retired_nicolemdalton

Tuesday 12th September (Walkers Stadium, Leicester City V Leeds United, Championship)

Its a short trip down to Leicester and the lads are quiet. It's not the same without Gary Kelly who's currently out after an injury in training, I start to wonder if his absence has damaged their confidence, I decide to try and inspire them "Todays another 6 pointer for us lads, Leicester have been tipped for promotion and will be looking to this match as a test of their promotion mettle. I want us to show them the meaning of promotion contenders and leave them reeling. Ok?"

The lads perk up and start asking questions, mainly about who I thinks going to win the league this season and other speculative questions. I remain optimistic and tell them that it's between about 3 teams, us included. This seems to sate their desire for knowledge at this juncture and hopefull they begin to concentrate on preparing mentally for the game.

I get to the changing room a few minutes after the lads, I got stopped by a match official informing me that he hopes both sides will be well behaved. I walk in to find the lads scrawling tactics and moves they've been practising on the training pitch. After the situation on the bus I'm feeling more optimistic about the guys chances of doing their stuff today. "Right lads, I'm happy to see you're enthusiastic and full of your own ideas but we'll be sticking with the usual formation, you know the saying, if it ain't broke..." They all laugh and say that they were thinking out loud. Marques deputises for the absent Kelly and Demouge replaces the out of favour Healy. I'm worried about the Irishman, he hasn't looked his usual sharp self recently.

Starting Line Up:
Sullivan, Harding, Kilgallon, Marques, Hooiveld, Lewis, Derry, Blake, Einarsson, Demouge and Cresswell

Kick Off:

We start on the back foot in the first minute when suddenly a long clearance from Einarsson puts Cresswell in the clear, the crowd hold their breath and I will him to hit the ball, but he keeps going and gets closer before firing it straight at the keeper who does well to close him down quickly. This is a signal of intent and I like it. Both sides seem intent to keep it in midfield and nothing much happens, Lewis tries to get past Maybury who blocks him and the ball, Lewis regains control and comes back before firing in a left footed cross that goes diagonally across the box and seemingly misses everyone, wait the players are celebrating, Hooivelds scored a diving header at the far post. I give Sam a high five and give the thumbs up to the players, what a start. We get our second in the 38th minute, Cresswell receives the ball up the pitch in a seemingly hopeless position and feeds it to Demouge who plays it to Lewis, Lewis feeds it forward to Demouge who's in the clear and takes it menacingly towards the keeper before driving it past him for our second, fantastic.

The half time team talk consists of a keep it up and don't get sloppy, they have the quality to get back in it.

Leicester start of brightly and Sullivan keeps us in it with a series of brilliant close range stops, I'm getting slightly worried as they're finding gaps in our defence again and again. I'm worried that is, until Cresswell tries to run onto another long range clearance, Rab Douglas gets to it first and clears it, fortunately to Lewis who fires it forward to Demouge, he turns one man, runs forward past another whos trying to get in front of him, before jinking inside and holding off two more and releasing the ball past the keeper. Simply superb, we should be playing in Europe not the Championship. The games put beyond doubt 5 minutes later in the 58th minute when some clever play between Derry and Demouge results in the ball being driven into the area, the shocking Leicester defence doesn't cope with it and Blake diverts it inside the far post for our 4th, I jump up and race to the touchline and shout my praise, we're 4-0 up away in front of a packed Walkers stadium and I'm delighted. The match peters out after that and Leicester lack the will to fight on, our fans cheer and sing their hearts out as the home fans depart early. It's going to be a brilliant atmosphere on the coach back home. In the end we could have got another 4 were it not for the heroics of their keeper, I turn and applaud the fans who came down with us, I hear the chant "Marshing on together" echo around the emptying ground, some of the fans are clapping and lauging, I just feel like I'm going beetroot red.

Final Score (Leicester City 0-4 Leeds United)

My Man Of The Match: Very difficult, the whole team deserved it but Demouge's outstanding individual efforts just earn him the honour in my book. He was simply brilliant.

Other results have gone against us but we're 7 points clear, the lads and I cheer on the coach home when the league standings are read out on the radio. "Well done Leeds, you've really done the fans proud tonight, get home and get an early night. You've played outstandingly well tonight and I want you fit for the next game."

A 4-0 thumping of Leicester on my 9th game in charge, if only the season would end now.

retired_nicolemdalton

Tuesday 12th September Evening (Sky Sports News Update)

I scan the scrolling news headlines for news of our victory against the Foxes, I find I'm not dissapointed.

Leeds get Dutch courage as Demouge Double Demolishes Dire Leicester scrolls across the screen, oo alliteration, I like it.

I'm just about to turn the TV off after giving up hope of a more in depth description when I hear, "And now we go over to our reporter who's live outside the Walkers Stadium getting the reaction of some of the home fans still outside the stadium."

"We were terrible, couldnt defend to save our lives." Offers one disgruntled fan.

"What a ****** waste of money, I should have stayed at home." Moans another one, "I think relegations more likely than promotion at this point in time."

It's getting late and as much as I'd like to revel in the Leicester fans misery I can't, I've got to be at the training ground early tomorrow and I can't be late, especially if the fans would like some more results like that.

retired_nicolemdalton

Wednesday 13th September (Thorpe Arch Training Facility)

In an attempt to stop our guys looking so dodgy in defence I've decided to dedicate more time to Defending in training in the next few weeks. We can't always count on our strikers to score and if that's the case then I want to keep it nil nil, I'd rather have 1 point than nothing. I meet up with Sam in the car park as soon as I arrive and get the lowdown on the lads after yesterday. He tells me the lads are still on cloud nine after the Leicester game and will hopefully be responsive to what ever I tell them. Only one way to find out.

I go out onto the training pitch and see the lads are doing suicides, glad I don't hae to do them anymore.

"Gather round guys, I've got something we need to work on.....will you hurry up Danny?." I take a final look around to make sure there are no stragglers. "I feel that we've been conceding too much recently, we've let teams get back into a game needlessly and it's time for it to stop. You defenders are more than capable of sticking in a meaningful tackle or marking a player out of the game, so do it." I notice that the lads are looking slightly annoyed, they're nodding their heads in agreement but they're annoyed, perhaps it's the fact that they know I'm right.

"Yeah, well maybe you should change the tactics then boss" It's young Kilgallon, he sees my look of genuine surprise and looks down sheepishly. He obviously had more to say but my look cut him short. Hmm decision time, do I listen to my 21 year old full back and open the flood gates to everyone else offering advice, worse I may even lose their confidence altogether, or do I get him to tell me what he thinks so we can work with it?

"Go ahead Matt, tell us what you think, we're a team, speak your mind"

"Well boss, you've told us to mark em out of the game and make hard tackles but you've always told us to not fully commit to tackles in case we get taken out of position, and the marking, you told us to mark in zones instead of tight man marking. If you want us to break legs and shadow players you could have told us in the changing room, we're only carrying out your orders."

God he's probably right, all I had to do was tell them before the game, not have a go at them the day afterwards when they were just doing as they're told. I tell Matt I'm glad for his input and he apologises for shouting out of turn, the team seem happy with the way things just worked out and I leave Sam to get them off to their training exercises. I have to go meet with someone, I get into the banger and she starts first time, "Good Girl", I say with a determined grin on my face as I get her in gear and wheelspin out of the car park.

retired_nicolemdalton

Wednesday 13th September Afternoon (Museum Gardens, York)

I'd been nervous when Wolves came to Elland Road, I'd been slightly worse when Norwich visited, but nothing quite compares to the nervous sick feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when meeting the girl of your dreams who, incidentally I haven't seen in 6 weeks. She'd been away on holiday with her rich parents, they insisted she come with them as she apparently needed the break, a break from me more like, they've never approved, not since the drinking competition anyway. By they I mean her mother, her father enjoyed the drinking competition thoroughly and gave me his full blessing to marry his daughter when ever I wanted. I think he'd reconsider it now he's of sound mind.

I'm running slightly late, only by 5 minutes or so but still, late is late. She'll have something to say about that I'm sure, oh well I'll just have to tell her the truth. Oh god there she is, she's sat on a bench in front of the museum sunning herself, I casually walk over to the other side of bench and move closer to her, "Excuse me, is this seat taken?" She doesn't even look up, "Yes it is, I'm waiting for my boyfriend who's late as usual." I stand and wait, she'll look up wondering why I'm not sitting down and then she'll smile in loving recognition when she realises it's me, well thats the theory anyway.

"You lazy b*****d, I can't believe you're late, we haven't seen each other in 6 weeks and you're late. I suppose you've got some brilliant excuse have you?" She did look up after all, it wasn't quite the reaction I was looking for, but it was still a reaction none the less. At least she smiled when she was reprimanding me, like an owner whose cute puppy had taken a whiz on a carpet. I can handle cute puppy angry.

We're walking down Coney Street on the way back to the car and I decide to say something."Look honey, I'm really sorry I'm late, It really wasn't my fault. I got kept talking by the lads at the training ground, the meeting ran over by a few minutes and the traffic was terrible." Emma's looking at me like I'm naked and painted orange, you know the look. "Oh ****" I think to myself, she doesn't know whats been happening. She'll think I've finally lost it this time.

"Oh my god Chris, is that the best excuse you could come up with, thats worse than bad, it's just sad, why can't you just admit you were late?"

"But Emma I'm telling you the truth, haven't you noticed that people keep staring at me everywhere we go. It's because I'm the new manager of Leeds United."

"I've noticed people staring all right, probably because you've done something stupid while drunk again, quit with this Leeds thing now anyway, its getting tired, why would a football team, any football team for that matter, employ you as manager?" I'm about to reply when a group of lads running up to us, Emma looks worried and I have to say I'm not too happy either, the air of danger subsides quickly.

"Hey mate, you're like Chris Marsh aren't ya. Oh my god, I knew it was you. That was a mint result last night man, we proper stuffed the Leicester scum, that Frank Demouge is fully mint. Keep it up yeah?" Another lad steps forward and offers his own unique brand of congratulations. Yeah man, I reckon we're fully gonna get promotion this season, then we'll be gettin back to beating the Chelski scum and the Manc b******s will have someone to fear again." I shake the lads hands, probably unwise of me but still, I tell them that I value their support but there's no need to cause trouble, we need our supporters to be well behaved. They laugh and seemingly agree and then leave us to it. I look at Emma with a triumphant grin on my face.

"Oh get a grip Chris, those chavs were quite obviously high on something. I refuse to play along with your sad excuse of a joke."

"How did they know who I was then, huh explain that one eh?"She remains silent and I decide not to pursue my lost cause, I'll make her believe me later. We get to the Castle car park and manage to find my car sitting in the silent cold shadow of Cliffords Tower. We get in and pull out of the car park, bloody traffic again. "Oh yeah this is the car of a football manager I can tell a mile off. It's soo luxurious." She can have a dig all she wants, I'll drag her out infront of the Elland Road faithful and get them to chant her name, then she'll have trouble arguing. Hmm who am I kidding, I smile to myself as we finally get into moving traffic and head up Tadcaster road and out of York.

retired_nicolemdalton

Saturday 17th September (Elland Road, Leeds United V Brighton & Hove Albion, Championship)

It's been a quiet week I've spent it mostly with Emma having a nice quiet time of it, well for the most part anyway. It's the day after my 30th birthday and I'm feeling fine, I've always been blessed with never having had a hangover ever. I just pay for it with my drunken antics usually, but now I'm a manager I've got to be responsible. Emma kept asking if anything was up, the concern soon turned to slight annoyance when I told her I had to be ready for the visit of Brighton tomorrow and that we could go 9 points clear or even 10 if results went our way. She also got annoyed when I said that the fans would be keen to meet her.

We park up in the car park and I take Emma in through reception, Rose is waiting for us like I'd asked a few days previously. I ask her to take good care of her and to make sure her every whim is catered for. Rose gives a knowing smile and leads Emma off, Emma gives a slight look of consternation my way before allowing herself to be led off to the players wives section of the stand.

Meanwhile I step into the changing room, I notice the lads are all smiles and I wonder what's going on. They slap me on the back and ask if I'm ok, hoping I have a hangover.

"Sorry to disappoint you lads, but I feel as fresh as a daisy. Thank you for your concern anyway, but I'd rather you concern yourself with todays match. As you know, we're playing lowly Brighton who have been labelled the leagues whipping boys. I dont care about rumour and speculation, they are a championship team and as such we will treat them with the respect they deserve. I care about winning the match and anything else comes second. I want a comfortable win here lads, no mistakes and no excuses."

I name the same line up and formation that trounced the Foxes last tuesday.

Starting Line Up:
Sullivan, Harding, Kilgallon, Marques, Hooiveld, Lewis, Derry, Blake, Einarsson, Demouge and Cresswell

Kick Off:

We give away a free kick right on the edge of the area in the first minute, it looks destined for the net but Sullivan brilliantly gets down to it and palms it wide, 5 minutes later Cresswell thunders a header at goal, Elland Road erupts and I jump up, but it's gone slightly over. For the next 10 minutes both teams seem content to feel each other out and look for a chink in their respective armour, I'm getting twitchy, we can't afford to draw against lowly teams like Brighton, sod my team talk. My prayers are answered when we suddenly get into gear and start to take the game to Brighton, Cresswell is winning all of his headers and threatening the goal, unfortunately he's yet to hit the target. Derry has a fantastic shot saved by Chaigneau the young keeper on loan from Rennes, 5 minutes later Einarsson puts us in front. Lewis passes a short ball to Gylfi who takes it and dummys a defender before taking it wide of two more before firing an unstoppable shot, the keepers gets his hands to it but he's not strong enough to keep it out. The crowd are ecstatic, the lads run to the touchline and slide on their knees in front of me, they all lift their shirts and its a message. "Happy 30th birthday to Marshy, love the lads." The crowd chant the now familiar "Marshing On Together" and I struggle to hid my blushes. The rest of half draws to a disappointing close and the lads look content to see out the half in comfort. I turn and wave to the crowd and get a good cheer and a clap from them, we're in front and they're enjoying it. I laugh to myself as I the look of complete and utter shock on Emma's face when she saw me standing in front of the dug out and then the reaction I get from the fans and players when we scored, I give her a wink and she blows a kiss back.

"Right lads, that was good, they never got into it, I don't have much to say other than keep it up and don't let your minds wander ok?"

For the next 45 minutes we hammer the Brighton goal, their keepers performing heroics all over his box, keeping out anything we throw at him. The crowd are singing their heads off and sounding their appreciation at our play, they're a good lot, they're even applauding their keeper when he makes a good save, Chaigneau is unstoppable today. In Brightons occasional missions into our half they manage to get a few shots away but all are comfortably dealt with by Sullivan who's looked solid today. I hear the attendance read out on the tannoy 5 minutes in "Todays attendance at Elland Road is 24,229, We'd also like you to give a warm reception to a Miss Emma Mayer who's sitting in the players wives section.." The crowd give a huge roar and wolf whistles erupt from different sections of the stands. I look back to see Emma hiding behind her match programme, the players wives around her are hugging her and laughing to each other. I turn back just in time to see Chaigneau perform yet another quality save. I decide to bring on Rothery, Lettinga and Healy for the last 20 minutes. Their addition provides more spark going forward, but still their keeper won't let another in and keeps it up till the end of the match. Chaigneau is deservedly the recipient of todays man of the match award, he was outstanding.

"Well done lads, we got the win, now lets go find out how everyone else did in the league today." We go off, heads held high and clapping the crowd.

Final Score (Leeds United 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion)

My Man Of The Match: Tough this match, none of the team played exceptionally well even though we did win. I'd go for Eddie Lewis today I think, he never stopped running and tackling and fed some brilliant crosses in, which, on any other day would have been converted by our strikers.

The changing room erupts into cheering and back slapping, we're 9 points clear and we have relegation candidates Sheffield Wednesday next in the league. Confidence is high. Suddenly an explosion of wolf whistles fills the room, Rose and Emma have walked in, I signal to the lads to shut up and show some gentleman like behaviour. I introduce all the players to her one by one, they all seem rather taken by her and tell me so when they both leave the room. "Hey boss, you sly dog, where you been hiding her then.", I laugh and shake my head. "I haven't been hiding her anywhere Matthew, she's been on holiday.", a series of "yeah what ever's" followed by sniggering comes from some of the lads who shall remain nameless. I meet Emma outside with the car waiting for me, she's having a good old chat to Rose. I inform them that it's time to go home, it's been a tiring day.

On the way home Emma turns to me "You were brilliant today, the crowd loved you and the players celebration when they scored was touching, they must really think highly of you.". I hope so, I really hope so I think to myself. I smile and nod, she turns and smiles as she stares out of window. I wonder what she's thinking, maybe she's planning a belated birthday suprise.

retired_jacquocs

This is brilliant mate...keep it up.

retired_oyse2

Really well written, with just the right amount of detail in there and the humour never goes a miss. I'm not a leeds fan, I support, holds head in shame, Southampton. But great story and keep it going. Maybe and the league table at end of each month if poss. But keep going fella, and goo luck with your promotion campaign.

retired_nicolemdalton

Cheers for the feedback guys, much appreciated. Hopefully I'll achieve my aim

retired_nicolemdalton

Sunday 18th September 9:00 Morning (Home and the Conspiracy)

"Stay in bed baby, it's a Sunday, you can't go to work on a Sunday. It's against the law, I'll get you arrested. C'mon stay just another hour"She has the dirtiest smile on her face and I'm pretty sure I can guess what she means, hmm I should have become a manager a long time ago methinks.

"As much as I'd like to stay and indulge in your kinky fantasies babe, I can't. I have a meeting with Ken and he's not the type to be kept waiting honey." I stoop down kiss her on her head and she groans and dissapears under the covers,"I'll make it up to you later honey, I promise." "I wonder what this meetings about" I think to myself as I walk out of the bedroom. I get downstairs and just as I'm about to go out of the back door I notice the wine glasses and bottle of wine have been left lying around from last night, I hate messiness and I feel compelled to tidy the kitchen before I go, Emma probably would have done it but I was there. I'm fussy like that.

It's a quiet drive across to Leeds, not much traffic to speak of which will make my old banger happy, she tends to get excited and overheat in traffic. It's a dreary day though, very overcast, I hope it's not an omen of things to come. Spots of rain start to pepper the windscreen and It's not long before the heavens open and a full downpour occurs. Great, just what I need, a Sunday meeting with Ken and it's p*****n it down, he'll probably be in a lovely mood anyway, I'm sure anyone would prefer Leeds to Monaco. I switch to Radio 5 Live and see if there's any action today. I'm pleasantly surprised, it's the phone in and I happen to catch a Leeds fan. "Hello, is that Roger from Leeds, you're live on Radio 5 Live. What would you like to get off your chest?" I hope it's something positive, I've not heard anything about us on Radio recently. "Hi Mark, yeah I'd just like to say a few things, firstly Ken Bates should be bloody patted on the back for getting in this Chris Marsh, god knows where he found him but he's just what we needed. He's bringing the excitement back into Elland Road. His tactics are positive and we're going out to win the game instead of looking for the odd chance. I honestly thought that we'd be in mid-table by now with Blackwell but this guys fantastic, he's motivated the team and we're looking good for the Championship this year. I have to say I'm not the only fan with this point of view, you only have to look at the Leicester match to see this guy means business. Secondly I'd like to thank the man himself, if he's listening I'd like to say a job well done so far mate, the fans are behind you and we can only guess at the pressure he's under in his first managerial post. Keep it up mate.", the presenter sounds almost as surprised by that as I am "And there you go folks, praise indeed for the new man at Leeds United, long may his reign continue...and now..." bloody hell I can't believe what I've just heard, that's a fantastic response. I didn't know I was such a hit already. It almost makes the Sunday drive in the rain worthwhile.

I pull in to the car park with a huge grin on my face, I prepare myself for the 5 second sprint to the entrance and hope I don't slip or do something equally embarassing, suddenly as I'm imagining the worst case scenario there's a tap on the window, it's Rose. She's come out meet me with an Umbrella, hell what would I do without her? She's been great recently."Ken's ready and waiting with the board, they say for you to come up. As soon as you feel like it that is." She adds with a knowing grin. Bugger I must be late, god knows what they all think of me now.

I run up to the board room and almost trip and fall headfirst into the doors, god get a grip Chris, try and conduct yourself with at least a modicum of decorum for gods sake. Right, pause for a second and breathe, don't make it look like you've just pelted up the stairs and almost killed yourself. I straighten my tie and walk in, I almost have a heart attack as Champagne bottles fire their cork passengers out across the room and the board shout "Happy birthday." at me. I'm stunned, I wonder if this happens to Mourinho and Fergie. On second thoughts I don't care. I smile and walk over to Ken who's sat in his chair grinning and clapping, he's obviously pverjoyed at his duplicity.

"Brilliant, brilliant" he claps, "Your face was a picture, you almost went white. I'm almost sorry but not quite, we all found out it was your birthday on Friday and decided that we couldn't just let it go by, it's a milestone is 30, so we had to do something." He stands up and shakes my hand vigorously, I'm slightly bewildered by it all but pleased all the same, suddenly my phone burbles, it's a text. "Gotcha!!!!! xxx" It's a conspiracy, they were all in on it. Ooo she's in trouble when I get home.

I sip Champagne and talk with the board about the season so far. I ask them how well they think things are going but they all turn the question back on me, I'm the manager so my view counts most. I tell them I'm quietly confident, they crack open another bottle and raise a glass. "To Chris" they say, "To Leeds" I venture, a rousing cheer of "Here here" goes up from the board and Ken gives a wink. He motions me to one side and hands me some keys. "These are your room keys, I've arranged for you and the lovely Emma to stay in De Vere Oulton Hall, it's 5 star, very nice indeed. I've arranged for her to be picked up so don't worry you won't have to drive today or tomorrow. Enjoy!". I shake Kens hand again and thank him for his immense generosity. He slaps me on the back and goes back to savour the Champagne.

Next Stop De Vere Oulton Hall

retired_nicolemdalton

Monday 19th September Evening (De Vere Oulton Hall)

Me and Emma have spent a lovely day and night in De Vere Oulton Hall and agree that it was a lovely gesture by Ken. She says that she'd always heard that Ken was a scary bloke but now has been forced to re-evaluate her opinion on him.

"It's been lovely here Chris, I've never been to a place as luxurious as this in my life, not even with my parents. I hope we get to do it again soon babe, we don't spend enough time alone together." I turn to her and go and sit on the bed next to her. "It has been wonderful hasn't it?, It seems like I've been living in a dream, I mean can things get any better?".

There's a short sharp knock at the door, we both look at each other and wonder who it could be, we didn't order room service. I open the door and peer out. "Hello Mr Marsh, sorry to disturb you. There's someone downstairs at reception to see you, or rather there's some people downstairs to see you. Oh and your table is ready for you.". I thank the concierge and send him on his way. Hmm table?, I wonder who's here to see me and what table, we didn't arrange for a meal. Emma's heard the whole thing and has the same look of puzzlement as I do.

I go to have a look out of the window, see if there's any clues in the car park. "Bloody hell, you've got to be joking.", Emma looks up and comes over to find out what I'm looking at. "What is it honey, has it started raining again?". She's completely on the wrong track, I looked out and saw a car park full of luxury cars. Jeep's, BMW's, Merc's and immediately recognised one of the number plates B4TE5. I point it out to Emma who flops on the bed in exhasperation. "The whole bloody squad's come for dinner babe. The whole bloody squad." We get changed quickly and rush downstairs to go meet them. All the lads are there, Killa and Kells are both looking pretty dapper and the rest of the lads have scrubbed up nicely too. A credit to the team I think and then think to myself snap out of it, its not about football tonight. I go round the lads one by one and thank them for coming and share my surprise and joy at having them here tonight.

Ken comes over "Sorry again Chris, I was thinking last night that I could surprise you further so I decided to get all the lads here to share a birthday meal and drink. It was fairly easy to get them to change their plans, after all I control the contracts..", he says with a grin and a wink, "Don't worry about the money, I'll pay for it. go and enjoy yourselves, you've earnt it lad."