Football Lord - Chapter 34

Training for the week was not totally smooth. On Tuesday he had trained with his new skill of Finishing B+.

He first found it hard to be accurate as he was still hitting the ball with the same vigor and rough technique he used in hitting the ball when he had a finishing skill of C.

After a few butched attempts he finally got the hang of it. He could now place the ball almost perfectly into a position he wanted the ball to end in.

But on Wednesday training, one of the defenders on his teams had twisted his knee a little while he was making a quick turn during training.

The medical personnel’s who observed training quickly gave him first aid before they took him for further test and treatments.

Tony knew that most knee injuries could rule a player out for at least weeks. And if they were not lucky after treatment or surgery that would have to also wear cast or use crutches for months to allow the knee heal fully.

Aside from the terrible injury, training went smoothly and on Friday after the players had performed there drills for a while, they were all assembled by Coach Taylor.

“I will be announcing the squad list for the away match against West Brom”. After he said that the players all shut there mouths up as they hoped and prayed to hear there names called.

“The starting 11 are Goalkeeper Martin Gray,…..” Coach Taylor called the names, Tony listened until he got to the attacking midfielder position. He immediately cleared his mind and prepared for the worst as he listened extra carefully.

“Attacking midfielder Tony Lane, Right midfielder….” Tony was elated as he really wanted to jump up and down in celebration. But knew it would be inappropriate and unfair to the others who weren’t called.

‘Congrats on your first start, Tony’ Rose congratulated him after she heard his name being announced.

‘Thank you Rose, I couldn’t have possibly done all this without your help and assistance.’ Tony knew and recognized the fact that the major difference between his present timeline and his previous timeline was the presence of the system and her abilities.

‘You are welcome’ Rose humbly said as it was obvious she liked that Tony appreciated her input in this new timeline.

John was not chosen in the starting 11 as he still found himself on the bench. Tony sympathized with him but knew if John continued to play well and performed well in training, it would only be a matter of time before he started to get on the starting 11.

“Sorry about not yet getting on the starting 11, just continue training well and you will definitely be given your chance also” Tony comforted.

“Yea, at least am still among the players on the bench for the match” John said a little bit dejectedly as he sighed. Tony saw his friend looking sad and threw his hands over John’s shoulders.

“How about this, if we play on the pitch together tomorrow, I would try my possible best to create at least one sweet chance for you to face the goalkeeper one on one. After that the rest is up to you to put the ball into the net.” Tony said in other to brighten up his friends mood.

“Deal!” Immediately John heard what Tony said he had renewed hope as he wanted to use his possible limited time on the pitch to show the coaches his abilities.

His mood immediately improved as he and Tony continued to discuss about trivial things as they went for there break and then to the seminar room for the match analysis.

They were to face the academy team of west Brom away from there home. The players were given there specific roles and responsibilities for the match.

The team was to play in a formation of 4-5-1 but transitions for changes to other formations had been practiced during training depending on how the match went.

Tony was given the free role and duty to create opportunities and chances for his teammates. But if he also saw a clear chance to shoot for goal he was to also take it.

Tony had no problem with such responsibilities as he quickly accepted his roles explained by Coach Taylor.

Tony knew that the other attacking midfielder that started the match against Everton was on the bench. And that the midfielder didn’t perform badly in the match against Everton as he was the one that scored the first goal for Man City.

So Tony definitely knew he had to show what he had as he wanted to perform similar to what he did in the game against Everton.

After the Coaches analysed the game they dismissed the players and told them to go and rest at home for the game the next day.

They were to leave very early by bus to the stadium of west Brom for the away match.

“One plus side of being in the match squads for the away matches is that we are also traveling to almost all parts of England that I never even had the intentions of seeing.” John said as he and Tony walked off together after the match analysis towards Tony’s car.

“Yea it’s a pity we are still seen as young players if not I would definitely like to experience the nightlife of most of this cities.” Tony said as he playfully sighed.

John paused immediately he heard Tony’s reply before he stared at Tony for a while, before both of them busted into laughter.

It was the dream of most of the boys to travel around and go clubbing while visiting some interesting places. But they knew the academy was strict on conduct especially for the youth players so they could only write off there plans.

Tony dropped John off at his house before he drove back home, he ate and rested for the night. He slept earlier than normal that night as he needed to wake up early to rush to the academy as early as 7am the next morning to travel to the West Brom for the match.