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Will Drabek looked up as Dave Colley entered his office. Drabek noticed the normally never rattled Colley was looking a bit frayed. "Hi Dave. What can I do for you?"
Colley visibly figited after taking a seat opposite Drabek, "Will, I know I have thanked you a thousand times over for asking me to be part of your staff- for hiring me as a coach and not a scout."
Drabek waved the compliment away, "Dave, you and Spencer have been invaluable to me in evaluating personnel. It was a good decision."
Seeing the now serious expression in Colley's face made Drabek stop.
"Will, I wanted to thank you again and ask a bit of forgiveness. I have been offered a position as a Manager," continued Colley.
"That's wonderful Dave! I think you would make a fine manager," stated Drabek with sincerity.
Colley looked closely at him, "You're not upset?"
Drabek smiled, "Orient is now to the point where other clubs are going to come calling for my staff. I knew it- it doesn't bother me to see you- or any of the others, excepting maybe Spencer, strike out for some personal success. Now which club offered you the job?"
Colley muttered, a bit embarrassed, "AFC Wimbledon."
Drabek frowned, "Dave, I'm not going to be the one to advise you on accepting positions- but you do know what you are getting into, don't you?"
Stirring in his chair Colley stated, "Yes. I do know that this would be a difficult position."
"Difficult?" Drabek snorted. "Look Dave, you know I could reccommend you for other positions. Why take one with little hope? AFC hasn't won since early December and have lost, what is it, 8 or 9 in a row now? I am not saying you aren't the Manager that can turn them around, but it will be very tough."
"Will, remember in the summer of '08- when I told you they asked me to help out on the new version of Football Manager 7? I made a lot of friends at SI when working with them. They want me to give it my best shot at saving AFC from their 2nd straight relegation from the Conference. They had made it up in 2005-6, but went back down after finishing dead last that time- they only earned 21 points in their 42 matches. When they fired Terry Eames last week, I was contacted by both AFC directly and the friends I made at SI about taking over and trying to save the club from another relegation."
Drabek nodded, "It would be listed as an noble undertaking Dave, but still- just a quick look at the table (he gestured at his laptop screen) shows AFC has only 19 points after 28 matches. They trail the 19th place club by 11 points..."
"Will, I know you don't think this is a good choice. Still I would like to accept the position- with your blessing," said Colley questioningly.
Drabek stood up and went over to Colley. He offered in handshake his tanned hand, "You have it Dave. Best of luck in this. I can't play favorites to help you out- but you do have my best wishes."
AFC Wimbledon Tabs Colley
Last placed and apparently relegation bound again, Conference side AFC Wimbledon has tabbed Dave Colley to take over and try and salvage the club's season. Colley, who has been a part of Leyton Orient Manager Will Drabek's staff since the beginning of the Orient resurgence, is a respected evaluator of personnel, but an unknown when it comes to actual club management.
***
Author's Note- This actually occurs down the road from where the story "The Bet" is at present. I couldn't resist the opportunity to try this- though if I fail to keep them up, it might be a pretty short story This will be running as a separate story from "The Bet" and I won't be intertwining them or likely even referring from one to the other after this point. It just made a good starting point for the story.
From Dave Colley's Journal-
2009-10 AFC Wimbledon Squad (when took over in February)
Gk- James Bittner (28)- Appears solid enough to be the number 1 keeper, looks ok for Conference level- likely have to lean on him to start all the matches to the end
Gk- Paul Newton (29)- Plays position well and provides leadership, but nondescript otherwise and I don't plan on using him as other than emergency backup
D/ML- Joe Keith (31)- Looks versatile, but not really good enough at either winger or leftback to use regularly
DL- David Hewson (26)- Good at marking, but doesn't handle the ball well and likely won't fit in well with the system I want to use
DRC- Paul Liddle (21)- One of the better defenders- aware of his position- lacks strength and might fit better at rightback
DR- Craig Sives (23)- An absolute burner at Conference level, fastest player outside of Hogg- that speed alone makes him a good fit at rightback in my system- competent defender, nothing special
DC- Paul O'Donoghue (26)- Looks like our best defender in the middle- fast and tackles everything in sight, but not always aware of getting out of position in haste to make tackles
SWDRC- Dave Hunt (31)- Already signed Bosman for Moor Green- sour attitude- he is ready to be out of here and I don't plan on using him much
D/DMC- Ian Jennings (20)- Promising young player, might fit better in midfield holder role, but might have to use him on the backline
AML- Michael Houghton (27)- Strictly an offensive player, but might flourish in our new system
FRC- Alex Hay (28)- Steady overall player, not the best choice for rightwing, but might have to be the one there
AMRC- James Dawson (16)- Youth player who looks like might be good fit at rightwing, but awfully young and still needs developing
AMLC- Frazer Toms (30)- No idea why they had him on reserves- the most dynamic midfielder we have offensively- not sure whether he will be on leftwing or if somewhere in middle
MRC- Nick Hunt (18)- They used him a lot, but he has no concept of team play and though solid physical attributes I don't see much place for him here
AMC- Gareth Graham (31)- Likely our best midfielder- have to hope he plays well in a new system he isn't totally suited for
MRL- John Burton (20)- I like him- he is very agile and has great balance, but his skills not fully developed- giving his lanky frame and great work ethic, he might actually have to play inside for us
SC- Gary Hardy (18)- Team captain at 18? Works hard and appears the only forward who knows how to put the ball in the net- has to be a starter
AM/FL- Anthony Hogg (20)- They weren't even using him??? An absolute speed demon and though he has little experience up front I plan to team him with Hardy because of his pace- exciting little player
SC- Wayne Vaughan (30)- Bitter player- thought he might be able to help us, but his sour attitude and lack of work ethic probably will keep me from using him much unless he improves
FC- Ashley Marshall (21)- Was the other forward, but likely only a bench player for me- doesn't have any skills that stand out, especially touch around the net
SC- Carl Holden (19)- Good pace and acceleration, but Hardy is better around the net- could be good sub to bring on with his speed
SC- Aren Wilford (28)- Solid player, but lacks pace and scoring ability to help us much in the system I want to use
Main needs are a few more veterans- especially defenders. We are weak in central defense and also need some midfielders whose skills match up better with the system I want to put in. We also need fowards, but likely will try to get by with Hardy and Hogg for now.
6.2.10
AFC Wimbledon (2) Margate (1)
AFC- G.Hardy 9 F.Toms 79
Margate- R.Payne 87
MOM- Frazer Toms, AFC Wimbledon
AFC showed they had life as they won for Colley in his debut, beating 7th place Margate 2-1. Frazer Toms, brought back from his purgatory on the reserve team, keyed the AFC offense. Gary Hardy gave AFC the early lead when he wheeled around and blasted a shot past Karl Barr. He scored with a sizzling low shot past Barr into the corner of the net. Toms then took advantage of a lull where everyone was slow reacting when Hardy hit the crossbar by slamming the ball into the net. AFC was too comfortable with the lead and the backline blew their coverage to allow Rob Payne to waltz in and fire a shot inside the near right post past James Bittner to bring hope to Margate. AFC clung to their defense and managed to stave off the rally to win their first match after losing 9 straight.
DC- A win! We needed it so badly, but we held on barely to win the match. It certainly wasn't a great match, but just to break the losing streak was a big boost to the confidence.
***
AFC Adds Help
AFC Wimbledon, in danger of again being relegated from Conference play, has signed veteran defenders Richard Hope and Matt Lockwood on free transfers. Both are expected to move into the lineup as Manager Colley is apparently trying to sprinkle some solid veteran presence in his very young side. Also arriving was 22 Irish AMLC Gary O'Neill. O'Neill was released by Derry despite a promising start with them.
DC- Maybe not the best choices, but I had to grab whatever I could off the free pile to start. I don't even have any scouts yet (though 3 should be set with contracts soon). Couldn't wait on scouting, we needed bodies here now.
10.2.10
Scarborough (2) AFC Wimbledon (1)
Scarborough- P.Mason 13 M.Knight 83
AFC Wimbledon- A.Hogg 78
MOM- Mark Knight, Scarborough
AFC Wimbledon fell to a disappointing 2-1 loss after evening the match up late, only to have the backline again fail to cover well and allow the match winner. Paul Mason put Scarborough up early when he was left unmarked and had an easy time sliding a shot under James Bittner. AFC had numerous chances in the match, including Frazer Toms apparent equalizer that was ruled off when Gary Hardy was offside. Hardy, who had a terrible match, also missed a penalty kick early in the second half, which could well have been the deciding moment. Anthony Hogg boosted the AFC side with his late equalizer when Matt Lockwood made a wonderful long pass to find him in space on the left before he rifled his shot past Gareth Downey. Scarborough came right back to win the match as Paul O'Donoghue again made a poor decision on when to challenge and left Knight alone for Keith Gilroy to slide a pass into. Manager Colley was livid with his club as their defensive letdown cost them dearly.
DC- Argh! We could have done much better in the match, but just wasted too many opportunities. Our backline play was very spotty- good one moment, terrible the next.
13.2.10
Barnet (2) AFC Wimbledon (1)
Barnet- M.Eaton 67 D.Cook 81
AFC- G.O'Neill 87
MOM- Chris Plummer, Barnet
AFC Wimbledon suffered another difficult loss as they continued to struggle with problems on their backline. Following a scoreless first half where the home side had much the better of the play, it was Barnet finally moving ahead. Mark Eaton smashed a rising shot past James Bittner after Paul Liddle let him free behind him. Barnet appeared to have the match clinched when Dave Cook scored his 10th goal of the season when James Bittner was caught flatfooted on a ball he should have had. AFC didn't quit though and Gary O'Neill scored his 1st goal at AFC when he fired a shot past Matt Forbes inside the right post after a nice pass from Gareth Graham. Chris Plummer was the deserving MOM as he broke up several AFC scoring chances, but none bigger than his saving tackle on Anthony Hogg in the closing moments.
DC- Not good, not good at all. We were more fortunate to even be in this match. Couldn't move the ball and couldn't shake loose- especially from Plummer. Deserved this result, but it doesn't help us at all.
20.2.10
AFC Wimbledon (3) Halesowen Town (2)
AFC- F.Toms 5,55 A.Hogg 35
Halesowen- S.Dawson 87 M.Gordon 90
MOM- Frazer Toms, AFC Wimbledon
It was a match that appeared well in hand for AFC Wimbledon, but their backline woes came back and allowed Halesowen to mount a rally that nearly saw them even at the end. AFC scored quickly when a chip pass to Frazer Toms from Gareth Graham was enough to see him away down the center. His pace allowed him to split the defenders and he rocketed a shot past Phil Senior. Anthony Hogg's blinding pace gave AFC their 2nd goal as he outraced two defenders to a rebound from Senior after he parried away Gary Hardy's shot. Toms scored his 2nd goal of the match when he took a flick on from Hardy and slid the ball underneath the diving Senior. Halesowen's late rally started when Matt Collins chipped a pass by a clearly out of position Richard Hope and Stephen Dawson drilled a shot into the right side of the net. It was a one goal match when Michael Gordon blasted a low shot that James Bittner was slow to react to and it skittered off his hands into the net. Gordon had a terrific chance to even the match in extra time, but he skimmed the bar with his shot and AFC held on for the close 3-2 win.
DC- Youch! From my angle, Gordon's shot looked in- I was certain we had wasted a chance to get 3 points we desperately needed. Good thing it did miss. Not a bad effort offensively, but the defensive concepts I hoped to put in place just aren't sticking and I am getting frustrated with the backline.
***
Wimbledon's Woes
AFC Wimbledon, suddenly showing signs of life after winning 2 of their last 4 matches, will now be without the player who has been helping improve their fortunes. Frazer Toms fractured a wrist in practice and will now miss the next month. It remains to be seen if this threatens the club's fragile morale.
DC- An early test of survival. If we can continue to play solid football without Frazer it will tell me a lot about the makeup of the club.
27.2.10
Macclesfield (1) AFC Wimbledon (7)
Macclesfield- A.Lawless 70
AFC- J.Burton 11,61 G.Hardy 45,49 C.Holden 51 G.O'Neill 54 A.Hogg 66
MOM- Michael Houghton, AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon stunned favored Macclesfield in a 7-1 rout at The Moss Rose Ground and answered some questions about their heart after the midweek loss of Frazer Toms. AFC was flying from the opening whistle and their first goal came when John Burton deflected a Michael Houghton corner past James Ball for his 1st goal of the season. Paul Liddle's perfect long pass set up Gary Hardy nicely on a counter attack to make it a 2-0 lead for AFC. Things went from bad to worse for Macclesfield as Dean Green received his 2nd yellow card at 40 minutes. AFC was better prepared to take advantage of the 10 man lineup in the second half and Alex Hay's looping pass gave Hardy a chance to blast home his 2nd goal of the match in the opening moments. Matt Lockwood started the next goal with a long pass down the left side that Anthony Hogg ran down. Hogg went by David Hughes on the dribble and that allowed Carl Holden (subbed on for slightly injured Hardy) to have an easy time half volleying the cross from Hogg past Ball for his 1st goal of the season. Gary O'Neill was next on the scoreboard after he beat Hughes on the dribble and fired a precision shot inside the far right post past Ball. Burton added his 2nd deflection for a goal in the match when he headed O'Neill's corner home. Hay keyed the last AFC goal with a pass to a quick moving Holden. Holden slotted the ball across to Hogg and he broke in and whipped a shot past Ball to make it 7-0. AFC yielded a consolation goal when Alex Lawless overpowered Richard Hope in the area and drove a header past James Bittner. The impressive win moved AFC out of the basement and Woking into it as both have 28 points, but the goal differential shifted to AFC's favor with the big win. It also brought AFC within 4 points of Halifax, who currently is holding the 19th spot- the last safe position.
DC- Where did that come from? We didn't even have one good practice this week- but we got in the game and everything clicked. Guess it happens that ways sometimes. The goals help us a lot on our differential and the size of the win sure helped the club be more optimistic about our chances.
5.3.10 AFC Signs Harvey
AFC Wimbledon today announced the signing on free transfer of 20 yr old DC Steve Harvey. Harvey, who was a product of the Tranmere youth program and had been released earlier this season by them, was reportedly pleased to come to a club where he would get the opportunity to play.
DC- I hope Harvey helps answer some of the problems we are having in the middle. Paul O'Donoghue has skills, but is continually wandering all over the pitch and abandoning the position playing we need on the backline. Richard Hope has been a waste of money- bad judgement or just plain desparation on my part I guess. At least Matt Lockwood still has a semblence of the skills from when I first saw him at Orient.
***
6.3.10
AFC Wimbledon (1) Shrewsbury (0)
AFC- G.Hardy 18
Shrewsbury- None
MOM- Paul O'Donoghue, AFC Wimbledon
It was a match decided in a series of plays, but AFC Wimbledon won out by taking better advantage of one of their chances in the close 1-0 win. 4th place Shrewsbury needed this match badly to keep their hopes alive of moving up. They were dealt a blow early on when Matt Lockwood's superior vision of the pitch picked out Gary Hardy alone in the middle. His long pass was on the money and Hardy made a quick move to the right before slotting the ball inside the right post past Scott Wilkins. The reason Hardy was so alone was that Joe Butler had badly sprained his ankle earlier in the play and he had been marking Hardy. Wilkins was very fortunate moments later as he wandered out of his net and made a clearing kick- only to see Alex Hay head it back toward the net. The ball sailed just over the net. Early in the second half AFC blew a 4 on 1 situation when Hardy made a terrible cross that sailed over the head of both John Burton and Michael Houghton who were wide open on the leftside of the net. James Bittner came up with the save of the match when James Jeffry, who had gotten behind the AFC backline was in alone. Bittner made a sensational save as he pushed his shot around the post to keep the slim lead. The final whistle found a tired, but relieved AFC side congratulating Bittner as they held on for the 1-0 win. The win moved AFC within a point of 20th placed Hayes and within 2 points of 19th placed Halifax.
DC- One good pass, one good finish and a lot of great work by Bittner. Another win that we may not have really deserved, but am sure glad to have on the books.
There was little doubt that Morecambe keeper Craig Mawson deserved the MOM honours and standing ovation he received following the 3-1 Morecambe win. Single handedly Mawson had stymied AFC through much of the first half and then again in the second half to win the match for the home side. Morecambe took the early lead when Rob Bryant took advantage of Paul O'Donoghue wandering away from Richard Clarke. Clarke took the softly chipped pass and rifled a shot through James Bittner for the lead. AFC was generating wonderful chances in the first half as Anthony Hogg's pace was causing problems. Mawson stopped Hogg twice on one-on-ones and made two absolutely brilliant saves on Hogg crosses to unmarked Gary Hardy. Hardy could only shake his head over the work of Mawson. Hogg finally found a way to get one by him as he equalized for AFC before half. Richard Hope found his way to the bench after Manager Colley immediately removed him when he did a walkabout while allowing Lee Cook to go free behind him for the goal that put Morecambe ahead. Tim Osborne then capped the 3-1 win when he deflected a Bryant corner past Bittner to seal the win.
DC- We wasted all of Anthony Hogg's fine work in the first half. Still, we didn't deserve to win this one and hopefully it will impress upon them the benefit of actually playing 90+ minutes, rather than half of that and hoping.
SOS-I 
This will be running as a separate story from "The Bet" and I won't be intertwining them or likely even referring from one to the other after this point. It just made a good starting point for the story. 
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