 17th?"
- "I've got a team to manage. I'm not sure."
"I can order you to be there."
- "Oh. I'll see what I can do. How long do I have to stay in Ireland?"
"Not much. We're asking you to be there just for one day."
- "Well then. But I can assure that I don't know nothing about it and I haven't followed things that are going up in Ireland for many years now."
"I don't know. All the information is sent to your home."

I quickly called to Mr. Borloo. Asked him to get a free day. Explained htat I have to be a witness to some court thing in Ireland soon.

16th of March 2009

Yannick Fischer, Lorenzo Davids and Ito were in ToW, as I went off to Ireland.

retired_puly1364

17th of March 2009

It went better than I excepted. Fast. I did not even had to go to court. They hooked me up with most important details of the case. Then they asked me couple of questions, which I denied. Saying I don't know nothing about the case. I also said that from what I know this money was honoustly made by the club. I didn't know nothing about Lennox money. Which I obviously did know. They believed me and my only way to get caught was through Lennox, who could've talked me into this. But I gave him my word. Now he should shut his mouth. I'm saved I think. Anyway, I will close to the investigations and the officers promised to call me when the final verdict is made or they need any help with some questions.

18th of March 2009

"Maria, I'm home!"
- "Are you safe, honey?"
"Yes. I didn't even had to see that bastard's face!"
- "It is great honey."
"He's going to jail for a long time."
- "I know. I'm happy that you didn't have to suffer because of him."
"What about clubbing tonight?"
- "I'd rather have some high class restaurant."
"I don't care much. Let's go to restaurant then. I'm just happy that I had my ass saved! I can live without football, but not without you!"

24th of March 2009

Breath of relief was released and I could give 100% to football. The players saw how happy I was. Every piece of smile's I didn't make in those last weeks came out with few days. I hoped that the players could be like same againist Toulon at home.

French Second League, Week 31
Valenciennes 0:0 Toulon

It didn't happen. Anyway, we're still leaders with 8 poitns, so no problem. We need just one win and we're promoted. (Authors note: All top three teams will be promoted. It was misunderstanding from me when I talked about play-offs) We controlled the match. But missed loads of chances.

Here is the league table after 31 games:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Valenciennes | | 31 | 24 | 5 | 2 | 77 | 32 | +45 | 77 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Toulouse | | 31 | 22 | 3 | 6 | 57 | 23 | +34 | 69 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Lille | | 31 | 17 | 8 | 6 | 51 | 27 | +24 | 59 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Le Mans | | 31 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 62 | 44 | +18 | 58 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Grenoble | | 31 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 52 | 37 | +15 | 51 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Laval | | 31 | 14 | 8 | 9 | 49 | 35 | +14 | 50 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Nancy | | 31 | 14 | 8 | 9 | 45 | 35 | +10 | 50 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Nice | | 31 | 14 | 5 | 12 | 54 | 39 | +15 | 47 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Reims | | 31 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 46 | 37 | +9 | 43 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Istres | | 31 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 44 | 44 | 0 | 43 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Ajaccio | | 31 | 10 | 13 | 8 | 41 | 41 | 0 | 43 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Le Havre | | 31 | 12 | 6 | 13 | 50 | 47 | +3 | 42 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Sedan | | 31 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 39 | 41 | -2 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Créteil | | 31 | 12 | 2 | 17 | 43 | 51 | -8 | 38 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Amiens | | 31 | 9 | 9 | 13 | 49 | 50 | -1 | 36 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Toulon | | 31 | 9 | 7 | 15 | 34 | 46 | -12 | 34 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Sète | | 31 | 8 | 7 | 16 | 49 | 55 | -6 | 31 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Libourne St-Seurin | | 31 | 7 | 4 | 20 | 30 | 74 | -44 | 25 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Boulogne-sur-Mer | | 31 | 4 | 4 | 23 | 24 | 74 | -50 | 16 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Romorantin | | 31 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 22 | 86 | -64 | 11 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_puly1364

27th of March 2009

We had a chance to secure our promotion with many games to go. Win againist Sedan would have made sure we will play Ligue 1 football next season. The players had worked hard in training and again I had no serious injuries to deal with.

French Second League, Week 32
Sedan 0:2 Valenciennes (3., 37. Sebastien Heitzmann)

So he was our hero once again. Heitzmann scored his 31st league goal of the season already. Great player. We're through! Valenciennes in Ligue 1. Great away match. One of the best from the lads. They managed to stay calm and it paid off.

There were congratulations calls coming from everywhere. "Sure, we did get into Ligue 1, but now we've got Ligue 2 title to win!" I answered to the questions from reporters. It was another one of those days when I wrote "great day" to my diary. Just like I did with Cork winning 2 league titles, All-Ireland Cup and so on.

retired_jenny1970

very interesting twist with the chairman of cork, please keep going with this story.

retired_puly1364

Thanks hilditch

retired_puly1364

30th of March 2009

Ito and Lorenzo Davids in ToW!

3rd of April 2009

So we took a trip to Ajaccio on that fine spring evening. Most of the players were avaible, except nr. 1 GK Denis Petric, who injuried his finger in training and is out for a week.

French Second League, Week 33
Ajaccio 1:2 Valenciennes (20. Michel Gafour, 41. Gregory Bettiol)

Very good game from the lads. We should've scored loads of more, but win is a win. Nothing to complain about. Nice goals.

6th of April 2009

Ito in ToW!

10th of April 2009

So the days in France were getting warmer every day and we had to meet Reims, who were in the middle of the table, at home. I had my hopes high for the game. I choosed Scribe in the goal, since he did well with his only chance againist Ajaccio.

French Second League, Week 34
Valenciennes 2:2 Reims (2. Thomas Deruda, 5. Vladimir Voskoboinikov)

I had every right to be frustrated at the team. How could you start so good and then **** up with 10 minutes to play!? Our lead has reduced to 6 points and I'm worried about losing the title, despite we've got a promotion. It is our 2nd draw in short time.

13th of April 2009

Our midfielder Adeniyi joined into clubs transfer list with several reserve players has he started to whine about not getting chances to play. My policy is rutheless to the whiners and he will find he's way out of the team in the summer.

14th of April 2009

Hit came. Lorenzo Davids will be out for 2 weeks with a virus.

20th of April 2009

We had our thoughest match in the end of the season - Lille away. I opted Petric back in goal after awful performance from Scribe againist Reims. My hopes weren't high actually, but still win was pretty much a must from it since Toulouse keeps winning tempo.

French Second League, Week 35
Lille 2:2 (7. Erik Lund, 25. Sebastien Heitzmann)

For christ's sake!? What the **** was that. For the second time, we couldn't hold onto 2:0 lead, giving away a ridicilous penalty through a pointless handball from our central defender Raio Piiroja who was awful againist Reims too.

retired_puly1364

24th of April 2009

I promised to put the players play like a team as we met Laval in 36th round of the league. They were not going to be promoted this season despite being the pre-season favourites.

French Second League, Week 36
Valenciennes 2:1 Laval (18. Vladimir Voskoboinikov, 46. Sebastien Heitzmann)

Nice win finally. We had them in our bag and we're unlucky not to score more. Heitzmann and Voskoboinikov are doing great together. Mostly in front of the goal. But Voskoboinikov will lose his first team place in Ligue 1 though.

1st of May 2009

We could secure our league title with a away win againist Creteil on 1st. They were a decent outfit who could cause troubles when they're having a good day, but nothing outstanding. No stars or anything. I was sure of winning it after nice performance againist Laval.

French Second League, Week 37
Creteil 0:2 Valenciennes (14. Sebastien Heitzmann, 69. Michel Gafour)

Despite having Erik Lund being banned, we got it. Valenciennes became Ligue 2 champions! The fans very in ecstacy! Finally back in Ligue 1. I could finally add to my title collection which ended with leaving Cork. Heitzmann is simply amazing, he has set an record to beat in Ligue 2, by scoring 34 goals! He will definately be our man in Ligue 1, where we have to fight really hard.

8th of May 2009

So I decided to gave couple of guys a Valenciennes debut or a rare first team start. 2 players to make a debut were no else than ex-Cork buddies - Daniel Murray and Joe Gamble! Our opponent for the last game of the season was Nice, who were in the middle of the table.

French Second League, Week 38
Valenciennes 2:0 Nice (48. Jiang Sheng, 69. Daniel Murray)

I couldn't believe it. Murray made an outstanding performance in the defence and scored an goal. Great debut for my friend. Defensive midfielder Joe Gamble was good too. I didn't except to win with Second XI, but well done guys. Sheng scored his 3rd goal of the season. So next year, Ligue 1.

Final Table:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Valenciennes | | 38 | 29 | 7 | 2 | 91 | 38 | +53 | 94 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | P | Toulouse | | 38 | 29 | 3 | 6 | 72 | 23 | +49 | 90 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | P | Lille | | 38 | 20 | 10 | 8 | 61 | 35 | +26 | 70 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Nancy | | 38 | 20 | 8 | 10 | 63 | 39 | +24 | 68 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Le Mans | | 38 | 19 | 10 | 9 | 70 | 52 | +18 | 67 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Grenoble | | 38 | 18 | 12 | 8 | 63 | 42 | +21 | 66 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Laval | | 38 | 16 | 11 | 11 | 58 | 45 | +13 | 59 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Istres | | 38 | 15 | 11 | 12 | 63 | 54 | +9 | 56 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Reims | | 38 | 15 | 8 | 15 | 61 | 50 | +11 | 53 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Nice | | 38 | 15 | 7 | 16 | 63 | 52 | +11 | 52 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Le Havre | | 38 | 15 | 7 | 16 | 61 | 57 | +4 | 52 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Créteil | | 38 | 16 | 2 | 20 | 51 | 61 | -10 | 50 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Sedan | | 38 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 49 | 51 | -2 | 48 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Amiens | | 38 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 65 | 66 | -1 | 44 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Ajaccio | | 38 | 10 | 14 | 14 | 47 | 58 | -11 | 44 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Sète | | 38 | 11 | 9 | 18 | 63 | 66 | -3 | 42 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Toulon | | 38 | 10 | 10 | 18 | 40 | 56 | -16 | 40 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | R | Libourne St-Seurin | | 38 | 8 | 7 | 23 | 40 | 87 | -47 | 31 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | R | Boulogne-sur-Mer | | 38 | 4 | 4 | 30 | 26 | 94 | -68 | 16 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | R | Romorantin | | 38 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 25 | 106 | -81 | 14 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_puly1364

11th of May 2009

I was suprised few days before when I recieved an envelope that says that I have to come to the French League Annual Award Ceremony. So that's why we didn't get the title handed to us in match againist Nice. This is very interesting system they have started to use this year.

So I had a front road ticket. I know why I was asked. Valenciennes title + you know what! So they started off with lower league awards, but after 1 hour, they reached to Ligue 2. So with only two awards to give, "Players Player Of The Season" & "Manager Of The Season", this was our "trophy cabinet":

Sebastien Heitzmann - Stars Team Of The Season; Team Of The Season; Top Goalscorer

Michel Gafour - Star Player Of The Season; Stars Team Of The Season; Team Of The Season

Denis Petric - Star Goalkeeper Of The Season; Goalkeeper Of The Season; Stars Team Of The Season; Team Of The Season

Thomas Deruda - Stars Team Of The Season; Team Of The Season

Lorenzo Davids - Stars Team Of The Season; Team Of The Season

Raio Piiroja - Substitute in Stars Team Of The Season; Substitute in Team Of The Season

So it was the last two awards. The envelope was given to former Juventus player Didier Deschamps. He opened, it and said:

"This come as a no suprise. He's team has beatten all the odds put on them. He did incredible job by managing to cruise his team to the promotion over a long time. Yes, this is the Valenciennes boss. The Manager Of The Season is Estonian Tanel Tursk!"

Loud applause came as everyone knew I had many chances to change that team to a well known clubs! So I took the microphone.

"There is much to say. I've said it before. I'd like to thank my wife for supporting my decisions, team players who acted like true professionals under me and ofcourse backroom staff, who made it so easy for me. I had a though few years, but now thanks to Valenciennes, I'm back and running. I hope to remain in the club for 2 more years! Guiding them to new heights in Ligue 1."

So I stepped back to my chair, again with a loud applause as they prepared to hand over the Players Player Of The Season award of Ligue 2. It was Didier again handing the trophy. He had all Ligue 2 stuff to hand over. At the time, the trophy was bringed it, I was admiring my "Golden Tactics Board"! So Didier started:

"He set new records. He was outstanding and showed top-class performances. He already got 1 award and he was also selected to the Team Of The Year's. 34 goals in Ligue 2 is new record! Almost 10 goals more than other scored. With amazing scoring ratio, please welcome Sebastien Heitzmann, who won the Ligue 2 Players Player Of The Year award!"

So Sebastien walked up. I was probably the loudest clapper as Sebastien called me up on the stage. I went there and he asked me to start talking!

"I doubted in him over the times, but in the end Sebastien always managed to prove me wrong. I had built my team around him. He's not much of a talker, but he's hell of a player! If we can keep it up the Ligue 1 then relegation and Valenciennes can't be put into same sentence!"

- "Thank you, everyone in the club and my friends and family! I'm very happy that I had a good season and I would like to continue the same way next season! Thank you again!"

So then was the Ligue 1 players awards ceremony. After that, it was 8 PM, the titles were handed over. So one by one, our team went up there. The captain, 34-year old, Yannick Fischer being the last one. First Bastia president had bring the title there since they holded it before, but now it got handed over to us by Michel Platini. Yannick raised it up and behind the glass wall, there was that awesome firework and inside, paper pieces flied! Great ceremony, I hope to be there again next season!

Winners Of The Leagues

Champions League - 1. Bayern, 2. Arsenal
Uefa Cup - 1. Aston Villa, 2. Porto
Italy - 1. Lazio, 2. Juventus, 3. Parma, 4. Milan
England - 1. Arsenal, 2. Liverpool, 3. Chelsea, 4. Aston Villa
Spain - 1. Barcelona, 2. Athletic Bilbao, 3. Deportivo, 4. Real Madrid
France - 1. Marseille, 2. Lyon, 3. Montpellier, 4. PSG
Holland - 1. Feyenoord, 2. Ajax, 3. Sparta, 4. Utrecht
Denmark - 1. OB, 2. Esbjerg, 3. AaB, 4. Kobenhavn