Strikers Instinct (11 page)

The weeks of late May and June are usually the quiet time of the year at most English football clubs. The season is over and most players and staff use the time to get away on an early summer holiday before pre-season training starts again in July – leading up to a new season in early August. There are always some people however, who seem to be busy all year round and the groundstaff fall into that category.

The summer months are used for pitch and ground renovation and there always seem to be a million and one jobs to do. This year however, at Wishton Clough there was something extra to contend with.

The day after the final concert at the TxT stadium Ed was walking into the ground when he was confronted by a furious Fred Grimshaw.

“We warned you but you wouldn't listen!” he shouted angrily.

Ed was taken aback and looked around for some kind of explanation – just then Jason appeared and began to restrain his father.

“Leave it Dad,” he said, “come away.”

“I won't leave it,” Fred shouted, “this idiot thinks he can walk on water – well someone needs to tell him a few truths!”

Ed finally began to speak, “What the hell is going on?” he asked coldly.

Jason pushed in front of his father before he could speak again. “I'll tell you what's going on,” he said in an equally calm voice, “they've just taken the covers off the pitch – and it's ruined!”

Ed visibly paled, brushed past the pair of them and ran towards the pitch. When he pushed through the last set of doors he walked out onto a yellow, stinking mess – which once had been a lovely green playing surface.

“No, no, no,” he moaned, “they said it would be fine!”

“Aye – and we told you it wouldn't be – but you always know best don't you!” snarled Fred.

Ed whirled round to face the older man and it took every ounce of restraint in his body not to fire both of the Grimshaws on the spot. Deep inside he knew Fred was right but he hated being told that he was wrong. However, he was not so stupid that he didn't realise he needed both the Grimshaws if they were going to get out of this mess. But after everything was resolved – then he would have his revenge – no one spoke to him like that.

Ed finally smiled weakly. “You're right Fred, this doesn't look good. I suggest we all take 10 minutes to calm down then we regroup in the boardroom to work out a plan of action.”

Things got worse when Ed discovered that there only appeared to be himself, the Grimshaws and security staff at the ground so early in the morning. He made some calls and then reluctantly pushed the emergency meeting back to 9am, by which time Sarah had arrived and had begun to pull everything together. Harry was at the hospital and was unable to get away but agreed to conference in by phone. The meeting finally began and it seemed that Jason had managed to get his father to calm down – but now he was annoying Ed more than ever. Fred just sat there with a smug expression on his face and Ed just grew angrier and angrier. It soon became obvious that no-one was going to take responsibility for the disaster and it was Harry's disembodied voice that cut through the recriminations.

“Listen,” he shouted, “we can sort out who is to blame at some other time – what we need to do now is to begin work – immediately – on getting a new pitch in place.”

Everyone reluctantly agreed and surprisingly they all began co-operating. Within a few minutes they had a plan to begin stripping away the old surface and replacing with new turf. Secretly Jason and Fred knew that they had plenty of time to get the job done before the new season started but they wanted Ed to squirm. The meeting was adjourned and everyone left the boardroom.

Ed stomped off to his office and he spent the next hour working through some figures until he came to realise that a large portion of the profits for the concerts would now be taken up by repairing the pitch. He groaned in frustration and made a promise to himself that someone would have to pay for this. After another few hours he was just becoming more frustrated until he came to a quick decision. He grabbed his stuff and strode out to Sarah's desk.

“I've had enough. This place is full of idiots and I need to get away for a while. I'm flying off for a break to the US – I'll probably be gone for a week or two. Don't make any decisions without letting me know – my phone will be switched on 24/7.”

He strode out without another word and Sarah sighed with relief. The next few hours seemed to pass in a blur as far as she was concerned. Sarah acted as a go-between for the Grimshaws and various companies. They ordered heavy machinery to strip the surface back to the top soil and then they placed an order for the replacement turf. The problem with the turf was that because of the advanced technology involved, it would take a week or so for the consignment to arrive at the ground. Fred and Jason weren't too worried about that – it would probably take that long to remove the existing surface and then spread a special growing compound. If all went to plan then the new surface should be in place within 3 weeks – hopefully giving it time to bed in before the new season started.

One thing that no-one had pointed out to the chairman was that the pitch would not be ready to play three high-profile pre-season friendly matches he had arranged. A lot of money had been invested in persuading a top team from Italy, Spain and France to play a game at the new stadium. Sandy was happy to test his side against higher-class opposition but Ed hadn't even considered that aspect – he just wanted the publicity. Sarah shuddered when she realised that someone had to tell Ed that the games had to be cancelled – and she knew that someone would have to be her! She smiled and decided that she would take the cowards way out and tell her boss by e-mail – that way she wouldn't have to listen to his petulant whining.

Sarah worked through her lunch and she was just considering having a coffee when her phone rang. The call was from reception – regarding an appointment that they had all forgotten about. The competition to find a member of the supporters club to be part of the first team squad had been a great success. Many young people had joined the supporters club so they could have a chance to take part – season ticket sales had also increased, partly due to the competition.

The scheme had been widely covered in the local media and had even attracted the attention of some of the national papers – they had even done a small piece on Sky Sports News. However, there was now a small problem. Around fifty people who were eligible had made it through the fitness tests to the final draw – but two of those were women. Ed had been very pleased about the publicity and had gone on record to thank Fran Lafferty for her great idea. No one bothered to tell Ed about the two female contestants.

The phone call to Sarah was a reminder that the final draw to decide the winner was due to take place that afternoon and the Chairman had promised to attend. Sarah began to panic. Ed had left for America and Dr. Green was at the hospital, that left Dave Bycroft – and he was on holiday. Sarah groaned and realised that she would have to represent the Chairman at the draw. She picked up her mobile and quickly spoke to Fran. She explained what had happened during the morning and said that Ed had been called away to an urgent meeting and that sadly she would have to take his place. Fran didn't believe a word but was secretly pleased that Ed wouldn't be there – he wasn't the easiest person to get on with. All the work that Fran did was for the club – not for Ed Tierney. Sarah was relieved that Fran seemed relaxed about the situation and they promised to meet up in one hour – just before the draw.

The culmination of the competition was to take place in one of the larger function rooms in the stadium. There were about 40 of the final competitors in the room, along with supporters club officials and a few media representatives. Two members of the supporters club carried a large circular container from Fran's car to a table at the head of the room and then Fran herself stepped forward and picked up the microphone.

“Thanks for coming along today ladies and gentlemen,” she began, “I just want to take a few minutes to explain how this is going to work. We have a couple of members of the supporters club committee who are currently folding up pieces of paper containing each entrant's name. Each paper will then go into a small round container until we have fifty exact containers. All containers will be placed into this large tub and the lid will then be closed.”

Fran then paused for questions, when she saw that everyone seemed happy she continued.

“The whole of this process is taking place before you all to ensure strict fairness. When all the balls are in the tub I will then place my hand through the small hole at the top and I'll draw out one ball. I will then hand that ball to Sarah Jenkins who will open it before you all.”

They were finally ready to begin and as Fran walked forward, Sarah secretly prayed that one of the two girls would win! She knew it would cause big problems but she didn't care. She knew her boss didn't think much about women in general but she was surprised that Dr. Green seemed to agree with him. Hopefully this may teach both of them a lesson.

The room went quiet as Fran thrust her arm deep into the tub and whirled the balls around. She seemed to be going to extreme lengths to make sure that the balls were really mixed up. However, what no-one else the in room realised, was that Fran had pressed a small concealed button on the inside of the tub that allowed her to reach into a hidden space to retrieve another ball. She placed one of the original balls into the alcove and quickly closed it up. Removing her hand she theatrically held the ball aloft. She then passed the ball to Sarah who opened the container in front of her rapt audience.

“The winner is,” she announced theatrically, “Luke Linden!”

The announcement was received with mixed feelings. Most people applauded politely but most just groaned good-naturedly because they had been unsuccessful. The vast majority in the audience seemed to have no idea who Luke Linden was and when Fran announced that refreshments were being served, they all quickly turned their attention to the other end of the room.

Fran asked her two assistants to carry the tub back out to her car and she quickly began to clear up the table. Sarah turned to her and began to laugh.

“Well that's another problem for our beloved Chairman.” she said.

“What do you mean?” asked Fran.

“Well,” Sarah began, “I don't think that Ed and Luke are exactly the best of friends – this could be interesting!”

Sarah wanted to talk some more but she got the distinct impression that Fran was in a hurry to leave.

“Sorry,” said Fran, “now that we have a winner I need to get everything out on the website and the twitter feed and I'm guessing that the club will need to sort Mr. Linden's registration out?”

Sarah nodded, “Mr. Tierney has put Dr. Green in charge of all that side of things so I will let him know as soon as possible.”

“Thanks for all your help Sarah.” called Fran as she swept from the room.

Sarah stood in silence for a few seconds. It was strange that Fran hurried away like that – she always wanted to have a chat and usually it was Sarah who had to drag herself away. It was weird – if it wasn't for the few remaining people munching sandwiches at one end of the room it would seem as if the last few minutes had never happened – all other traces of the competition had disappeared. She shrugged her shoulders – she had other things to worry about. Then she smiled as she realised that she could have at least a small piece of fun by sending an e-mail to her boss telling him who had won the competition!

Outside the stadium the two supporters club members placed the tub in the boot of Fran's car and she thanked them before they went back inside. She sat behind the wheel and picked up her phone. When the call was answered she spoke quickly.

“It's done, Luke Linden is the winner.”

“Thank you Fran,” said Harry Green “I owe you one.”

“You don't owe me anything Dr. Green,” she laughed in reply, “actually I think it's the other way round.”

Harry thanked her again before ending the call. He then sat thoughtfully at his desk for a few minutes before he composed a text message.

“Good news,” it read, “your dad has just won the competition to join Wishton first team squad!” He then sent the message to Lexi and Tom and composed a similar message for Sue. Just as he had sent the last message his phone rang – it was Sarah giving him the news about Luke and asking for instructions on what to do next. After the call had ended Sarah reflected that Dr. Green hadn't seemed at all surprised when she gave him her news……

A few minutes later Harry's phone went yet again – this time it was Luke. Harry spoke first.

“Luke – what a coincidence – I've been trying to call you with some good news but your phone was engaged.”

“Rubbish.” replied Luke. “I haven't been on my phone in the last hour – and anyway what's wrong with the landline?”

“Calm down Luke,” Harry said soothingly, “why are you so upset?”

“You know why – what the hell is all this rubbish the kids are telling me about some competition I've won? I haven't even entered a competition!” Luke complained.

“OK – I knew you would be like this – let me call round on my way home and I can explain.” Harry pleaded.

“You're wasting your time.” said Luke. “I'm not getting involved with anything that Ed Tierney has dreamed up!” The line then abruptly went dead.

“See you soon Luke.” murmured Harry. He then dialled another number and spoke again.

“Hi Sue,” he said cheerfully, “are you still at work?”

When Sue replied that she was, Harry continued.

“I just spoke to Luke about winning the competition and he isn't very happy – I don't think he trusts Ed. If I come round later will you help me talk to him?”

Sue agreed to help and they talked a little longer about a few other things – they promised to present a united front to Luke. Harry drove up to the Linden house just after 6pm and Sue buzzed him through the gate. He received his usual welcome from the dogs until Sue called them away and took Harry's coat.

“Where is he?” asked Harry nervously.

“Sulking in his study.” Sue replied.

Just then Lexi and Tom burst into the room – fighting as usual. They stopped when they saw Harry.

“Hi Uncle Harry.” they chimed in unison.

“Where have you been?” asked Tom, “we're starving and Mum said we had to wait for you before we could eat dinner.”

“Oh,” said Harry anxiously, “I didn't realise I was invited to dinner.”

“Don't worry Uncle Harry,” smiled Lexi, “Nell's doing the cooking so Mum won't be poisoning you!”

Sue threw a cushion at Lexi and the whole room was laughing as Luke walked in.

“I'm glad to see that you lot are in a good mood,” he announced with a sniff.

“Your problem Dad is that you are far too suspicious.” stated Lexi solemnly. “Anyone else would be thrilled that they had won such a great competition!”

“I just don't trust Ed Tierney.” Luke growled.

“Well you had better start trusting him,” said Sue, “because very soon he'll be my new boss!”

“I'm not worried about that – I know you will easily put him in his place – but it just seems very suspicious that the same week you get a new job at Wishton Clough – then I win a competition that I didn't even enter!” replied Luke.

“OK, OK,” Harry broke in, “maybe I can clear up some of the confusion. First of all – Sue is going to work for TxT Enterprises – Wishton Clough is a fairly small part of her future responsibilities – and secondly, Ed didn't really want this competition to go ahead at all.”

“Ahh,” said Luke, “so then maybe we need to look elsewhere to find the criminal genius behind this scheme?”

“I think you have worked in the security business for far too long,” sniffed Harry, “you see trouble under every rock.”

“Fair enough,” said Luke, “then please explain to me how I managed to win a competition that I didn't even enter?”

Before Harry could answer, Nell swept into the room and ordered them all to get to the table before the meal went cold. A few minutes later all of them, including Nell, were seated round the large table in the huge kitchen.

“I see we are slumming it Nell,” Luke commented, “no dining room today?”

“You know very well Luke that the dining room is reserved for special occasions – and special guests,” Nell mischievously announced, “and I don't see anyone important here today!”

Everyone laughed again and then they began to eat. Nell made Harry wait until she had served coffee at the end of the meal before he could make his sales pitch to Luke. She asked the children to clear away the plates and stack the dishwasher and then Harry began to speak.

“This whole scheme was Fran Lafferty's idea.” he started. “She came up with the plan and presented it to the board. She organised everything – including the fitness trials and the final draw this afternoon. Neither Ed or I were even present at the draw today. The only involvement I will have is that I agreed to make sure that whoever won behaves themselves.”

“But you still haven't explained how I came to be entered into the competition!” insisted Luke.

“You just ticked all the boxes I guess.” answered Harry. “The Linden family are all members of the Supporters club and I know that you have all renewed your season tickets for next season. On top of that you took the fitness tests after the five a side competition a few weeks ago. All the details were sent forward to the club and your name qualified and went forward into the draw.”

“Well you can just explain to Fran that I am flattered but that it has all been a big mistake.” said Luke calmly. “I don't think it is something that would work very well.”

Harry looked around at all the members of the Linden family before he continued.

“Give it a chance – you don't even know what you would be expected to do – and there are several good reasons why you should do this.”

“Name me one.” demanded Luke.

“Well first of all it would be very embarrassing for you all if Luke turned this down. The supporters club would see this as something of an insult. It wouldn't look very good for Sue coming into a new job to find that her husband had upset everyone. I'm also guessing that Lexi and Tom have been telling their friends that their dad will be in the Wishton squad next year?”

Both Lexi and Tom nodded in unison.

“Well that wouldn't look very good for them if you turned it down.”

Luke began to squirm in his seat as his family glared accusingly at him.

“Well, if I did agree to maybe think about this – what would I be expected to do?” he said quietly.

“Nothing really.” said Harry eagerly, sensing a lowering of Luke's guard. “Just enjoy yourself!”

“C'mon – there must be more to it than that.” snorted Luke.

“You just turn up occasionally at training, do as much or as little as you like and do a bit of promotional work. Oh and write a weekly column for the local newspaper – dead easy really.”

Luke began to soften – in fact most of his brusque manner had been for show – he was secretly intrigued with everything that was happening – but he didn't like the feeling that he was somehow being manipulated.

Harry sensed a change of mood and began to press his advantage.

“Look – there's nothing stopping you. This is the team you have supported all of your life and now you have chance to be a big part of it for a season. Hundreds of fans would jump at the chance to be in your shoes. Plus – this has happened at the perfect time. You've just sold the business and have lots of time on your hands – and, you are probably fitter than most of the Wishton squad! You're in great shape.”

Luke knew that Harry had won – Harry didn't know about all of Luke's other business interests so he couldn't use that as an excuse – besides which, the businesses were so well run that they really didn't need his day-to-day involvement. Harry had also played upon Luke's love of his football team – and the wrath of his family if he turned this down!

“OK.” Luke grinned. “I give up! I'll go along with this – but don't grumble if I embarrass you all!”

Harry and the rest of the family cheered and then they looked around at each other – they were all sure this would be a big success – so why were they all suddenly worried about being embarrassed…..