Gunning for Glory: An Arsenal Story

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Chapter 8

“Mr. Kroenke, get me him, we need this player, whatever the cost”

I put the phone down, and that was that, the wheels were in motion for a Serie A player to join the club. Mr. Kroenke was to send a fax through to the Italian club with a formal bid.

I exited my office to go for a cup of coffee, making my way down the hall, a figure of a person busted through the double doors at the end of hall, sprinting towards me, as he get closer I could make out who it was. It was Steve Rowley, head scout, and it looked important.

Steve Rowley: “B-b-b-b”

He was out of breath that much he could hardly speak.

“Wow, wow, wow, slow down Steve, what’s the panic?”

Steve Rowley: “We’ve got two players Steven, there real talents, and could blossom into two of the top prospects in the world. We need to move fast though, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, and the two Manchester clubs are in for them too. We need to move, NOW!

“Hold up, you expect me to go by your word that these guys are good enough for this team?”

Steve Rowley: “Yes, I do, it’s our job to find talent, that’s what we’ve done, and you have to trust me on this one Steven. Make a bid for both, I promise you; you will not regret trusting me on these two players.”

“Fine, what’s their names?”

Steve Rowley: “Erik Torres and Carlos Fierro from Chivas in Mexico. They will both be exceptional talents, trust me. Now bear in mind, Carlos will not be able to sign until the start of next season due to under seventeen players not being allowed to move abroad.

“Ok Steve, I’ll take your word on this.”

A few seconds later and I was on the phone to Mr. Kroenke, telling him to get those two deals done for me. Of course I told him I have seen them play, or else I highly doubt he would’ve been so quick to get the chequebook out.

With these three players in the pipeline to sign for the club everything was looking rosy, a talented player from Serie A, and one Mexican hopefully joining up with the squad before pre season. The other Mexican hopefully, all being well, to join the following season.

However, that being said, I still have a few more signings up my sleeve to bolster the starting line-up at the Emirates.

With this in mind, I got back on the phone to Mr. Kroenke. I’m sure by now he’s sick of hearing my voice.

“I need four more Stan”

“A Belgian, a Frenchman, a German, and a nifty little Brazilian, if you can’t get the rest, get the Brazilian, we definitely need that bit of extra flair. I’ll send the names through and the price I’m willing to pay for them.

Stan Kroenke: You’re really pushing the boat out here aren’t you Steven?

“Well, we want success Stan, so it has to be done. We need the players to help us challenge for the title for seasons to come. It’s what we want, and it’s what the fans want.”

Stan Kroenke: “I’ll get onto it then Steven, I’ll keep you informed. See you later. Bye”

Days had passed, training session after training session; we were attempting to get ready for pre season and the season ahead of us. It was going to be the biggest season of my career. FACT!

Then…a flourish of notifications informed us we had been successful with some bids, but with who?

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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Keep it up bud, loving the interaction when your asking Stan for players. lol. Reminds me of Arry. Classic Mac with the mexican boys you know them well, got an idea of who you might get in. Guess i'll find out. Well done m8.
 
Chapter 9

“A new team, a new lease of life"

A new week and everyone around the club was delighted with the progress the club has been making, it was plain to see. With the new additions to the squad that only the club knew about, the excitement was fierce.

We, as a club decided it was time to announce the signings publicly, for the club, and the fans sake. I am sure they couldn't wait to hear the news.

Defenders

Daniel Schwaab

We were in desperate need for a back-up right back, that's what Daniel is here for. 4m

View attachment 245327

Jan Vertonghen

A machine at the back who reads the game very well and can also play out from the back, at Arsenal, that's what we need. 10m

View attachment 245329

Aly Cissokho

Dynamite going forward and half decent defensively, he will mostly be attacking anyway.12m

View attachment 245326

Midfielders

Marek Hamsik

The replacement for Fabregas, and he can finish, will be used in the Central Midfield role, but can also be deployed on the wing if we need back-up. A great midfielder. 29m

View attachment 245328

Willian

A tricky Brazilian winger who can definately beat a man, and can finish, with our attacking force, he will be vital in the final third. 10.5m

View attachment 245331

Mexican Forwards

Carlos Fierro & Erick Torres

Both players with great potential, definately ones for the future in this Arsenal team.
Torres was a regular in the Chivas team last season playing twenty games, scoring 8 at only 17.

View attachment 245325View attachment 245330


Other teams were standing up and taking notice of our dealings in the transfer market.

Quotes from Premiership Managers:


Sir Alex Ferguson: "Arsenal have been very active in the transfer market this summer, we’ll see where they are come the end of the season."

Harry Redknapp: "Steven is definitely trying to revolutionise the Arsenal way of thinking, but it won’t work, we’ll still finish above them at the end of the year."

Roberto Martinez: "Steven has done very well in the current market, i wish i had the money he has at his disposal."

Tony Pulis: "Credit goes to the Arsenal manager here, he's done brilliantly with some of those signings, we have actually been tracking Erick Torres and Fierro for a very long time. There two players to look out for in the future."

On the other hand, departures include:

Maroune Chamakh - Loan fee of 2.8m with an option to purchase for 7.75m
Andre Santos - Loan fee of 1.4m to Villarreal with an option to purchase for
Manuel Almunia - 4m to Espanyol

And there may be more to follow in the coming weeks before the transfer market closes.

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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Enjoying the story! Keep it going. Great to see someone do something different with a team I'm playing.
 
Chapter 10

“YOU'RE FIRED!!?”

It was one of our many training sessions, and with our new players taking part in their first, things were definitely looking promising on the training field for the forthcoming season.

“Theo? C’mere a sec!”

Theo began to jog over to where I was sat watching the training session.

Theo: “Yes Boss?”

“Look Theo, I know you think you’re the quickest player in the Premier League, god, on the planet sometimes, but that isn’t going to get you very far. Listen kid, your going to have to step it up and so am I. I’m hiring you a shooting coach, and I want you to train with this guy until your shooting improves. You could be a fantastic forward if it was just for your finishing. With the help of the new shooting coach and dedication from you, I truly believe you could be one of the best in the world.”

Theo: “Thanks boss, I’ll take all your comments on board and I’ll get working on my finishing straight away. Thank you for the faith you have shown in my ability.”

“Your welcome Theo, don’t let me down. Now go train with the others.”

Theo jogged off to train with the other lads and I couldn’t help but remember the exact same words that Arsène Wenger once told me. They inspired me to a further myself in my career and they’re still doing so to this day. I just hope Theo thinks the same and gives everything, and takes the chances that I never had.

I began to make my way back to the office to sit back and relax. I finally made it there, took me a while though, but I did.

I picked up a piece of paper with the squad of players I had at my disposal. Scanning through I came across Yossi Benayoun.

With Marek, Ramsey and Mikel Arteta all battling it out for the middle of the park I had no room. Once Wilshire comes back, including Yossi that will be 5 central midfielders for the one position. It just isn’t plausible.

So I made the call.

“Hello Yossi?”

Yossi: “Yes Boss?”

“Are you still at training? If so, can you meet me at my office as soon as possible please, it’s important.”

A knock came to the door.

“Come in Yossi”


Yossi: “You wanted to see me Gaffer?”

“Yeh, look, I don’t know how to say this, I know you have only just joined Arsenal this season on loan, but unfortunately with the new signings and the existing players I just don’t see how you fit into this team. I’m sorry but I am going to have to terminate your loan Yossi, I hope you understand.”

Yossi: “In all honesty, no I don’t understand. Arsène brought me here for a reason, why can’t you see that? I want to stay here at this club until my loan expires.”

“Arsène isn’t the boss anymore is he? I am, and I make the rules around here. Anyway, you won’t have to take on board the rules of this club, you’ll have to take on Chelsea’s though, your contracts now terminated.”

Yossi: "Fine, you've obviously made up your mind. Bye!"

The door slammed with a thud, shaking pictures and mirror alike. i thought the whole office was going to come crashing down around me. It was definately something i did not expect from Yossi.

View attachment 245375

Yossi Benayoun Loan Contract Terminated!

View attachment 245372

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 11

“This isn’t going to be a walk in the park lads”

We had arrived, El Madrigal, the home of Villarreal and Jose Molina their manager. I got lowered off the bus by the wheelchair accessible ramp, closely followed by Marek and Aaron Ramsey to a crowd of boo’s and what I thought people laughing at the fact I was in a wheelchair. It certainly wasn’t the best feeling I had experienced but it was something I had to learn to deal with. Most places I go would be the same so it was definitely something I had to try to accept.

We slowly made our way to the dressing room, being eye-balled by the majority of the fans, had they not forgave us for preventing them from reaching the final in 06’? Why hold a grudge for that long? I suppose it was football after all.

As I looked around the dressing room, everyone was sat on the benches around the sides, a look of fear across their face.

It was time I started being a manager.

“You have nothing to worry about here lads, it’s just the same as every other game, I believe in you all, and I know you can do this. It’s time to stand up and be counted, not only as footballers, but also as men. You have nothing to lose here, now get out and show Villarreal how football is really played!!”

As I finished my last words, there was an up roar in the dressing room, the most passion I have ever seen from a group of lads. Banging of walls, stamping of feet, roars of "come on we can do this," it had everything, and this was a friendly?

The talking was done and it was time to do our talking…on the pitch.

As we made our way out of the tunnel at El Madrigal, you couldn’t help but notice the emptiness of the stadium. A stadium that holds around 22,000 people was only half full. I know it’s a friendly and all, but if the fans that were outside the stadium laughing at us on the way in were actually in the stadium, then it might, just might be full.

With our players fired up, I believed there was only going to be one winner…us.

As the referee blew his whistle for the game to start, the passion on both sets of players was clear to be seen. Jose Molina had obviously fired his players up and wanted revenge for 06’.

With both teams desperately wanting to win, it was a case of when a goal would come. For 30 minutes the game was at deadlock, both teams were playing end-to-end football and for the neutrals it was a great game. Finally Benik Afobe got on the ball out wide, knocked it past Joan Oriol, when he was brought down. It was a free kick approximately 10 yards in front of the half way line. Hamsik stepped up to take it, he had practiced these types of free kicks for the majority of his career and it proved. He struck a wonder ball into the box and Willian graciously met it with his forehead, and floated it towards the far corner of the net. We were one up at the El Madrigal with all still to play for. The remaining of the first half was much the same as the first thirty minutes, end-to-end football.

The referee signaled the end of the first half. We were still ahead by a goal.

The players walked off and I followed them into the dressing room.

“What a half lads, you should be proud of yourselves, you took what I said on board, and to be here, at the El Madrigal, and winning, is a feat in itself. However, you still all have a job to do. Benik, Willian, Marek, you’re all doing well. Let’s get out there and play these boys off the park.”

As the players were walking out Benik Afobe came over to be and said, “ I know it’s a friendly, but I want to thank you for this opportunity to prove myself to you”

I couldn’t help but smile, this is why I accepted the job in the first place, to give players the opportunities they deserve.

Benik ran out to get warmed up once again before the start of the second half, and I got out just in time before kick off.

I sat there among the subs praying for a win, it was our last pre season game and we needed to win this to give us a morale boost before the first game of the season at Q.P.R.

We were roughly ten minutes into the second half when Alban Bunjaku went through on goal one on one; however, it wasn’t to be for the 17 year old, he got brought down by Mateo Mussachio, who was already on a yellow. The ref pulled two cards from his pocket, a yellow, and a red. He was off and Villarreal were down to ten. This was our time to push forward.

Villarreal broke from their own half with ten men; they got as far as outside the box when Marek made a last ditch tackle to upend Marcos Senna. It was our turn to break. Marek played the ball up to Benik Afobe who laid it wide to Willian, who made a break for the byline from inside his own half beating two men in the process. He reached the byline, where Marek, Benik and Alban were all waiting for the final ball. “Cross it now” I shouted. Marek met it with a strong header and it was a GOALLL! That’s why I bought Willian, to make those runs, and produce a final ball.

“Cissokho? Get warmed up your going on”

He was barely on the pitch for five minutes and he made an impact. Aly made his way over the halfway line and played it off a Villarreal player and won a throw in in the final third. Aly took the throw, played a one-two with Alban who then decided to whip it into the box which was met by Willian, and it was our third goal on our travels, 3-0 up at the El Madrigal, we were in dreamland.

However, it didn’t last long, we received a sucker punch, it was the 83rd​ minute and Villarreal went on the break to win a corner. Camunas played the ball in from the corner, which was met by the head of Gerard Bordas, the 29-year-old winger. We lost our clean sheet.

The last ten were tense minutes in our technical area but we pulled through to take a 3-1 win back home from Spain.

“You all played excellent lads, that was a great performance, that’s what I want to see from you all when the season begins, just make sure you don’t lose concentration in the final ten”

We made our way back to the hotel in Spain, were we would later fly back to England the next day for final preparations for the incoming season.

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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Just wondering what people would like as regard to match updates? Like above or less detailed, for example; a month update at a time with updates on the life of steven mckergan? you all can decide what way this is done.
 
Wow excellent story, It has really been story-like as if it was written copied from a book. ( Nothing is wrong with it , I actually like it this way ) all I can say is continue . Can't wait for the next update . You've done some really good deals in the transfer market, especially with Hamsik and Vertonghen . CONTINUE!
 
Wow excellent story, It has really been story-like as if it was written copied from a book. ( Nothing is wrong with it , I actually like it this way ) all I can say is continue . Can't wait for the next update . You've done some really good deals in the transfer market, especially with Hamsik and Vertonghen . CONTINUE!

Wow, wasn't expecting that review. Thanks a million mate. Really appreciate the comment and i hope you will keep following!

Yeh, the signings have been good, got lucky with some i think personally, but none the less, the team is progressing nicely!

MIGHT have another one up tonight, not sure though, but definately tomorrow :)

Thanks again soccerkid5 ;)
 
Chapter 12

“And that concludes the draw”

After a lot of travelling, we were back to the comfort of our own homes.

It was the 5th​ August 11’ and it was time for a draw in a competition that we had previously never won. It was the Champions League. If we wanted to win it this year however, we would have to play above all expectations.


View attachment 245803 V View attachment 245804

Elsewhere in the draw, there were tricky ties for other top clubs; the finalised draw is as follows:

SLB v Rubin
OB v Lyon
Villarreal v Udinese
Bayern v Zurich

Obviously Bayern has the easiest of draws here, but it will remain to be seen which clubs will progress, and which will fall at the first hurdle.

“Well, we could have had a better draw, don’t get me wrong, I’m pleased we avoided Bayern, SLB and Villarreal, but a draw at Zurich would have been our preferred choice. However, the draw has been made and we will do our up most to progress to the group stages.”

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 so far. It's a good read and well thought out - well written too. Keep it up mate.
 
Great story so far. It's a good read and well thought out - well written too. Keep it up mate.

Thanks mate! Will be sure to keep the updates coming for all the people following.

Thanks for reading, and i hope you continue to enjoy it.
 
Chapter 13

Match Day - Vs QPR (Away)

“Alright Lads, how’s everyone feeling today?”

Quiet murmurs fled across the dressing room, too quiet for my liking.

“I SAID, how are we all feeling today?”

“Good boss” “Good gaffer”

That’s more like it fellas, it’s the first game of the season in the Barclays Premier League, you should all be excited. I remember playing…

My Assistant Manager stopped me from carrying on and said, “Err..boss, there’s a time and a place, this is match day.”

You’re right, basically today, we’re going to go for a bit of a change in formation, a flat four-four-two. We’ll be starting off with, Robin in nets, just kidding lads, don’t panic. Woj, you’ll be keeper, Bacary at right back, Aly, left back, two centre back will be…Kos and Jan, this will be a test for you Jan, its your first game in the Premier League, its physical, so stay strong and don’t let Zamora or Bothroyd throw you about. On the right wing we will have Alex-Oxlade, show me what you can do boy, I know Arsène had a lot of faith in you and I do too, over pre season you’ve been playing really well, take that onto the pitch. On the left Willian, I know this isn’t your favoured position and you would prefer to be much further up, but we are a team and sometimes you have to make sacrifices. Centre of the park? Marek and Alex Song, talk to each other in there, make it work, you have to control the game, especially away from home. Up top we have Robin and Theo, Midfielders will always be looking to play you two through on goal, so make those runs. Subs are: Lukasz, Schwaab, Ramsey, Mikel Arteta, Gervinho, Park and Thomas Rosicky.

I’m going to shut my mouth now, all you guys know what to do, you’ve been playing football all your life, you know how to win right? So go do it!

The players made their way onto the pitch and I took my seat in the technical area.

The referee blew his whistle to signal the beginning of the first half.

We were around the ten minute mark, when Sagna played the ball down the line to Alex-Oxlade, beat one, beat two, and slipped the ball through to Van Persie only for him to screw it wide. So close!

The 29th​ minute approached us, and QPR had the ball at their feet, Barton attempted a through ball to Zamora only to hit off his heels, the ball bounced back and landed kindly at Mareks feet. It could not of landed any more kindly. Marek turned and spread the ball to the left wing, picked up by Willian he burst forward to the byline, looked up and pulled it back towards Van Persie, but Anton Ferdinand got a foot to the ball to knock it out for a corner.

Marek ran over to take the corner, and was just about to take it when, what looked like the linesman telling him to move the ball back as it was outside the corner area. Marek replaced the ball and swung a right footer into the box, with the pace on the cross, it juggled about in the area and kindly landed at Theo’s feet for a simple tap in. We were 1 up at Loftus Road.

It was the 37th​ and Willian needlessly gave the ball away in our own half, Faurlin advanced and played it through to Bothroyd, one on one, but he skied the effort. We were still in the lead.

The ref signaled the end of the first half and we made our way into the changing rooms.

“Jan and Kos, tighten up in there, Bothroyd is running rings around you two, you’re better than that.”

“Song, you need to start picking up Faurlin, he’s a quality passer and needs to be closed down more. Hit him hard at the start of the next half.”

“Let’s go and get another few lads.”

The second half had started and Alex Song did exactly what I told him, went in hard on Faurlin taking the ball and the man. The tackle resulted in the ball rolling free for Walcott to pick up in the centre of the pitch; he laid it wide to Chamberlain and whipped a ball to the edge of the box to Van Persie. RVP struck the ball with his left, there was only going to be one outcome. The net rippled.

“Song, Walcott, chamberlain and RVP, well done lads, that’s what we needed, keep going”

“Subs, go warm up, you never know what could happen, be ready!”

The players had finished their warm up, and it was time to make two substitutions. “Ramsey and Arteta, you’re going on”

We were deep into stoppage time and QPR had a throw in, in our half. The ball was played to Zamora’s’ feet who then played it off to Taiwo. Taiwo played it into Barton who turned skillfully and thread a through ball into Tommy Smith who had just come on at the same time as Aaron and Mikel, but he screwed it wide.

At that point, it was over, the ref blew for full time and we were ecstatic. We’ve come to QPR and took the three points back to the Emirates. Goals from our two forwards had won us the game.

(Voted by commentators) Man of the match: Paddy Kenny - it says it all really, we dominated from start to finish, restricting them to 3 shots all game, none of which were on target.

(Voted by Me) Man of the match: Theo Walcott - he was everywhere at QPR today, and a truly deserved award for his efforts. He deserved his goal and maybe more.

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 14

“I glanced left, and there it was, two cars speeding towards the side of mine”

I shot up in bed, the dreams of the fatal crash I was once involved in had started all over again, it certainly wasn’t pleasant. They had been ever so common in the past few weeks and I was struggling to stay concentrated, even at training I would be zoning in and out on several occasions. Coaches would be talking, and I just wouldn’t be there. It was like I was back in 06’ when the accident happened.

It was now time for work; every morning was a total struggle to try and get ready for training. If only I was normal like the majority of people in this world. The dreams of the crash were certainly taking its toll. I found myself zoning in and out of conversations, not remembering the half of what people had said to me. It was definitely depression of some sort, but how do I combat it? The doctor? No chance, he would rule me out of going back to football this season so that wasn’t an option. I was managing Arsenal, a team I played for as a boy, and my health? On this occasion, comes second!

My chauffeur escorted me to the training ground in Hertfordshire, a short twenty-minute journey from my three bed roomed home, only to be met by Peter Hill-Wood.

Peter Hill-Wood: “Steven, wait up, I want to have a quick word, and can you spare a few minutes?”

With my eyes dreary a could barely see two feet in front of me, I was surprised I wasn’t calling him Stan.

“Yeh sure, make it quick though, I have a training session with the lads.”

Peter Hill-Wood: “Basically, I have been noticing your not your usual self these days Steven, you’re somewhat, distant from everyone, it almost feels like your in a different place, what’s going on Steven?”

“I’m fine Peter, bright as a daisy” I said trying to look much more awake than at the start of the conversation.

Peter Hill Wood: “Hmm…I’ll take your word for it, but make sure and tell me if something is bothering you. Go on, get to your training session, we have a few big games coming up.”

What was he even doing here; we were at the training grounds, not the stadium.

There was no chance I was actually telling him what was wrong, it would be as bad as the doctor fiasco, he would refer me to the club doctor, send me home, make me take time off. It was just not an option; I was grabbing this opportunity with both hands.

I made my way to the facilities were the lads were playing only to be noticed by Robin and the rest of lads.

Robin approached and said, “Boss are you okay?”

“Am I okay? I’m fine; why the **** does everyone keep asking me this? I’m fine, end of, get back to work, NOW!”

“Jezz boss, clam down, he was only asking a question, you do look a bit off today, maybe you should go and have a rest in the steam room or something, go and relax!

If I sat there much longer, I was going to flip, I couldn’t deal with the constant bombardment, asking me how I was, what was wrong, I couldn’t do it anymore, so I took the easy way route, I made my way back to the car.

I sat there in the car driven by my chauffeur, and couldn’t help but notice the whiskey glass empty.

“Oi, driver, have you got anything for this empty looking glass?”

Driver: “Are you sure that’s a good idea boss?”

“Yes it’s a good idea, you work for me, not the other way around, now where is it?”

Driver: “Bottom compartment, in behind the seat boss”

Half an hour later, and the bottle was empty, I was sat there, manager of Arsenal football club, drunk as a skunk, car spinning around in circles. And, honestly not knowing where the **** I was.

I needed more whiskey, “another bottle would be sufficient driver, none left in here? Burrrrpppp, Pardon”

Slurring every word I just spoke, I was surprised he understood a thing I said.

Driver: “We haven’t got”…

I was gone, fast asleep, not a care in the world. I must have been sleeping for the guts of a few hours.

A loud knock was the only thing that could waken me from my deep sleep.

Rolling down the window with a drool from my chin to the floor, I could only look up and stare at the large figure looking down on me with a look of disgust.

Peter Hill-Wood: “What do you think you’re doing Steven? I can smell the drink off you, you stink of the stuff.”

I couldn’t speak, I had no words to defend myself, I just sat and stared.

Peter Hill-Wood: “Really? Nothing? You're obviously not okay, go home and get yourself sorted, and don’t come back until you do.”

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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Fantastic m8, haha... proper loving him turning into a pisshead and having a bit of a stare. lol. Good move. Keep it up mac, you got a flair for this m8. Well done bud.
 
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