retired_jessicabraden

Nice 1 matey good start, Good luck with your quest in getting to the Premiership.

retired_nicolemdalton

Cheers bud, its going to be a tough one :p. Good luck with the trophy winning and mid table safety.

retired_nicolemdalton

Gary KellyThe one remaining player from our time at the very top comes in. "Hi Gary, good to see you. I've seen enough of you over the years to know that you'll be in the first team. However I'm looking to integrate some of the younger players into the side, so I'll tell you know you'll be pushed to keep your place in the team. You're a model professional and I know you'll play and train your heart out, but as you know our home grown players saved the club in the past and I'll be looking to build for the future."

Gary takes it suprisingly well. "Yeah boss I totally understand, I'll work my arse of for the team and all I want to do is play games so i'll try and give you as little reason for leaving me out as is possible."

Kells goes out to get ready for training and me and Sam consult the clip board, next up a recent addition Rui Marques. I've never really seen him play but I've heard he's a good team player and has been unlucky to loose out on his place at former clubs. At 27 I hear that he's wanting to resurrect his career and I'd like to give him an opportunity to prove himself. "Good morning Rui, I just want to put your mind at ease. I know that you've only just got here and I want to assure you that everyone is starting on an equal footing, if you play and train well then you will get a place in my squad. I can't say fairer than that. How are you settling in the area?"

Rui responds in his recently learnt English. "Ah yes boss, It is going well I feel, I also would like to thank you for giving me this chance. I wont let you down" He gets up shakes my hand and wanders out.

Stephen Crainey the red headed scot comes in. "Welcome Stephen, I'll cut to the chase, you had a bad injury that cut your season short last term. I want you fully fit and ready to go this year, you and Dan will be both pushing each other for a place at left back and I want you both match fit and ready for action, ok?!". Stephen nods his approval and walks out looking pleased at what I said.

Paul Butler was one of the first signings made last year and did well to encourage the lads and make us look more solid in the back four. I tell him that no-one has their place guaranteed and that people will have to work hard for a place in the team. Being the professional that he is, he smiles and nods and lets me no in no uncertain terms that he'll work his socks of for Leeds. What more can I ask for?

Big Sean Gregan sits and welcomes me to the club. He mentions last season and how some fans can be pretty fickle when things don't go right and I let him know that we'd both best not give them something to moan about. We both chuckle. "I know you're a hard worker Sean and I'll tell you now that I've heard we've got some promising youth talent looking to push some of the old hands for their first team places. I want you to be on your toes mate and giving me no reasons to leave you out."

"Consider it done chief, oh and pleased to meet you Chris"

retired_nicolemdalton

My mobile bleeps into life and I wonder who it can be, I wave youngFrazer Richardson in and he comes and takes a seat patiently.

It turns out to be one of the scouts I sent up North. "Hi Chris, Its Jason Griffiths here, I've checked out their team and watched em train...they ain't anything special, pretty average if you ask me. I also noticed that they lack pace going forward, anyway gotta go I'm driving...."

The phone goes dead and I make a quick mental note on their striking ability. Hopefully shouldn't cause us too much trouble."Welcome Frazer, nice to see you at last mate. I'm aware that you can play pretty much anywhere on the right except upfront so, I'll be looking to put you in a midfield role as much as possible as I know you like to make runs and beat players with your pace. That ok son?"

"Yes boss, sounds good to me, I've usually been brought on as a sub for midfield, so I don't mind it. Hopefully I'll get some more first team matches under my belt and prove myself worthy." Richardson smiles and salutes jokingly as he strolls out.

Dan Harding a young left back recently signed from Brighton comes in. I'm quite anxious to see if he's worth the compensation we paid for him. Sam informed me that he couldn't really let me know anything as he's a new lad and we've not seen a lot of him, yet!
"Hi Dan, how are you finding it here mate?" He looks surprised that I'm asking and suddenly a big grin appears on his face.

"I'm loving it here boss, the guys are brilliant and the facilities here are like none I've ever seen before. I want to thank Leeds for bringing me here to further my career and hopefully win things with the guys."

I let Dan know that him and Crainey will be battling it out for a first team place at left back and that fitness and correct attitude are going to be key in getting a first team call up. He politely accepts what I've told him and he thanks me before telling me he won't let the team down. After speaking to him, I believe the money we spent was justified.

I hear someone come thundering down the corridor and the squeaking of trainers, just as I'm wondering who it is I'm greeted by the out of breath face of young free signingDanny Pugh. "Sorry boss, I forgot 'bout the meeting, I was just starting the car when "the general" tapped on my window and said he was next and that it was my turn now. Soz boss."

What a brilliant start I think, punctuality or lack of really bugs me, but I'm new here so I let it go this time. "Don't worry about it Danny, happens to the best of us. Right I know you played well last year and that it was pretty tough, but this season I have to be honest and say that you have a lot of tough competition for your spot from Harding and Eddie. I want you to know that if you play well then you'll stay in the team, someone else plays or trains better then the same for them, ok?" Dan nods in acceptance apologises again for being late and runs out.

The midfield general Shaun Derry enters and shakes mine and Sams hands. I know he's a good, hardworking team player so I'm sure he'll get in the side. He tells us that although the previous manager brought him here he still wants to thank us for giving him a shot at first team football again. "Don't worry about it mate, I saw a bit of you last year and I'm glad to find you here, lets just hope that the good performances continue eh?".

"Yeh totally boss, I'll be looking to take control of midfield again, its where I like it. I know that I ain't guaranteed a place, but I'm gonna make it bloody hard for you to leave me out."

I thank him and he says he can't wait to see how things change under a new manager. I can't wait either, I hope its change for the better. I turn to Sam "How do you think it's going so far?, am I being too harsh or not saying enough or what?". Sam smiles and shakes his head "Don't worry about it boss, they know you're new and you've got to adjust too, I think you have done pretty damn well so far. I've heard past managers weren't exactly approachable. But don't worry about it."

"Sam, can you give me a couple of minutes to myself?, I need to make a phone call or two before the next few lads come in." Sam says its not a problem and goes off to make sure the lads are sweating for the cause.

retired_nicolemdalton

I get on the phone and get through to Danny Fleming our scout who I've just sent to look for promising talent in Holland. "How's it going mate, anything of interest so far?" Danny sounds excited and I have to slow him down, I guess that he's excited to be looking for new foreign talent after having to search for bargains last year. "You betcha boss, I think I've found a few decent prospects that I'm going to study further. I don't want to comment on them too soon boss but if you call back in a few days I'll let you know what I've found."

I get a tingle and a shiver, what if I, Chris Marsh manages to bring a future world class player or even players to Leeds? I'd be a hero, the fans would love me. My day dreams shattered when Sam knocks at the door and coughs "Next set of lads are here Chris, sorry but they're all eager to see you mate."

retired_nicolemdalton

Liam Miller a very recent loan signing and also recently injured, Steve Stone and Rob Hulse all come in one after the other. They all express their concern about their respective injuries and how they hope they'll be given a chance to prove their fitness. I sit them all down and re-assure them that they all have a future at the club and we'll need everyone to pull together and fight for the team. We all share a joke and I send them off to their physios hopefully happier men.

Jermaine Wright our experienced midfielder enters. "Hi Jamma, I know injury cut short your season but I hope that you're back to peak fitness now. I need everyone fit and raring to go and everyone will have their part to play this season." Jamma nods and lets me know that he's as fit as he's ever been, I get up and show him the door then sit back down to contemplate jammas future. Ok i might not have been perfectly honest with the lad, he's on a fairly high wage and I reckon I could get a few more players in that would come and be less than him. If he plays well then I'll reconsider or maybe offer a lower pay contract, if not then I guess it'll be the transfer list. I share my thoughts with Sam who also concurs but suggests that we give him a chance to impress.

"Hi, how's it goin mate" comes from recent loan signee Jonathan Douglas. Ellis has told me all about this player and believes we should try and get him here permanently as he has a great future ahead of him. "I'm pretty good thanks John, glad to see you here. I know you're a talented individual who'll do his utmost for whoever he plays for, so do well for us and we'll see." I smile and give him a wink and he laughs "Yes boss, thanks for the big up, I hope I show my talent on the pitch and bring a few cheers from the fans. Oh and a few goals would be nice too!"

A player who I'm very looking forward to seeing in action is Robbie Blake a recent expensive signing from midlands club Birmingham. He has an impressive record and hope he continues it here. "Look Robbie, we need goals and lots of them mate, do you think you can deliver 18 plus this season?", he leans back and puts his hands behind his head, "Definately boss, I'll make it a priority. I'll try for me but 18 plus sounds easy to me". I like his confidence and hope it rubs off on the other lads. "Ok Robbie, that will be all thanks."

Someone I think is going to be a very important asset this year is American Eddie Lewis one of a clutch of players recently joined from Preston North End. I believe he'll be most useful in setting up our strikers and hope he grabs a few too.
"Morning Eddie, good to see you. I have to say it's good to have you aboard. This season is going to be tough, expectations are high and there's some promising youth who'll be wanting your place. You keep the assists rolling in and you'll keep your place, it as simple as that." Eddie opens his mouth and I expect a really strong American accent, but its actually quite subtle. "Yes Chris I believe I can do that for you, I'm looking forward to playing for such a well supported club and hope I can make you and the fans proud." I let him go as I turn to Sam and give him the thumbs up, that went well I feel.

I'm gettin slightly weary of seeing the players so I cave in and get myself an instant coffee. "You'll not do yourself any favours drinking that crap boss, it's stressful enough without caffeine." I nod but for the moment I don't care, I can quit later. The tall Icelander Gylfi Einarsson strides in and I motion him to the chair. "Good afternoon Gylfi, I've seen you a couple of times and believe you have a lot to offer the club. However you're really going to have to earn a spot in my first team, as I've said to the other lads, no-one is guaranteed" He looks calm and relaxed, he politely tells me that he's going to make me and the fans proud to have him. I thank him for his time and send him off but again like with Jermaine I feel that he's on a very high wage and hope he can give me reasons to keep him.

Sam suddenly remembers that the strikers were working on extra shooting in training and they'll be a few minutes yet. Ah at last a reprieve, I start to think about what other people will be doing, nothing as exciting as this i'll bet. I wonder how my mums getting on at work, she doesnt know yet as I somehow forgot to tell her when I shambled in last night. I hope she takes it well, she's always saying us young lads take football much too seriously. "Its not life and death you know?"

Hmm we'll see.

retired_nicolemdalton

I switch on the tv in the corner.

Sky Sports News Flash

Today Leeds United's new manager Christopher Marsh is believed to have demanded to meet his new squad at their Thorpe Arch Training facility. Further sources predict Marsh will be wanting to stamp his authority on the team from the start and will not hesitate to tell the players exactly what he thinks of them. I blink and wonder how they knew I wanted to meet the players, just as I'm pondering that another surprising report comes up.

Leeds have also just been linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Mikele Leigertwood who is currently listed and attracting bids from several major premiership teams. Leigertwood who recently moved to Palace has found himself out of favour at the club and was put up for sale this pre season. I stare at the screen dumbfounded, how the hell could they know I was considering looking at Leigertwood? I didn't even register an interest or send a scout, plus we dont't have much to spend, not the £975,000 they want anyway. I put it down to the fact that we're still a big club and we're bound to be linked to major transfers in the championship.

Finally the biggest shock so far appears at the bottom of the screen.

- Pompey table a bid for Leeds United youngster Richardson-

Since when, why had I not heard anything? I glance at my mobile and there are no missed calls or messages. Maybe it's just speculation nothing more, this kind of thing happens all the time. Still I'd better find out about this before any of the players hear of it and send an e-mail to Rose to check the faxes,e-mails and phone messages.

retired_nicolemdalton

I pick up my case and hastily scribbled notes and walk out of the office. I'm going to get to the bottom of this, I ponder whether it will be an offer too good to refuse or whether it will be a laughable bid. Leeds don't have to accept a pittance for their players anymore and neither do I, that's all in the past and I'm not about to let my potential stars go for nothing.

"Hi Sam, can you inform the strikers that regrettably I'll have to meet them tomorrow. Apologise to them for me will ya and let them know I look forward to speaking to them. I've got some urgent business to attend to back at the club and need to attend to it fairly quickly."

"Can do boss, it's nothing serious I hope?"

"Well it could do player morale a bit of damage but anyway I'll say no more till I know more information." I give a nervous grin and dash off to the car. The bloody thing won't start, brilliant! we have some transfer activity, my very first in charge and my bloody Astra's protesting. Hopefully it's trying to tell me something, it's not worth rushing back like a mad fool for a bid thats probably contemptible.

Hmm I think I'll look into a new car sometime this week, "you're not on £100 a week now you know Chris" I tell myself.

retired_nicolemdalton

I get back to my office and slump on my chair, god I shouldn't rush around like that, people will think I'm more nuts than I quite clearly am.I glance at my correspondance and find that my old banger was right. It Was a contemptible offer. Rose had left a fax on my recently polished desk, bless her. The fax read

__________________________________________________ ____________________________

Dear Chris,

We have recently been monitoring Frazers progress and we have decided that he is the kind of player we would like to bring to our club. We have tabled what we feel is an acceptable bid for a player of his age and calibre and look forward to your response.

Bid: £250,000 +25% next sale clause.

You have till the 25th of this month to reply.

Signed: Alain Perrin, Portsmouth.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________

I consider what I've just read a moment. He's only just signed a new contract and he's worth £250,000 anyway, I'm not going to accept a crap bid like that even if they are a Premiership team, well for now anyway. I decide to call Alain personally and get Rose to bring me his number, I dial and a distinctly French female voice on the other end answers "Good afternoon, Alain Perrins office, Kate speaking", I figure it must be his PA. "Hi this is Chris Marsh, Leeds United manager..." boy it feels special saying that, "...I'm phoning with regards to the bid Alain placed for one of my players earlier today".

"Ah yes, just a minute Mr Marsh he's just arrived at the office now, I shall put him on."

"Hi Alain, it's Chris Marsh here, just wanted to reply in person to your bid. I thank you for your bid but I'm sorry, I won't be letting Frazer go so early in the season and especially for a fee that, and I'm not being disrespectful, is ludicrously small for a player with his ability and talent. If you want to take you interest in Frazer further in the future I recommend you enquire at the end of the season."

"Ok Mr Marsh, I'm sorry we couldn't come to some arrangement. I feel that the bid reflected the players worth and unfortunately I won't be sweetening our bid as I'm sure you're aware we're not the richest club around."

We politely say our goodbyes and I hang up feeling rather proud of myself. Well my first conversation with a Premiership manager and I had the upper hand, brilliant!, I won't be letting clubs higher up take advantage now we're back on our way up.

retired_nicolemdalton

I sat reading through the e-mails and other correspondance and noted that there must be a lot of viagra retailers about, I hit the delete key and decided to have a quick flick through the local rags. As I turn the page I take a quick glance at my watch. "Bloody hell its 5:00, time to go home."

I got home about 6 ish and immediately decide to get a cold beer and take it to the conservatory and sit and chill for a while. Perhaps a brief toast to my first bid rejection, I give a weary sigh as I feel the smooth cool liquid find its way down, ahh thats the stuff.

Its silent in my empty house, no signs of like except for the fish tank bubbling away. I'm still single but I'm young so I don't really mind, probably wont have time for anyone now anyway. I go and stick the computer on, think I might check the club message boards, see if anyones got anything to say.

I have to say I'm quite surprised at what I read and almost choke on my beer, the fans are apparently split down the middle as to whether my appointment was the right decision for the club and are arguing amongst themselves. It heartening however, to see that many of the fans are sticking up for me and trying to get the rest onside.

I'm replying to an e-mail when the phone rings, wonder who it could be at this time? "Hi Chris?, yer its Gavin Rothery here, I was just wondering whether you've had any loan enquiries for me yet?"

I feel slightly bad for the lad as he's obviously enthusiastic and just wants to play. I lie and tell him that there have been a few calls but none that would help his career or improve him as a player, as a consolation I let him know that he may get a first team chance or two. This cheers the lad up no end and he says goodbye, happy for now at least.