Gunning for Glory: An Arsenal Story

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Mckergan

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Gunning for Glory: An Arsenal Story ™

Prologue


15th​ May 2006
Two days before the biggest game in my illustrious career, the Champions League final, playing against Barcelona was a game that every football player up and down the country dreams of. We were unbeaten in the Group Stages of the competition and had yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages, beating Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal along the way, however, this game was like no other, it was the be all, and end all. I had the chance to put my name down in history as one of only three Northern Irish born players to win the trophy, along with George Best and Martin O’Neill, with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest respectively.


16th​ May 06

We had a last minute training session before the match at Stade de France, in Paris against Barcelona. After completing sprints, ball-work, shooting practice and finally penalties just incase it went to the wire. That’s when Arsène pulled me aside.

Arsène: “Steven, I know you have had a tough time at Arsenal trying to break through into the first team, but I firmly believe in your ability, which you have started to show in this competition, and throughout this year. For that reason and from your performances when you came on during the Juventus and Villarreal games, I am going to start you in the final against Barcelona”

Me: “I don’t know what to say Arsène, thank you; I promise you I will not let you down.”

Arsène: “I really hope not Steven, I really hope not! Now go train with the other ones and don’t mention this conversation, I don’t want the other players to lose focus.”

I made my way to train with the other lads, with a smile from ear to ear, this was my time to shine on the biggest stage of all, not only that, but I wanted to show my appreciation for a man that gave me my opportunity to do something that I love from a young age. Play football. I wanted to show Arsène that he made the right choice when he first signed me to the club and now, for the faith he has shown me in his squad selection for the final at the Stade de France, Paris.

With the training session over and players making their way to the changing rooms I couldn’t help but feel privileged to be where I am today. If it weren’t for the support of my family and Arsène Wenger I very much think I would be in a dead end job right now. After getting showered and changed after training I made my way to the car in order to get back to the hotel, which was a must in order for relaxation before the game tomorrow.
I jumped in my White BMW 320d ES, hit the on button for the cd player and I was on my way. The thrill I got from driving this car was unreal, it was a dream car, which won the 2006 car of the year infact.


“And when I'm gone, just carry on, don't mourn
Rejoice every time you hear the sound of my voice
Just know that I'm looking down on you smiling
And I didn't feel a thing, So baby don't feel no pain
Just smile back”


I just had to turn it up, as loud as it could go, it was one of those songs that you had to press the repeat button over and over again until you were bored, but that was never going to be the case.


A roundabout was straight ahead with traffic lights, I made my way to the first set of lights, which seemed to be on Red forever, was it broke? Do I go? Do I wait? I had never broke the law in my entire life, so I didn’t fancy starting to do that now, and if I did, I would probably end up in jail and being plastered all over the tabloids, and what would that mean? Missing the Champions League final, which was tomorrow. So I waited, and waited and finally they changed, boy was I relieved, I could of sat there all day. I put the car in gear a slowly took off, I was the third exit off the roundabout, so I had a bit to go to get there, possibly the biggest roundabout I have ever seen in my life.


I made my way around the roundabout only to hear a car speeding at an alarming amount, where was he? I couldn’t see anything or anyone? I glanced in my rear view and side mirrors and the car was nowhere to be seen. Until…

SMASHH!!!


TWO cars smashed into the side of me while passing the second exit, I could only assume they were racing each other. I lay there without a movement; both legs were jammed in below the dash. I couldn’t move, but I could hear mumbling and sirens fast approaching the accident. Few seconds had passed before I was eventually gone, I had blacked out.

To be continued..

Comments/Constructive Criticism and Feedback are all welcome..

Plenty more updates to follow..thank you for reading!
​
 
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Chapter 2
​

My eyes began to shutter, everything was blurry, and I could barely see two feet in front of me but at least I knew I was still alive and could finally get back to playing football again for the Mighty Gunners.

Me: Mum? Mum, Mum? I still couldn’t see, I was doing guesswork of who was who and if indeed anyone was here with me.

Mum: I’m here son don’t worry; everything’s going to be okay. We’re all here for you now; we’re going to look after you. The doctor’s going to come in shortly and have a talk with you regarding your car accident.
​

I patiently waited for the doctor, second after second, minute after minute, It seemed like I was waiting forever for him/her, it was bringing back flashbacks of the accident which weren’t entirely pleasant viewing from my perspective.

Finally the doctor entered the room, I knew it was him straight away, the heavy footsteps, the fact that I could hear everyone in my family stand up to hear what news he had for me and my career.

Doctor: Steven, you have been in a terrible accident, and you are truly lucky to be even sitting here…
​

I sat there, staring at a blurred white coat hanging on the edge of his every word…

Doc: But I am afraid, as for your football career, it’s over, you will quite simply be unable to play again.

Me: But that’s impossible I feel fine except for my vision and even it is coming back now, I can feel it, I can, tell him Mum…

Mum: Son, there is nothing they can do; we have had this discussion plenty of times while you have been in a coma. They have done all they can, the only thing you can do now is be referred to a Physio. I’m so sorry Steven.

Doc: It’s not your vision that is the problem Steven; it’s your ability to walk. I’m afraid you have been paralyzed from waist down which therefore means you will not be able to walk again and you will be wheelchair bound. I’m so sorry Steven.
​

And with that, the doctor exited the room and left me sat froze thinking on what could have been. What if I had of run the red light? Took the fine if I was caught, maybe got benched for the Champs..?

I sat there looking around myself at everyone in the room, thinking, I opened my mouth to ask the dreaded question.

Me: What about the final in Paris?

Mum: You’ve been in a coma for over a year, you’ve missed it.
​

With that mum broke down in tears, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but for some reason wouldn’t move, I had no emotion, I just sat there, willing myself to get up and walk out of here to return to training but I couldn’t, I was wheelchair bound for the rest of my life, and there was nothing I could do about it.

Me: W-w-what was the score?

Dad: Leave your Mum alone, cant you see she is upset enough?

Me: Upset? She’s not the one who’s going to be stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of her ******* life is she? No, I am, not you, not her, none of you! I’ll find out the score myself, GET OUT, ALL OF YOU!
​

With that, the nurse and doctors came in and escorted everyone out of the room and I could hear him saying, its probably best if you give him some space to digest that he will never be able to walk again or play something that he has done all his life. Hearing those words from his mouth, not even to me, but to someone else, broke me in half.

Once on the verge of playing for Arsenal in the Champions League final against Barcelona, I was now paralyzed and never to be able to kick a ball again. ​

Comments/Feedback/Constructive Criticism are all very much welcome..

Lots of updates to follow..

Thank you for reading so far..
​
 
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Chapter 3
​

Weeks had passed since the big blow up with my family and I was truly regretful for my actions towards them so I made a phone call to apologise for my temperament whilst they were visiting me in the hospital.

Several more days passed and it was the same old, same old things, just a different day, until I had a visitor. It was indeed Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal Manager.

Arsène: How are you Steven? I heard you were wakened from a coma.

Me: Yeh Arsène, it definitely has been one of the hardest moments in my life; I just hope I can get through all of it.

Arsène: Well that’s what I came to talk to you about; we want to help you get through this, so…as a club and a friend I want to offer you the chance to become a Coach at Arsenal? Now you will obviously have to do your coaches badges, and I know you are perfectly capable of doing these, this is why I am offering you this chance right here, right now? We want you to continue your illustrious career at Arsenal; I had faith in you back then as a player and I have faith in you now as a coach. What do you say Steven?

Me: Wait, you do know I will be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life right?

Arsène: We do know this as a member of the team or myself have been here on a regular basis Steven, and that is why we are making the Stadium wheelchair friendly, this will enable you and the supporters of the fantastic club to get around the stadium safely and freely.

Me: If that is the case Arsène I would love to become a coach at Arsenal, I will get started on my badges as soon as possible.

Arsène: I look forward to working with you again Steven. I have to go now, have another training session. See you later then!

This was the next best thing I could of hoped for, now aged 26, I had the rest of a career I thought was gone from beneath me. For the first time since before my accident I was excited again to be involved with football. This was the chance I had been waiting for and now it is here!

After being checked out of hospital, going to a Physio and trying to get myself in the best condition I could possibly be in I then went for my badges. While taking my time to get the coaching badges I was finally ready for coaching at Arsenal FC. This was a dream come true. Working under Arsène Wenger and with players I had previously played with hurt at times, but it was rewarding knowing I could maybe teach these guys a few things.

My first day back at the club was unbelievable, I was greeted by everyone at the club on the training pitch with a round of applause, it was great to finally be back at a club where I felt I belonged, nothing else would of felt right.

After several years down the line, and training session after training session I was in my element, it was fast approaching to the end of 2011 and with Pat rice stepping down as Assistant Manger to Arsène Wenger I was to be unveiled as the new Assistant to Wenger.

To be continued..

Comments/Constructive Criticism and Feedback are all welcome..

Thank you for taking the time to read so far..Plenty more updates to follow..
​
 
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Chapter 4

The end of season was fast approaching and throughout the season two major takeovers had now taken place during the 2010/11 season including Liverpool (taken over by John W Henry) and Blackburn (taken over by Venky’s Limited from India).

With the season completed unfortunately for us there was only to be one winner, and that was Manchester United, claiming their 19th​ league title, breaking the record of Liverpool’s for 18 titles. With Manchester United champions, Chelsea second, Man City third, it meant that we had to settle for fourth, merely missing out on 2nd​ and 3rd​ by 3 points. If we had of beat our rivals Spurs at the Emirates, who knows? We may have finished second in the final league table.

View attachment 244918


For me on a personal level, it was a fantastic season, I had returned to football in a coaching role and I was watching a club grow, however some people thought the opposite, with the media starting to get on Arsène’s back, I could tell he was feeling the pressure in management, but he never changed his approach, he believed in these kids, just like he believed in me at both stages, when he was determined to play me in the final, and again when he offered me a coaching role at this outstanding club. Yes I will admit to anyone it was a tough season to get through, and it was made a lot harder by me being in a wheelchair having to get around, but the support and love from this club and my family have been overwhelming.

For my family and I it was time for a well deserved break from football and the beginning of the Summer months.

To be continued..

Comments/Constructive Criticism and Feedback are all welcome..

Thank you for taking the time to read so far..Plenty more updates to follow..

​
 
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Chapter 5

View attachment 244951

Arsène Wenger announces resignation from Arsenal Football Club and retirement from Management!

View attachment 244950
Arsène Wenger retires from Management and takes Director of Football role at Arsenal

June 11

Everyone at the club was stunned, the ‘Le Professeur’ had handed in his resignation to a club that he loved and managed since 96’

No one at the club knew what was going on, why he had resigned and what drastically changed to make him make the decision he did. Everyone was in awe of this man and what he had done for this club, where would Arsenal Football club go from here?

We would find out the answers later that day in a press conference Peter Hill-Wood had organised.

View attachment 244949


Sat at the back of the room, you could almost hear a pin drop, it was so silent, everyone wanted to know what the chairman had to say about why the man I had looked up to for the majority of my life had left the club he loved so dearly.

A voice then out spoke from the crowd:

Journalist: “Why did he leave Peter?”

Peter Hill-Wood: “First of all; I would like to thank Mr.Wenger for all that he has done for this club, since 96’ he has won countless trophies for Arsenal including: 3 Premier League Titles, 4 FA Cups and 4 Community Shields (also known as the charity Shield before 02’). I also believe that if he had stayed on he would have went on to win a lot more trophies than what he done already, however Arsène has thought otherwise and decided to step down.

He has told me to inform you all that for the good of the club he can no longer carry on and for this fact, and this fact alone; he has resigned from his position of Manger at Arsenal Football Club and has decided to retire from football management.

Arsène will still however be involved with the club, he will now be employed as a Director of Football”

Journalist: “Have you anyone in mind for the vacant Manger’s position then as Arsène has the Managerial job at the club”?

Peter Hill Wood: Yes there are many Managers available at this moment for the position, however nothing has been decided as of yet.

However…as Arsène has been a part of this club for such a long time, we have entrusted his judgement with the vacancy he has left.

A decision on the managers job will be made during the next few weeks, including; meetings with the board and interviews with the applicants. It is notable that we do not wish to rush this decision, as Arsenal Football Club deserves the best and will receive the best applicant available to us as a club.

Managers thought to be in the running for the position are:

Jose Mourinho, David Moyes, Rafa Benitez, Laurent Blanc and Carlo Ancelotti of Paris St Germain who has openly stated he would love to make a return to the Premier League.

Who would take over? Only time will tell!

To be continued..

Comments/Constructive Criticism and Feedback are all welcome..

Thank you for taking the time to read so far..Plenty more updates to follow..
​
 
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Brilliant start Mac, I knew you had footman skills but apparently you can write too. Great layout m8. Defo be following
 
Chapter 6
​


An Arsenal Revolution

View attachment 245060


​
July 5th​ 11


Arsenal Football Club has announced the shock decision to appoint a manager with no experience in the Management Industry. They have instead decided on a former player to lead the club forward.

View attachment 245061

Wheelchair bound Steven McKergan appointed as manager of Arsenal Football Club!

​
It is understood that Arsène Wenger had a major influence on the decision that was made and all faith was put in the hands of the former manager to move the club forwards.

Although Steven McKergan has no managerial accolades he does however possess coaching badges of the highest level and has spent a large sum of time working and learning from ‘Le Professeur’ Arsène Wenger.

A few hours after the news of the appointment had gone viral, it was time for the press conference.

Would I be gruelled for the lack of experience I had or would the media and fans alike give me a chance to prove my abilities on the biggest stage of all? The Barclays Premier League and Europe.

I began making my way to the press conference room where, just before entering Peter Hill-Wood looked at me and said, “This is your time boy, we all have faith in you here at this club, it is your destiny”

Those words would echo through my head as I made my way into my chair with Mr Hill-Wood alongside me!

View attachment 245062


Peter Hill-Wood: “First off, I would like to thank the media on behalf of the club and myself for taking the time out to come to this press conference for the unveiling of Steven McKergan as our new manager.

Can you all please now direct your questions to Mr. McKergan and he will answer them as best he can, thank you.”

Journalist: “You sit here in front of us as the new Arsenal manager, is this your dream job?”

Me: “Of course this is my dream job, I was once a player for this club before my fatal accident and now I can return to club where I learned from the very best. This job is what it is all about for me.”

Journalist: “You arrive here as Arsène Wenger takes a more, shall we say backseat role at the club. Do you feel the pressure to better his success?”

Me: “Anyone who replaced Arsène Wenger was always going to feel the pressure of this job, I am no different. However, I am my own manager and I will do everything in my power to ensure this club moves forward, I want to win trophies just as much as any other fan.”

Journalist: “How much do you tend to be involved with this club and what would you say your management style is? An arm around the shoulder maybe or a more stern approach?”

Me: “I will look to be involved as much as time allows me to be, if I have to work from six until ten at night then so be it, I want everyone to be a success at this club and that means treating everyone else the way you want to be treated, I feel players operate a whole lot better when they feel valued as people as well as footballers.”

Journalist: “A lot of reports are circulating that you may be interested in Andre Ayew of Marseille, is this something you wish to comment on?”

Me: “I’m not going to comment on speculation folks, I have been here merely a few days, so I don’t even know who this boy is or where he even plays.

I would like to thank you all for your questions, however I have a training session I need to get to so I can greet the players as a manager of this club.”

Peter Hill-Wood: “That concludes the press conference and I would once again like to thank you all for attending.”

I made my way to the exit with Mr Hill-Wood, attempting to make a quick getaway only to be halted in the hallway by Peter Hill-Wood, only to tell me; Well done son, you did well in there, you handled yourself impeccably.

With the press conference over, and just before meeting the players i would be in control of for the foreseeable future, there was another announcement, which was to be that:

Arsenal announce new badge to celebrate being formed since 1886, exactly 125 years ago to the date.


View attachment 245063


"It is a very proud moment in my career to be involved with such a great part of history. I will do my up most to ensure this club moves forward from this day on and keep the proud traditions that this club is used to"

To be continued..

Comments/Constructive Criticism and Feedback are all welcome..

Thank you for taking the time to read so far..Plenty more updates to follow..
 
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Quality update mate, lol... they made the right choice. Good luck and KUTGW.
 
Chapter 7

“Spend money or fall flat on our face”


I made my way gradually to the escalator in order to get to Mr. Kroenkes office as we had a very vital meeting ahead of us regarding the future of this club.


We exchanged pleasantries and so it was down to business.


“Look Mr. Kroenke, I mean no disrespect at all here, but I honestly believe we have to start spending money to compete with the bigger teams. Look at Man City alone? How much have they spent? Manchester United, Chelsea has all spent large amounts, look where they are, there all above us. We need to spend money Stan or we’re only going to go backwards instead of forwards, and trust me, we don’t want that.”


It was true, I truly believed if we didn’t spend money this summer, the club would eventually fall behind the likes of Liverpool and our main rivals Tottenham, and we certainly could NOT let that happen!


Stan Kroenke: “With Financial Fair Play Rules coming in this season Steven we don’t have very much leeway on the situation ahead of us. I totally agree that we need to spend money this summer and I will do my up most to ensure you have the funds available to you. But not so that it leaves us struggling to meet the requirements outlined by UEFA.”


“I fully understand where you are coming from Stan and anything around the 35million mark would be fantastic if you can”


Stan Kroenke: Well I think you are going to be very happy with this total then; you have 50million to spend on players. Now, this is adjustable, as you have 160k left in wages, if you wish you could increase your transfer budget by a further 7million. Is this something you would want to do?


“I don’t know what to say Mr. Kroenke, thank you so much, I think I will stick with the 50million, it is more than generous considering the rules that have come into place. Obviously with player sales, I will receive the funds from the sales?”


Stan Kroenke: Yes Steven you will, the funds you generate from sales are all yours!”


“I appreciate this Mr. Kroenke, thank you for believing in me and providing me with the funds to take this club forward”

I started to make my way to the door, when Mr. Kroenke stood up and said, “Let me get that for you” he held the door for me while I made my way back to my office to ponder over who I could sign to improve the squad I already have. With Cesc leaving a position that needed filling in centre midfield, and with Ramsey not being quite ready and Jack injured it would be tough if I didn’t sign another midfielder.


Before any scouting for targets could be done, something that none of us like to do had to take place.


With the overwhelming amount of Scouts at the clubs disposal, some of them were not quite the standard I was looking for, so unfortunately had to be relieved of their duties. Among those relieved included:


Christian Karembeu

Peter Clark

Daniel Karbassiyoon

Tony Banfield

Bobby Bennett

Everton Gushiken

Jurgen Kost &

Stewart Houston

Clark, who previously played for Arsenal for two years, went on to release a statement regarding his dismissal from the club;


“It is truly heartbreaking to be pushed out of a club you have previously played for, but I understand where Steven was coming from and he had to make sacrifices. I wish him all the best at Arsenal.”


I informed the remaining scouts at the club to come to my office straight away, as we needed to discuss what they have found in regards to talent so far.


A knock then came to the door…


“Come in"


“Hello lads, make yourself comfortable, we need to discuss who we can add to our squad to improve our chance of winning the Premiership this year.


Martin Keown, I understand you have been scouting the U.K? What have you got so far?”

Martin Keown: “Well, Am…Dirk Kuyt?”

“You mean to tell me you want Dirk Kuyt at Arsenal Football Club? Why? He’s certainly not the type of player Arsenal usually sign.”


M. Keown: “For his work rate, the man never lye’s down, I honestly think he will lead by example and the other players will take note of what he brings to this team should you decide to sign him.”


“I don’t think he’s what we need at the minute Martin, but thank you for your suggestion. We need someone with great technical ability. Anyone else have a player in mind?”


(Head Scout)-Steve Rowley: “We have all been working very hard boss, but there is nothing as of yet, we want to bring exceptional talent to this club, just like you do, that is why it is a slow process.”


“That will be all then fellas, and Steve; find me some players…soon”


The scouting team made their way out of the office unknown to them I had my own shortlist prepared. After going to some pre season games I had my own ideas on who to bring in. The Scouting ploy? Well that was to keep them on their toes.


To be continued..

Comments/Constructive Criticism and Feedback are all welcome..

Thank you for taking the time to read so far..Plenty more updates to follow.

​
 
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Great story mate, i've only skimmed through it but i'll return later and read the whole thing when i have more time.
 
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