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Staring out into the fog and mist swirling in the light winds, Faramir knew he should get over to watch the reserves play, but couldn't seem to rouse himself from taking in the view and daydreaming. The office seemed unnaturally quiet, none of the normal small background noises as he let himself drift in his thoughts.
As at many other times, he thought back to his comrades in arms and the fighting they went through. The fond memories and as always- the not so fond ones that accompanied them. He was again reliving the flash of the grenade that ripped apart his leg- when suddenly a towering barbarian with an axe seemed set to beset him. He cried out in alarm and then slipped into a moment of blackness. Slowly, he became aware of the rain softly pattering on the window again. He felt like he had been someplace *else* and had returned.
Shaking his head to clear the momentary cobwebs, he suddenly felt weary and drained. After several more minutes of gathering his strength, he forced himself out of his chair and into his coat- before heading over to watch Barry Gond manage the Reserve side.
05-16-2004, 04:52 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #32
13.10.01
Dundee (0) Dundee United (2)
Dundee- None
Dundee United- M.Nicholls 56 M.Keith 88
MOM- Tassos Venetis, Dundee United
"That was a very pleasing derby showing," grinned Faramir. "More impressive than anything else- we limited a good offensive club to only 2 shots for the match. Our defensive work has really come together nicely."
Gond was also all smiles, "If it hadn't been for Jamie Langfield- the score would have been much worse. We had plenty of excellent scoring chances. The interior passing was extremely sharp today- that ball that Mark (Nicholls) scored on was laid out just like on the practice pitch."
***
16.10.01
Dunfermline (4) Dundee United (3)
Dunfermline- D.Nicholls 8 J. de Gier 21 S.Crawford 40-P,85
Dundee United- A.Boyce 14,45 C.Easton 62
MOM- Craig Easton, Dundee United
Faramir shook his head, "*That's* why Paul Gallacher is our number 1 keeper. If Alan (Combe) plays even halfway acceptably- we win that match."
Gond looked up from the stat sheet, "Well, here is another indicator. We have yielded 17 goals in our 11 matches this season. Alan has given up 11 of those in 4 starts and Paul (Gallacher) has given up the other 6 in his 7 starts. Pretty clear to me which has been playing better."
Nodding, Faramir jotted a couple notes on his notepad, "I know Alan is a better keeper than that, but we can't afford to give away matches- we don't have the luxury that Rangers, Celtic have. It's too bad- we wasted good performances by Anthony Boyce and Craig Easton in this one."
Dunfermline Dumps Dundee United by Sammy Gohl
Dunfermline landed a big blow to Dundee United's improving fortunes as they handily defeated them 4-3 at East End Park. With a packed house cheering them on, the home side earned their victory as they scored a late marker to offset a series of lucky circumstances that had allowed Dundee United to even the match. Stephen Crawford had an easy time fooling Alan Combe with a hard shot that was the match winner.
05-17-2004, 04:12 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #33
"Great way to bounce back- with another stellar match by Tassos (Venetis)," cheerily commented Gond.
"When he is on- like he was today and the match we beat 'Gers- he can just dominate the midfield. I was also really impressed with the match Mark Kerr had. He really passed the ball well. Mark (Nicholls) deserved a goal from the match, but bad bounces today."
Gond narrowed his eyes as a stray beam of sunlight entered through the window, "Paul (Gallacher) really steadied us down when they were pressing in the opening moments- another good match for him."
Faramir also winced at the bright light, "Yes, it was- the whole backline seems more settled when he is back there. He is more of a 'talker' than Alan is."
***
Dundee United (2) Aberdeen (2)
Dundee United- M.Keith 24 M.Nicholls 30
Aberdeen- Darren Young 17 Derek Young 37
MOM- Marino Keith, Dundee United
"I absolutely hate it when the referee is as much of a factor as he was in the match today," flatly stated Faramir. "First, he waves off our first goal on a Keith offside- when it was scored on a 'rebound'. Then he papers our backline with yellow cards. Finally, he sends off Taribo (West) for a tackle that was borderline- and not vicious in any way shape, or form."
"I hope venting helps- because nothing else is going to change things," commented Gond.
Faramir grumbled, "No, it doesn't help- but I just need it out of my system for a moment." After taking a couple breaths he continued, "Well, we had another strong offensive match, but we didn't help Paul Gallacher enough- if he plays any less than he did and we wouldn't have even managed a draw."
Gond agreed, "We didn't put the clamps on them in our end. It was a 'shoot-out' style match- last one to score wins."
"You know, it seemed like that- but neither of us scored in the second half. It was just an up-and-down the pitch match- a lot of pace and a lot of flow."
05-18-2004, 03:34 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #34
"Paul's (Gallacher) inexperience hurt us in this one. My fault for not getting him out at halftime," muttered Faramir.
Gond shrugged, "Larsson's having his finest season- ever. He already has 16 goals and he is in a zone- when he is going that well, you can't give him any chances. With Taribo (West) gone for suspension- Stephen Wright could not stay with him- so it wasn't all Paul's fault."
"True, but this was a match where Alan's experience would have had him keeping more of an eye on him. Still, I was pleased they didn't intimidate us this time."
"You want intimidation, wait til tomorrow's Times," grinned Gond.
"Ouch. Too true on that score Barry."
Celtic Crushes Dundee United by Sammy Gohl
Celtic used a brilliant performance by Henrik Larsson to walk all over Dundee United in front of the clearly disappointed fans at Tannadice Park. Dundee United had taken a clearly undeserved 2-1 lead in the first half, when Larsson showed up the home side with a pair of goals in first half injury time including his 100th League goal for Celitc. It was more of the same in the second half as the stellar Larsson walked around, between and through the Dundee United defense before ravaging rookie keeper Paul Gallacher. The win vaults Celtic back into 1st place and keeps Dundee United barely hanging on to their 4th place position.
***
"Oh, you're going to enjoy this one," grinned Gond as he flipped the Times on to Faramir's desk.
Faramir just shook his head and winced as he read.
Faramir Foolishness? by Sammy Gohl
It has been reported, and confirmed personally to me by unnamed sources at Rangers, that Dundee United's manager Faramir turned down a substantially generous transfer bid on Jamie Buchan. The Rangers apparently bid in excess of 5 Million for the versatile rightback at Dundee United, only to find themselves immediately spurned by Faramir. Faramir, who appears to be burning bridges in his relationships with many clubs around the SPL with his capricious decisions, turned down the excessively generous offer despite the Board's general approval of the transfer. There will likely be a general outrage of the Dundee United fans due to the dropping fortunes of the club and Faramir's failure to take action to restore the club's financial integrity.
Faramir sighed, "What a bunch of tripe."
Gond laughed, "Thought so. What actually happened?"
"Well, the one true thing in there is that the Rangers gave us a bid- 3.8 Million- the amount Jamie was currently rated at. I listened to the bid, but told them I had no plans in selling Jamie at this point unless they planned on meeting the 4.6 Million minimum release fee. They told me no on that score- this was their best offer. I told them no thanks. Jamie and I talked about it- and he was fine with it. The Board knew about it- but told me the choice was mine, since we are still significantly in the black- despite what Gohl hints..."
"He did warn us he was out to make our lives a misery," shrugged Gond.
"Doing a damm good job, isn't he," chuckled Faramir.
05-19-2004, 03:40 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #35
The night air was cool with strong gusts blowing off the North Sea. As he walked along the edge of the woods, Faramir could still feel the chill air despite his bundled appearance and noticed the small snowflakes swirling.
Normally, he wouldn't bother walking in such weather, but the stress of the day and Gohl's column had left him wanting to get out- away from the lights and the city. A particularly cold gust of wind caused him to notice there was an opening in a nearby copse of trees and involuntarily he steered for it to gain a respite from the wind's cold embrace.
As he reached it, he was surprised to see the glow from a small fire burning steadily despite the testing wind. While seemingly entranced as he made his way to the fire, he heard a grizzled voice say, "Steady now boy, I have no wish to restart the fire."
Glancing around, he realized that he hadn't even noticed the older man sitting in the shadows of the dancing fire. "Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I will leave."
The man chuckled, "Nay boy, you can stay. I just didn't want to waste my energy redoing that nice little blaze."
Gratefully, Faramir settled himself on to another log that was across the fire from the man. He flicked his eyes over the man as he rubbed his hands together to regain some feeling. The man likewise regarded him as he blew a smoke ring into the air.
"This is no night for one like yourself to be out and about?" questioned the man in a voice that seemed much louder than it should given the wind.
Faramir shrugged, "It was a bit too hectic at work and home- I needed some quiet moments."
The man nodded curtly, "Ever the way anymore. Too much hustle and bustle to realize that life isn't what you expect."
Looking questioningly at the man, Faramir asked, "What do you mean by that?"
The older man tilted his head toward the pathway that Faramir had walked on, "Boy, you are struggling. You know little of what life has in store for you- and if you knew more, you would likely hesitate to face it. Still, you have an ally worthy of respect."
Thinking the man knew of his trials in assuming the Dundee United position, Faramir replied, "Barry is a good assistant and a good friend."
The old man quietly laughed, "Nay boy. You have not the realization to fathom the help you are receiving, but I trust it will see you through. He waved his pipe at the swirling snowflakes, "See, I sense it comes now. You take care boy- I am watching as well- but little can I do, after all- you are the nexus."
As Faramir stared into the sky, a bright star appeared within the snow and he felt a flood of reassuring thought and then a sense of wonder. The flood of thought suddenly trickled to a small flow and all the focus seemed to be on a waterfall, some place of wonder that offered sanctuary. He shook his head, but when the thought cleared he realized the man was nowhere to be seen and the fire was nothing but ashes. Shaking himself to release some of the ache from sitting, he considered what he had thought happened as he made his way back home.
05-20-2004, 04:17 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #36
Her visage appeared next to him, "What might that be Lord?"
He sighed, realizing his words were going to sound unbelievable, "I believe I travelled through the 'wall'."
She dropped her eyes, "I was afraid you might say that Lord."
"Why?"
"I told you last time Lord that this might have been a mistake to bring you here. Now, I am certain of it. I don't know why, but there seems to be something drawing your presence to that unknown land that we have viewed. I am sorry, I have barely enough strength to maintain you here- I can not seal off that other world from you."
He thought for many moments before replying, "Lady. Someone else, someone in that world, knows that my presence is there."
She looked at him, her face drawn in dismay, "How do you know this Lord?"
He sighed, "I hesitated to tell you before Lady, but there have been moments when I have felt like my mind travelled to this strange place. I seem to be treading the pathways in another's mind there. Their thoughts are mine when I am there- and seemingly I can meld my thoughts within theirs. It caused me unease at first, but I realized this mind is accepting, indeed it seems to need something from me. What, I can not say- but that is what I sense. Moments ago- at least as a moment is in this place- I seemed to be there. There was another person speaking to whomever I am able to reach. His words had the vague ring of familiarity and reassurance. I know not the meaning of any of this, though, and feel like a child lost in a confusing wood."
She stared intently at him as he finished his description, "I know not what this means Lord, but I also feel some reassuring presence at the edge of my senses. I hope it is not the Deceiver, but this strikes me as unlike his devious methods."
05-21-2004, 03:11 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #37
"I really, really hope people placed their money where Mr. Gohl wanted them too," grinned Faramir. "All week he has been harping on how Kiegan Parker would destroy us again- but we didn't have Taribo (West) to play him man up last time."
"Both Taribo and Danny (Griffin) did a great job today. They couldn't get anything going at all in the area. We seem to be hitting our stride again offensively," stated Gond.
"Our test is coming- we have Rangers for the next two matches. First the League, then the League Cup Quarter-final."
Gond smiled grimly, "Well, at least both of them are at Tannadice Park."
***
24.11.01
Dundee United (1) Rangers (0)
Dundee United- C.Miller 9
Rangers- None
MOM- Charlie Miller, Dundee United
"I think we just had several jump on our bandwagon," chuckled Gond while reading the press coverage of the upset win.
"As long as Sammy G. wound up eating crow again, I could care less how many wind up there," stated Faramir. "I am damm proud of the effort the boys gave us- outshooting them 8-3 on the match and keeping Tore Andre Flo and Shota Arveladze under wraps for the second time this season was a great effort. Now we just have to turn it around and do it again in the League Cup Quarter-final."
"Likely it will be a lot more difficult in that match," conceded Gond.
***
Dundee United Buys Barsom
Dundee United today announced that they had completed the transfer purchase of 24 yr old Swedish FRLC Abgar Barsom from Djurgarden. The transfer cost Dundee United a reported 70K with some additional fees based on appearances. Barsom was pleased to be able to make the advancement in competitive levels and very happy with the substantial salary he will receive.
05-22-2004, 04:37 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #38
28.11.01
Dundee United (4) Rangers (3) League Cup Quarter-final
Dundee United- Butra 52 D.Griffin 61 M.Nicholls 65 B.McKinlay 67
Rangers- C.Cannigia 11,58 L.Amoruso 82
MOM- Claudio Cannigia, Rangers
"It sure didn't look like the third time would be the charm. 'Gers had 4 shots on Combe- three of them went in...and we still beat them. Amazing!" cheerily stated Gond looking up from the stat sheet.
"Well, it is very hard to believe that we scored our flurry of goals. 3 goals in 6 minutes was amazing- especially given how well (Jesper) Christiansen had played early in the match. How much did we end up outshooting them by?" asked Faramir.
"14-4," stated Gond proudly.
"And- all of that accomplished *without* Tassos (Venetis). We might have really crushed them if he had played, but I didn't want to risk aggravating his minor injury."
"Barsom did pretty well filling in for him. I do think Anthony Boyce is a little unhappy he didn't get the call..."
"Anthony will be good, but for right now he is purely an offensive player- Barsom is well rounded and his defensive abilities helped us close down Ronald De Boer for the match- that was important."
***
Turmoil at Tannadice? by Sammy Gohl
Dundee United sold Jim Hamilton to Blackpool for the pittance sum of 950K. Hamilton, who was selected to the National side for their last friendly- despite inexplicably being placed on the Dundee United reserves by their inconsistent manager Faramir, was happy to give this reporter an exclusive interview where he laid out the bizarre training practices used by Faramir. Hamilton stated, "Faramir shouldn't be managing a Division 3 club- let alone a solid side like Dundee United. He plays favorites and is pleased to bring in cheap foreign players to take jobs that should be given to established players."
Hamilton is apparently not the only player unhappy, as Faramir had to quell a player's revolt triggered by his failure to allow Jamie Buchan to move to Celtic for a rich sum or David Hannah to move to the Rangers for an even larger sum. As usual, the only comment Faramir would give this reporter was a terse, "No Comment."
Faramir quietly chuckled and shoved the paper over to Jamie Buchan. "There you go Jamie- you are discontented and want out."
Buchan glanced quickly at the paper and laughed, "Does he even realize I just signed a contract extension to stay here?"
Faramir shrugged and smiled.
05-24-2004, 11:39 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #39
"What a match! We were fortunate to come out with a win- but that was a great win," enthusiastically commented Gond.
Faramir nodded, "We did a good job in the match. Paul (Gallacher) really came up with some big stops. Marino was excellent- he would have been as good a choice as Tassos (Venetis) for MOM honours. We gained some ground on them as well in the standings with the win, but they still hold 2nd place on us."
***
5.12.01
Livingston (1) Dundee United (2)
Livingston- D.Fernandez 89
Dundee United- S.Carson 76,90
MOM- Stephen Carson, Dundee United
"Talk about excellent work- coming on as a sub!" gushed Gond. "Stephen (Carson) was a force once he came on for Youssef- he really got our offense going."
"He proved something to me today. We hadn't used him in quite a few matches- but he was ready when we called on him today. He will get more chances because of today," stated Faramir.
"I thought we did a good job in the midfield overall, but it sure looked like a disappointing draw when Fernandez scored."
"So did I Barry. The boys didn't quit though- they wanted the win."
05-25-2004, 11:33 AM
Troubled Visions- Faramir's Dream (Lord of the Rings Challenge) Post #40
8.12.01
Hibs (2) Dundee United (1)
Hibs- F.Petre 23 D.Zitelli 45
Dundee United- M.Kerr 13
MOM- Nick Colgan, Hibs
"Sometimes the goalkeeper wins. That was the case today," sighed Faramir. "We were so close- balls skittering off the outside of the post, balls skimming the crossbar- I really thought we were going to at least earn a draw today."
"Those two no-calls by the referee didn't help much. Either could have been called penalties- but he waved both off. We outshot them 16-9 for the match, and I would judge that we had better chances- which is why Colgan deserved his Man of the Match honours."
"You can't worry about the referees calls- we just have to execute," stated Faramir.
Gond looked at him funny, "You? The same person who was ready to send a referee to the gallows earlier in the season?"
They both had a good laugh at the comment.
Hibs Hunt Down Dundee United by Sammy Gohl
Hibs came from behind to defeat Dundee United as they scored twice late in the first half to provide the impetus to their 2-1 win. The fans at Easter Road saw a superb display by the home side as they systematically took apart the visiting Dundee United club. With the lead in the second half they showed excellent ball control and likely should have had several more goals. The only pitiful chances that Dundee United managed were crying to the referee after their players battered Hibs defenders inside the area and then tried to take the dive to earn a penalty kick. It was a most inauspicious display of poor sportsmanship by the visitors.
***
Faramir Defies Board by Sammy Gohl
Dundee United rookie manager Faramir continues to defy the club's board by refusing the substantial offers from both Celtic and Rangers for various players on his squad. According to sources at both clubs, they have made generous offers for a variety of players only to be spurned outright by the unproven manager. With no hope of winning the SPL, the Board considers it an affront to their authority that Faramir is unwilling to dispatch the players to clubs obviously better when they are offering substantial amounts.
Faramir quietly laughed as he read the article, "Too funny Barry."
Gond looked up from his writing, "Gohl again?"
"Yes. I am defying our board by refusing to sell to Celtic or Rangers."
"What? Even an idiot fan knows they are the two other most likely contenders for the SPL title. Why would we sell to them?"
"Because 'We have no hope of winning the SPL.." and we should get our money while we can."
Gond looked quizically, "Didn't he report on your discussions where you stated you thought we could contend to the wire?"
Faramir shook his head no, laughed again and tossed the paper in the garbage.
Linear Mode
