retired_rover2clover

Also, to add to Raptors comments, he's the only guy I know who supports Groningen, so I thought it would only be fair to include him in this story

retired_rover2clover

Well, as I got back from my scouting trip I was still a bit disappointed in the fact that I had still not found a player to add to the squad and the days towards the transfer deadline are getting shorter and shorter.

I mean I know moderaptor supports FC Groningen, but surely there’s more than that which is putting players of coming to this club!

Looks like I’m actually going to try and make use of the scouts that are at the club, they seem like they know what their doing, at least that gives me a chance to concentrate on other aspects of this club.

retired_rover2clover

So the scouts were out in absolute force, I sent them packing for trips all over the world to try and find some talent to add to this club, to find the next super star.

It will also give me a chance to assess their scouting skills because I said before, I want to be cutting down in that department.

I’m going to be loved or hated at this club within the next few months as there will be quite a few departures from the backroom staff, but I’m sure they’ll understand, after all, this is more than just football, it’s a business.

retired_rover2clover

It’s so close now to the start of the season, the coaches are trying their best to get the players ready for the opening game and I’m still trying my best to get new blood in.

I have had some good news too, nope not player related, I got my car back from Stefano’s friend. They left the key’s at reception and that left me in a bit of a dilemma, what do I do with two cars? Well that problem was easily sorted, I took a day off although it was unofficial, Jaap thinks I’m away to Germany to look at some players!

retired_rover2clover

Having enjoyed a trip to the home I was going to go originally, I made a swift return to my office where I come across a dutch newspaper on my desk.

Taking the hint, they want me to try and learn dutch, I turned the paper over for the sport pages and there I see it……….

The odds for the forthcoming season, this is what the pundits predicts, this is what they believe will be the out come, Predictably I see Ajax and PSV at the top of the list with very short odds, I scan further through the article and our name still hasn’t popped up, then the damn thing tells me to turn to page 43!!

Finally there it was, FC Groningen, the odds of winning the league………500-1!

Me: No Way!

I shouted very loudly in my office,

Me: They have got to be kidding me.

But no they were not, they predict a tough relegation battle on the cards for Groningen, especially now they have me, the rookie manager.

Although a little annoyed that we’re favourites for the drop, something in the back of my mind just said that it is a good thing, they will under estimate me and this team but hopefully, we can surprise one or two teams.

retired_rover2clover

Things are really hotting up now, its just one more day before the first game of the season, there’s only just over a week left before the transfer deadline passes.

As I get comfortable in my chair, the phone rings………

Stranger: Is this Steve, Steve Gold?

Me: It sure is

Stranger: Hi Steve, my name is Wijan, Wijan Vloet

Me: Hi Wijan, how can I help you?

Wijan: Well, I would like to wish you all the best for this forthcoming season

Me: Oh thanks, the same goes to you.

Wijan: Oh and there is one more thing……..

Me: Go on

Wijan: I’m interested in one of your players

Me: Really? Well, who is it?

Wijan: It’s Sander

Me: Sander van Gessel?
Wijan: Yes, and I’d like to make you an offer you can’t refuse

Me: I’m all ears

Wijan: How does a deal for 900k sound to you?

Me: Well, it’s a great offer I have to say and I’d be an idiot to reject it, so you have my permission to speak with him.

Wijan: Thank you Steve, I’m sure we’ll speak again soon

Me: Take care

Well, what a superb offer I thought, Sander doesn’t fit into my plans at all and I could be getting rid of him without an argument.

No sooner after I was thinking who I could try and purchase with our new found money, I received an email from Sander’s agent telling me they have agreed terms with Roda JC and the contract has been signed!

They sure do things quick around here, but the game is tomorrow, it was time to meet up with the players and discuss the game.

Raptor

Uh oh... unpopular decision coming up

Sander's the club captain

Raptor

Or "was", by the sound of it

retired_rover2clover

whoops

Well, I guess, he was captain, new manager, new ideas

retired_rover2clover

The time has come, the first game of the season is here! Pre-season was great but its over, the results that happen from now on count, they going to have be good ones from this first game otherwise, the fans will absolutely hate me, especially as just sold the club captain to Roda!

I spoke with the players in the dressing room, they were absolutely raring to go to, te tactics talk was over and it was time to see if they can put my theory into practice. The players made their way out the dressing room raring to go, they got onto the pitch, then I emerged from the tunnel, fans where screaming but I couldn’t hear a word of what they were shouting, I turned to my right and shook the hand of Henk Wisman whilst wishing him the best of luck for the game.

The Season Kicks Off……….