retired_tonytranbg79

Jazz's Flat

As he opened his eyes he saw it, just sitting there, he knew he must have had a good night if he woke up with a traffic cone. Then he remembered and smiled, he had won the FA Cup, then it hit him. The pounding, like a pnumatic drill, unrelenting pain, the hangover hand landed. All he could do was catch a bit more sleep, he woke two hours later still suffering but this time less so. He headed for a shower after swiching the coffee machine on. When he opened the bathroom door he could hear the shower was on, he could see and feel the steam and on the floor...a bra, suspenders and as he followed the trail from the bathroom to the bedroom he noticed handcuffs on the bed railings. He sat on the edge of the bed and tried to remember the night before but it was all a blur, then as he looked up there she was. His eyes widened his jaw almost dropped, standing there completely nude was this beatiful woman her long wet dark hair covered her face. Then he stood up moved the hair away from her face and kissed her. What am I doing he thought, it was as if he was doing all this automaticly he couldn't help himself, they moved to the bed and began to make love. The first thing he could think of when they were finished was his headache was gone. The next was, who was she? She noticed the look on his face and said:

O: "my name is Ocean...Ocean Camoresi"

J: "Jazz...Jazz O'Neil"

O: "I know" she smiled

He looked into her deep blue eyes and couldn't help thinking they looked like a deep blue...

J: "...Ocean, what a bueatiful name, it suits you, I take it your part Italian?"

O: "thanks, and Sicillian actualy. Before you say anything I'm not a plant by a reporter or anything wiered like that."

J: "what makes you say that, I didn't think you were anything like that"

O: "its just your a high profile manager people will talk, the papers may have seen us anything. I like you I just don't want you to think like that."

J: "I wont, I like you too but I don't know anything about you"

Just then his phone rang and he answered it. It was the chairman, he sounded rather flustered and angry. He practicly ordered Jazz to get to the ground this instant. Jazz quickly got ready and arranged to meet up with Ocean later that night. Then he rushed as quickly as British roads would allow. As he walked into the chairmans office he had the Sun newspaper thrown in his face and was told to read the cover story:

HE SHOOTS HE SCORES

Newcastle United manager Jazz O'Neil has reportedly been seen 'shooting up' and having sex with a prostitute at an exclusive club last night. Mr O'Neil who was out celebrating with players and staff after the FA Cup win was reportedly seen taking heroin in the v.i.p. area of an exclusive club in Newcastle. He was also seen in the toilets having sex with a prostitute....the article continues.

FS: "well...is any of this true, and I hope for your sake it isn't"

J: "of course its not true, yeah I was at the club but heroin...I mean come on Freddy"

FS: "ok and the woman, is she a prostitute?"

J: "NO, at least she says shes not and I certainly haven't paid her for sex"

FS: "so you know who she is?"

J: "sort of, I picked her up last nite got to know her a little and woke up this morning and she was in the shower, what do you want me to say?"

FS: "did you have sex with her in the club toilets?"

FS: "WELL"

J: "NO, we were going to I think, I can't remember I was wasted, we were going to but we got disturbed and decided not to"

FS: "great so you almost had sex in a public place with some girl 'you picked up'"

J: "well I'm hoping it'll become more than that"

FS: "look this is a difficult situation for both of us, whether any of this is true or not the clubs name has been dragged through the mud"

J: "what are you saying?

FS: "I'm saying this unfortunate incident has made this club look like we are a buch of animals the amount of publicity surrounding this club and the players is huge. It has to stop."

J: "so what your sacking me is that it?"

FS: "not exactly we, the board, are asking you to step down clear your name and make a fresh start"

J: "so I have no say in the matter?"

FS: "no not really"

J: "fine"

Jazz stormed out he noticed there was a large group of reporters outside and decided to make a statement. Jazz went on to say that non of these stories are true I have never taken heroin and am willing to take a blood test to proove that. This woman is not a prostitute and I think its disgraceful that because two people seem to be enjoying themselves in public there must be something sordid and secretive behind it. I have resigned as manager after this incedent as I need some space and to keep the club moving forward. He returned to his flat and told Ocean the news, they then went to the Pony and shared the real story there.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

authors note: In the game I hadn't actually resingned but moved straight from club to club. This is just an angle to help the transition.

retired_tonytranbg79

Jazz had been offered a job as the Reading manager, it was a major step down, as they were in division 2. However, it would really test his skills as a manager, was the success at Newcastle his doing or the abundance of good players. It was also far away and enabled him to have a fresh start. As he thought it all over in the pub he realsied he had others to consider. Ocean who was now his girlfriend and Lee his flat and best mate. Lee had given up his job on principle and Ocean was currently between jobs. Lee and Ocean seemed to favour the move give them all a fresh start set something up for themselves down there. It was a shame they couldn't take the Pony down there but he thought he would take it. Stupidly Jazz hadn't actually saved much money that he had earned from Newcastle, most of it went on repaying debts and other things. They would all be living together, which they all liked none of them were ready for serious settling down, they had too much fun. Then Dave walked over and asked if he could come with them to Reading as he was in trouble up here. Jazz wondered how he knew what decision they had made seeing as they only made it ten minutes ago. He thought about it, it would certainly be more company and more money to chip in to a house, plus he would keep Lee company if he and Ocean did things together. He suggested it to them and the agreed with what Jazz had thought.It was getting the money together to get a place that would be the problem. Then he remembered that Newcastle still owed him money for releasing him from his contract. So it was all decided, he and Ocean will go down to Reading and get things signed and sealed and then once they found a place Lee and Dave would follow.

Reading FC

Jazz couldn't believe he was going to move away from the north-east he vowed never to do that. Still he was sure he made the right decision. They arrived at the Madejski stadium and were greeted by the chairmans secretary and Jazz was taken to the board room while Ocean had lunch with the secretary. It had turned out that the club had looked at some suitable houses for them and suggested a few to Ocean. The secretary took her to see them and also the area itself. While that was going on Jazz was in a meeting with his potential new boss'. He was informed that the board and the fans realisticly expected a safe comfortable position in this league, really however, they wanted promotion by hook or by crook. The finances were ok and there was some spending money but the wage budget was already overspent and any more would be reigned in. Jazz got a quick tour of the stadium and was very impressed with the setup a modern 24,200 seater stadium with under-soil heating isn't bad for a division 2 team. He also saw a virtual walkthrough of the training facilities and those seemed pretty good. All there was left to do was sign, which he did. He was then escorted to his office where Ocean was waiting. She had seen a house that was perfect for the four of them, large and spacious. As he lay in bed in a local hotel he couldn't help feeling down, not so long aso he was manager of a team that came second in the league and won the FA Cup, now he was at a division 2 side. One thing was for sure he was determined to proove he was a good manager and take Reading to the top. He wasn't due to start for another week but he was allowed to watch the team train and speak to the staff. He would get a good idea of the team before he took over he thought before he nodded off.

retired_Kemp

Well done in phase 1.

Good luck on the next level :thup:

retired_tonytranbg79

cheers Doc

retired_tonytranbg79

After about a week of kicking about the training ground and reading reports and speaking to the staff, Jazz felt he had a good idea of what the team held and what its capabilities were. After getting the opinions of his assistant manager Kevin Dillon and chief physio Jon Fearn Jazz decided to write down a list of the players and the comments so he could get a fair idea of what area needs strengthening and who will be in the first team squad.

Goalkeepers

Marcus Hahnemann: The 33 year old American certainly seems capable at this level and will most certainly be first choice.

Jamie Young: Like the name this young keeper will be the backup for Marcus, has potential but wouldn't like to rely on him for long periods of time.

Bradie Clarke: This young keeper has very little to offer the club except his egerness to learn

Defenders

Adrian Williams: An experienced centre back who can also play central midfield. Has been capped 18 times by Wales and is sure candidate as first on the teamsheet.

Steve Brown: Model professional who can play right or centre back and at a push in the midfield, again another player with experience which may come in handy

Greg Shields: A Scottish right back at the peak of his career, probably a first team regular.

Robbie Williams: This young tennacious left back who wears his heart on his sleeve and will always give 110% is a usefull player but possibly one for the future rather than now.

Peter Castle: At 18 not one for the first team at first glance but at closer inspection a very good centre back who has excellent positioning and a good tackle. He also has the best header Jazz had ever seen. Let down only by his lack of marking ability.

Midfielders

Ivar Ingimarsson: Capped 11 times for Iceland a very good central midfielder who could also play at the heart of defence if called upon. A must for the first team squad who will run round making tackles all day long.

Curtis Osano: A brave young central midfielder, but will only be a backup at most.

Joe Gamble: Irish winger who is certainly not good enough for this level.

Andy Hughes: Arguably our best player can play anywhere in midfield but is best on the right wing. A definate starter and will be the main supplier of goals, hopefully will chip in with one or two of his own.

Scott Murray: Experienced winger, talented player but will sadly lose out to Hughes, but a great back up.

Nathan Tyson: Young left winger talented and fast, not quite as good a crosser as Hughes, but with both of them on the wing will be a force to recon with.

Alan Moore: Very much an older version of Tyson and like Murray will lose out to the other winger, but like Murray will serve as a great backup.

Michael Foley-Sheridan: Exciting young player with great technique, creativity and flair. Someone who can change a game. Will most likely be a sub.

James Harper: Talented central midfielder good going forward will be perfect partner for the defensively minded Ingimarsson.

Forwards

Darren Campbell: A fast determined forward but lacks the talent to hold down a first team spot.

Dave Kitson: The star of the team the first on the teamsheet centre forward, will hopefully score most of the goals which will take us to promotion.

Dean Morgan: A gifted forward but lacks strength and stamina to hold down a first team spot. Will hold the line with Kitson until a replacement is found

Sean Goater: The Goat is to old and to crap to do anything worth while and will be moved on asap

It was clear to Jazz that the defence really needed strengthening and a new forward needed to be found. There was also a good group of young players at the club who could potentially be stars. But Jazz was focused on the here and now and immediatly got to work getting in touch with contacts he had made in the game to get Reading some depth.

retired_tonytranbg79

Jazz's Office - Madejski Stadium

It was the day before his first game in charge, Jazz had just finished unvaling his two new signings to the press. They had actualy signed contracts earlier in the month but the chairman thought it would be a good idea to show them off now. He had managed to get Leon Cort from Southend who were newly promoted to the first division for about £150K. Leon was a great centre back in Jazz's eyes, great tacle brilliant header of the ball, he could mark, he was aggressive and strong he could leap like a salmon, and he was very quick. A deffinate first team player. His second signing was David Connolly the forward from West Ham. What was strange Connolly wasn't out of contract yet West Ham let him go for nothing. He is a quick agile player who can run arround all day and has great technique, a 'fox in the box' type. A perfect partner for Kitson who wasn't slow but mainly used his strength and power.

Jazz just sat back in his comfy chair, in an office not unlike the one he had at Newcastle. He actualy genuinely felt this was a good move for him, this would proove his skills and he would have to work harder as he didn't have the money or players like he did at Newcastle. He was very nervous he wanted to make a good impression, he had won the FA Cup and he wanted to do well here. As far as settling in was concerned that was all done and he really liked the area, they had even found a new 'local'. The Black Bull wasn't that much unlike the Pony same sort of atmosphere and seemed to be a place where a lot of fans drank. When he first went in with Ocean, Lee and Dave it was odd at first the got the old 'who are you' look, but when they realised he was the manager of their team they all gathered round wanting to shake his hand. that was something he never got at the Pony as everyone knew him already. The fans were asking him what he was doing in the pub and he told him he was like them an everyday bloke and being a football manager wouldn't change that, this only made them warm to him more. As he left his office he knew he wouldn't get much sleep worryin about tomorrow.

retired_tonytranbg79

Madejski Stadium Players Lounge

Jazz was enjoying a drink with the chairman while the players celebrated their latest victory. They had just beaten Walsall 5-0 and started September they way the finished August. A successfull start to his Reading career with some excellent results, including a 7-0 thrashing of Brighton at the Falmer stadium. That was one of the best results in his short but resonably successfull managerial career where Kitson bagged himself 4 goals. They currently stood at the top of the table after winning all of their first 5 league games, they had played some lovely flowing football and scored 19 goals and let in only 2. The only bad result was losing 1-0 at home to first division Southend. Jazz was impressed with new signing Leon Cort, Hughes and Tyson had also been playing wonderfully on the wings. What had surprised him was that it was Ingimarsson and not Harper that was chipping in with goals from midfield, never the less he was very pleased with his team at the minute. Funds were still tight and his only senior left back Robbie Williams was now sidelined for at least two months, the only other out and out left back was 14 year old Craig Beale, so Jazz needed to find a new cheap left back or gamble with a 14 y/o or changing the formation. That however could wait till tomorrow as he went to congratulate his players.

retired_tonytranbg79

By January Reading were still top of the second division, where they had been since the third game of the season. However, it had not all gone as planned, in fact by January Jazz couldn't stand the sight of Bournemouth. Although he had gone there in September and won in the league, they had knocked Reading out of the FA Cup 1st round and Vans trophy 2nd round. Both games were at the Fitness First Stadium. To rub salt into the wounds because these games had been back to back the Reading team had suffered numerous suspensions, due to both 5 yellows and sending off offences, and a few injuries. Bournemouth were also 2nd bottom in the league, so all combined it had puzzled, annoyed and generaly sent Jazz round the bend. Although in whole the squad was good there was very little depth of quality. When Williams the left back was injured Jazz decided to try out 14 year old Craig Beale, who as it happened filled in very nicely until Williams returned. Jazz also fumed about his American keeper having to fly off and play for the good old U.S of A so he had to be interchanged with a young keeper who didn't do to badly. Because of this Jazz decided to bring another keeper in, he got Graham Stack from old club Newcastle, he had signed Stack for Newcastle from Arsenal. Stack never got a game at Newcastle but Jazz recognised talent in him so he wanted him down here. Another problem occured, all at once most of his strikers were either injured or suspended, despite the clubs bad finances Jazz needed a new striker as cover. So after persuading chairman John Madejski to let him get one he raided his old club again and got Richard Offiong who fitted in straight away and started scoring. He also bought in Eddie Johnson from Man U on loan as extra striker cover. Jazz was pleased that star striker Dave Kitson wasn't out long, Kitson was averaging a goal a game and despite the talent at Newcastle he never had a striker that bagged lots of goals. Kitson wasn't the only scorer Connolly has chipped in with his fair share, also midfielders Ingimarsson and Tyson had given 6 a piece to the cause along with new arrival Offiong. Reading were currently 4 points ahead of Bristol City but had played a game more. They had only lost 2 games so far in the league but had drawn much more than Jazz wished, they were also leaking more goals at the back than he would like. But he had to remind himself that he was working on the whole with a threadbare squad that had finished 14th in this league last season, so he was doing well. He only hoped he could keep it up for the rest of the season.

retired_tonytranbg79

Jazz was fuming on the last day of the season, despite beating Swindon 3-0 he was appaled at the run of results which read like this: 14 games, won twice, drew 6 and lost 6. His team had collapsed and given in, Brstol City had won the championship with Ipswich runners up. Reading who for much of the season led the second division ended up 3rd. The win on the final day had prevented the fans from booing the team, some of the player were literally only at the club for an easy cheque. Jazz shouted at them all at an end of season meet up that there will be major changes at the club, and that some of them had the play offs to proove what they can do. Castle and Stack Jazz knew would not get another game, they quite simply were appauling, although his words to the players were threatening they weren't real Jazz already knew who was going out the door. Not only was it down to poor players but also the finances demanded it, Jazz wanted maximum ability to spend in the summer whatever division they were to be in. This meant wage budget as well as transfer budget, the defence was where he really needed to change things as it was the defence that had cost the the league title. They had been drawn against Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final playoffs.

Reading 3 v 0 Sheff Wed

Sheff Wed 3 v 2 Reading

They had made it to the final at Wembley where they will face Scunthorpe. They had beaten and drawn against Scunthorpe already this season so the outlook was good, but the form book goes out the window in finals. Jazz despite thinking luck had deserted him recently was wearing the lucky ring on a chain around his neck. He was currently in the Black Bull with Ocean, Lee, Dave and some regulars watching the Champions Cup final between Newcastle and the holders Man U.

L: "so what do you think the score will be?"

O: "1-0 Newcastle"

J: "thanks babe, I reckon 2-1 the toon"

D: "sorry Jazz mate but I reckon 3-1 Man U"

L: "I think 1-1 then Newcastle win 5-4 on pens"

J: "I'd like to think I helped get them to this final, i mean it was my team and my players mostly who are out there and I wasthe one who got them into it in the first place"

O: "yeah you did help them get here, may be you'll get Reading there some day too"

L: "fat chance of that happening you saw how they succumbed to Torquay 5-1, when they were at the bottom and you were at the top"

O: "oi"

J: "he's right love, we'll be lucky if we make it to division 1"

D: "ere we go its starting"

By the end of the match Newcastle win 3-2 after extra time and all four of them are rolling round the floor hugging each other. People in the Black Bull had to remind themselves that these were four geordies and that their manager, who was at this point in time on his back drunk as a skunk screaming 'come on the lads' used to manage them. Still it was quite a sight, just then Jazz jumped up onto a table and demanded silence, which remarkably he got.

J: "people of the Black Bull thank you for being behind me in my first season in charge and for being supportive in our darkest hour. We have a chance to gain promotion and I will personally assure all of you here today that you will be at Wembley and watch us win and gain that promotion that we richly deserve. I hope to be doing the same thing on that night as i am tonight, and I hope you will all join me"

This got a huge cheer from everyone in the pub and as Jazz staggered home with his friends he hoped what he had just said will come true.

Reading 2 v 0 Scunthorpe

When Jazz stepped onto the team coach at the end of the game the relief on everyones faces was apparent, they hadn't blown their season. Jazz made an announcement to the players saying that all of them had worked hard, they may not hav played well, but they had worked hard. They were back where they belonged, in the first division which sparked mass roar from the players, but that next season will be very hard. He also announced that Dave Kitson's goal was his 100th for the club and handed over a bottle of champaigne. To the Black Bull Jazz told the driver.

Awards and titles to note: Jazz had come second in the manager of the year for ESD, Ivar Ingimarsson had been awarded ESD goal of the seaon for a fabulous 30 yard volley away to Rushden. Brisol City (champions), Ipswich and Reading will replace Gillingham, Burnley and Bradford in division 1. Middlesbrough (champions), Crystal Palace and Cardiff will replace Coventry, Bolton and Charlton in the premiership. Arsenal win the EPL, League Cup and FA Cup, Newcastle win Champions Cup and Liverpool win Uefa Cup.

retired_tonytranbg79

Shakeup at Madejski - article in Reading FC official magazine

At the end of last season, despite gaining promotion, Reading manager Jazz O'Neil promised a big shakeup to the club. That is exactly what has happened at the Madejski. O'Neil promised to fans that deadwood and players who were only there to pick up an easy pay cheque would be shipped out. Ahmet Rifat was sold to Besiktas for £90k, Daniel Day's contract wasn't renewed and has since moved to St. Johnstone. Darren Capbell's contract also wasn't renewed and he moved onto Swindon. That was just the beginning of what was to be a busy summer for the Reading manager.

We caught up with Mr O'Neil on holiday in Tenerife with his girlfriend Ocean. He was kind enough to give us the lowdown on what he and the board had planned for next season.

R: "so Mr O'Neil, can you give us your view on last season"

J: "call me Jazz, please. Well to be honest I was deeply disappointed that we had to fight to get promoted. At one point it looked as if we were going to sail through to division 1 as champions, but it wasn't to be."

R: "so what went wrong?"

J: "I don't know, i can't put my finger on it, we just seemed to crumble and we lost a few on the bounce and thats when the pressure really kicked in. When you had been doing as well as we had and suddenly you can't buy a win the pressure becomes to great, the players started to panic. They had it knawing at them in the back of their minds during games which isn't what you want to happen."

R: "but you came good in the end"

J: "yes I knew we could do it and I'm glad the players started to really believe they could to."

R: "so what did chairman John Madejski say to you and the head of the supporters association"

J: "both were very supportive and were fully behind me and the team. In reality when I had the first meating with John when I took over, the aim for the season was a respectible position. We actually did better than we hoped for."

R: "What now?"

J: "for me, i'm gonna enjoy the rest of my holiday. Seriously the aim for next season is to avoid relegation at all costs. It would be a major blow if we were to come straight back down."

R: "and transfers, what can we expect of these?"

J: "that there will be some"

There we have it disappointed after going further than planned. What can that tell you about the character of the manager and the team. New faces will be arriving in the summer and faces will be leaving in the summer, all we can be assured of is that whoever plays next season they will give 110%, as manager Jazz O'Neil will settle for nothing less.

Managers office, Madejski stadium - 28/06/06 11:12

Jazz had just finished reading the article in the official magazine and was smiling. What an idiot I sound he thought to himself. Jazz knew the one area of the team that needed the most work was the defence, that whole area including the keeper needed remodeling. Graham Stack had really disappointed Jazz, he thought Stack would do a good job, but he hadn't. Going over the lines 'new faces will be arriving...and faces will be leaving', well some had already left and others were due to leave, and he hadn't signed anybody yet. However, that could change by this afternoon, there was a potential signing having a medical at this precise moment. The players that had gone were Peter Castle, Alan Moore, James Armstrong, Lee Wood and Robbie Williams. Castle and Williams were two regulars in defence, that had performed poorly and both of who's contracts were up in the summer so Jazz managed to get £80k for the both of them, Castle going to Bristol Rovers and Williams going to Southend, Moore had gone to Bradford City whilst the two from the under 19s Armstrong and Wood are still on the free transfer list. Shaun Goater was retiring in a couple of days when his contract was up and Marcus Hahnemann was not getting a new contract and so will be allowed to go back to the states where he is reportedly going to DC United. Adrian Williams has signed a pre move contract with Bristol Rovers and will team up with Castle when his contract with Reading was up. Jazz was seeing his squad get fewer and fewer and hoped his approached players wanted to come or he was in trouble.

Managers office, Madejski stadium - 28/06/06 13:17

Jazz was at his desk doing some paperwork and chasing up leads that his new scouts had seen. He had hired Spencer Field, Rob Campkin, Dave Jarrett, Dave Colley and Ian John to be his new scouts. All of which seemed a lot more capable than the ones he had already, and they had just had their contracts terminated as Jazz didn't need them anymore. Also Jazz had hired some new coaches to aid those he had and to help take the club forward, ex Southampton keeper Paul Jones was brought in as head keeper coach. Andy Nicholson was brought in to help with the youngsters, just then Jazz's new assistant manager, Arne Kjaersgaard, popped his head round the door.

A: "you free?"

J: "yeah, yeah well?"

A: "he passed with flying colours and is here to sign the contract"

J: "show him in"

A: "this is Ibrahim Tall, he speaks a little English so we should be ok"

Ibrahim Tall is a Senegalese central defender with 4 caps to his name. They had agreed a fee of £65k for his services from french side Sochaux. Strong, brave and a good marker, he can also keep up with all but the fastest players around. A usefull player who can also play as a right back

J: "nice to meet you at last Monsieur Tall"

I: "you too Mr O'Neil"

J: "if you would just like to sign here I can say welcome to our club"

They completed the signing and Jazz was happy that he had made his first signing of the summer, he hoped it wouldn't be his last. With a slender wage budget and a small transfer kitty, which is almost all the cash the club has, Jazz knew he would have to unearth some diamonds and be cleaver in the transfer market.