EnemaOfTheState
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The final whistle blew and I punched the air, before heading over to shake Roberto Di Matteo's hand. He didn't look happy.
My first game in charge of Newcastle United and a draw at the Hawthorns - no mean feat. After two early goals for the home side, my lads took a grilling at half time. And it worked. The boys came charging out, and we dominated the second half; more possession, more shots, first to every second ball - but we couldn't hit the back of the net.
Step forward, Andy Carroll. I strode onto the pitch and shook Andy's hand.
"Great stuff lad, you pulled us out of a hole today."
Andy grinned and we both headed over to the travelling supporters, saluting their commitment to Newcastle United.
Five minutes before the full-time whistle, that lot looked ready to murder me. Five added minutes and two goals later, I could see the relief on their faces as I applauded them, and them me. They'd been through so much as fans of most embaressed club in England, and I was looking to change all that. As I followed my players down the tunnel, I turned and looked at the rapidly emptying Hawthorns, letting it sink in.
This is where I'm meant to be; not on the football pitch, but right beside it.
I punched the air again and headed into the dressing room.
***
I was never really one for playing football. Sounds funny, seeing as though I played at a professional standard for 13 years, but I was never really that good.
On the books at Man City - let go.
On the books at Stockport County - let go.
On the books at Crewe Alexandra - let go.
Finally, I found my place at Rochdale AFC and worked my way up the league pyramid, hitting my peak as a substitute for Inter Milan when we lost the 1997 UEFA Cup final. I know what you're thinking: "This lad couldn't even get into the Crewe first team, yet he managed to get all the way to Internazionale?" The same thought occurred to me, but I wasn't about to question it.
All I'll say is, its funny what a good season can do for your career.
After leaving Inter that year, things settled back to normality as I played for Bolton, Sheffield Wednesday, and Hull City, before ending my career at non-league Curzon Ashton. Despite not being completely enthralled by the playing aspect of football, I absolutely adored the tactical side to it; formations, transfers, training - it fascinated me. I knew even before I went to Inter that I wanted to be a manager after my playing days were over.
As I got older and older, and my minutes on the pitch became less and less, I started shadowing coaches and managers at my various clubs, before achieving my pro coaching badges. A stint at non-league Ramsbottom United ended well, with the Rams achieving promotion, but I left that summer - I wanted to be at a bigger and better club. After speaking to my previous mentors, I was recommended for a coaching position at Gateshead FC, and it just spiralled from there.
I sit here now, as the new manager of Newcastle United, and I'm proud. Not that I've hit the summit, far from it. I want to take Newcastle into an era of unprecedented success. Call me stupid, disillusioned, a dreamer - just see what you call me in ten years time.
***
"The vacant managerial position at Newcastle was recently filled by the man sitting up ahead of me, Oli Riley, who sits with his new signings at his first press conference as manager.
'Mr Riley, Sky Sports News. Do you think you can challenge for the Championship title this season?'
'Without a doubt. Everything is in place for this club to bounce straight back to the best league in the world, and with all the talent sitting to my left and right, I have no problem in stating that we can win the title this season.'
'About that talent - can you tell us more?'
'Certainly. The Championship is a very competitive league, and as well as bolstering the midfield, I felt we needed a proven goalscorer, which is exactly what Yannick Djalo is. Due to Nicky ****'s injury, I felt we needed a new defensive midfielder, and with all the qualities that Maduro Hedwiges possesses, I am in no doubt that he will be a star at the club. Tobias Linderoth is another player who excels at this level, and the amount of interest in him just goes to show how much he is rated.'
'What about your loan signings?'
'Well, I brought in Fred Stoor for the season as cover, due to his ability to play anywhere along the backline - he'll be important in Newcastle's season, no doubt about it. Finally, Matt James and Shane Duffy are very promising youngsters who can fill in when needed. As well as the lads helping us, we will be looking to help them in their development as players. I couldn't be happier with the signings Newcastle have made, every player will be important in our season.'
'What are your relations with players such as Jose Enrique and Fabricio Collocini at present, Mr Riley?'
'Naturally, Jose and Fabricio were upset at the sale of Jonas, who is a close friend of both of theirs. However, after sitting down and talking to both players, we all now have a level of understanding and there are no problems with the relationship between myself and my players. Thankyou for attending, there will be no more questions.'
"That was of course Oli Riley, new Newcastle United manager, claiming that his side can win the Championship title this season. We have former Newcastle star Philippe Albert the studio with us now - Philippe, what do you think of the appointment of Riley as manager?"
Might be a bit wordy for most people, I'm not sure. Any feedback is appreciated :wub:
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