Strictly No Dancing?

[markyt]

Frank Gregan had worked like a man under pressure and barring a few brush strokes had almost completed a work of art.

The telephone, email and fax lines would have been busy as he chased and tracked down club chairman and made enquiries about the chosen ones. Players value and the money that clubs would actually consider were now ascertained and with Gregan already knowing Mark’s consideration on the perceived player valuation and how much he would spend on each of them the process had been somewhat simplified.

To that aim he was smug about his achievements and that took some getting used to but to give the man his due he had delivered part one in the majority. Part two would leave Mark to persuade the key individuals. As Mark listened he couldn’t actually believe his ears but by the end his hearing was obscured by a huge grin. James Gilpin was now a free agent and with Steve Clarke already suggesting WSM were interested Gilpin was delighted to receive the call and would duly arrive for a look around and to watch WSM take on Sheffield Wednesday. Gregan had already queried the contract and wages and these if the player agreed to the move were already done and dusted.

Stephen Anderson to was a done deal apart from personal terms. St Mirren had jumped at the chance of 40k for their striker and Anderson had agreed terms and conditions without hesitation. Despite the wage offered it was a huge leap from his current contract and after watching Guy Bates achievements on Sky Sports every Sunday morning Anderson wanted to test himself at a higher level. The wage increase helped mind. Bates had completed the same journey 12 months previously and Anderson was on his way.

For all of the positive news Gregan saved the best to last. He had asked MK Dons for a valuation for their two prize assets and after tense and at times fruitless negotiations Gregan had achieved a breakthrough. Mark would now get the chance to confirm or veto the deal. The Dons needed cash and quickly and for pure money up front and no delayed payments Pacey and McLeod would be available for 950k.

In addition they wanted WSM’s centre half Steve Evans for nothing. That meant the deal would be closer to 900k. Mark’s budget for transfers would be blown but by securing the two players he would have secured pretty much his full target list. Mark needed no hesitation to agree and within hours a disappointed Evans was heading North with the Dons duo winging their way to Bristol airport where Gregan himself would collect them and bring them to the club for talks.

By Thursday 9th July Mark had finalised all of the deals and the press delighted in meeting all of the new recruits signed during that long hot summer. Gilpin, Downes, Pacey, McBride, Quinn, McLeod, Anderson, Folan and Murray.

In all WSM had recruited two keepers, two centre halves, two midfielders and three strikers but Mark was far from finished and after a busy four days closed the door on new recruits. With no money remaining he had moved to tie up the two triallists at the club but despite both wanting to sign he could only actually complete one deal. Rohan Rickett’s was added to the crew with Alan Morgan off elsewhere to search for a much better deal than WSM could realistically afford. Rickett’s was relieved to have signed a contract and happily joined in with the new faces at the Thursday morning press conference. Morgan was a blow. Despite cover in the left back area Morgan was a class above and despite two or three attempts Morgan would not accept any of the offers on the table. Morgan had shown his quality in two pre season games and hoped that others were now aware of his availability and the job he could do. As a player freed from contract he was a bargain and someone else would surely reap the benefits.

With the barn door swinging with new players arriving Mark had to face up to difficult conversations and turned the barn door hinges to start them swinging in reverse. Steve Evans had gone to the MK Dons and whilst gutted at the move recognised that the Dons were a decent club and that he would play pretty much every game for them. Northmore and Collett the WSM reserve keepers were both placed on the transfer list although both had seen the writing on the wall with the signing of Murray. Ian Sharps and Cherno Samba completed the transfer listed players. Sharps had been up for sale for some time but there had been very little interest shown. Samba had not been happy by the arrival of so many strikers. He wanted to play up front despite Mark securing him for a more flexible position in the side either wide right or as a back up striker. Samba had been too quick to knock on Mark’s door to complain about competition for places and Mark had been quick to point out where the exit sign was. Samba was listed within minutes of their discussion with Mark's infamous patient span being tested for far too long and Samba being reminded that he was professional footballer. Consider yourself lucky and show me on the training ground you are worth a starting place....

Pre season friendlies were now down to just 4 remaining.

Four games to bed in 10 new players. The training ground would now be Mark’s domain and he couldn’t wait.....

[markyt]

The new dawn starts at 8.00pm Thursday night....

Sheffield Wednesday arrived for a Thursday evening game and despite decent opposition the crowd fell short of the Blackburn gate at just over 4200. Not bad when you mind it was the second highest gate ever for Woodspring Park. Sheffield Wednesday had been another of the famous old clubs relegated from the Championship the season before. Add their name to that of Wolves and Cardiff. All three had flirted with life out of the top two divisions in their past but life in the lower rungs of football was much more complicated with the dent on earnings, players not wanting to play at that level and the new money arriving at clubs such as Wigan and Middlesborough and even Wolves themselves. The new order had seen clubs like Leeds broken apart and now these once leading lights had the debts to match their once great history and needed a quick return all made distinctly harder with the loss of their better players. Nott’s Forest had found out the hard way and after several years in the wilderness under Nigel Clough and latterly Dean Wilkins they had cleared the promotion hurdle. But Forest even on achievement of promotion back into the Championship had seen their better players sold to the likes of Wigan.

Wigan had insider knowledge of the Forest set up with Colin Calderwood at their helm. Life in division one would become a great leveler and the likes of Torquay, Hull and hopefully WSM would do more than make up the numbers. Promotion gave clubs a stimulus and a belief and with that increased gates. Well run clubs with tight fiscal management could profit in more ways than one.

Bristol City, Plymouth and Swansea had blazed a trail that others wanted to follow......

Under floodlights the new order at WSM was finally featured.

Mark’s side for each half a balance between old and new. The most recent signings like Pacey and McLeod were in the crowd but even with their unavailability Mark’s first half side finally showed the fruits of his and Wyles labour over the previous months.

The first half team:

Brain, Bailey, Downes, McKeown, Wilce, Walker, Kerr, Quinn, McBride, Folan and Benyon

The second half team:

Murray, Somner, Stewart, McMenamin, Griffin, Buchanan, Ricketts, Dunn, Sawyer, Bates and Samba

In all 6 new players would be given a start that evening and for Mark and the bench that was more than enough to get the adrenalin going.

McBride and Folan in particular had looked tasty in training and now the paying public would witness the continued revolution and fingers crossed improvement amongst the playing staff. The latest signings were all introduced to the crowd but as most had some pre season training under their belt the delay in their first club appearance would be limited to days. For all of the new players added to the game it was the tried and trusted names that helped to deliver a fine performance. In particular the left sided combination of Wilce and Walker excited the home support. The two combined added some pace and awareness on the left and with Alan Quinn quickly into the groove finding a range of passes that made best use of the left sided duo WSM quickly opened the scoring. The opening goal stemmed from a defensive header from McKeown. Quinn tidied up the loose ball, pinged the ball to Walker who in turn played the ball into the stride of Wilce.

The speed of the break brought the crowd to their feet and Wilce cleverly returned the ball to Captain Walker who had moved forward almost unnoticed. Walker had options in the box but after one look launched a cross into the box. Flighted perfectly Caleb Folan had the dream delivery to contend with and caught the ball firmly on the centre of his forehead powering his effort downwards.

His run had given him a yard of space and with no one to defend the cross he had all the time in the world to climb and steer his header goalwards. The ball hit the hard surface and cannoned over the keepers dive. Folan milked the applause for his opening goal and could not have asked for a better start in new club colours.

The opposition were no mugs and despite the set back in the 6th minute showed that they had enough ability of their own to cause problems and for the remainder of the half there was little to choose between the two sides. As half time approached Mark nodded to himself in some satisfaction. The new signings had all acquitted themselves well and the promise to the future looked very positive but one player stood out from the crowd. Kevin McBride on the right wing looked to be the equal of Walker on the left. For much of the half McBride’s quiet efforts had been watched close to hand as he ploughed the side of the field closest to the WSM bench. He effortlessly covered the ground and somehow found time and space to deliver the right ball. In the end WSM wasted his best efforts but there would be no denying his clear quality once harnessed to the WSM cause.

Despite both sides making significant changes to the second half sides the game developed in a similar fashion with constant goal mouth threat at either end. Samba with a point to prove led the line well and should have put the game beyond doubt. In the end he would come up empty handed but certainly Samba had shown no ill effects from his recent transfer listing. Despite the makeshift midfield Sawyer and Buchanan supplied the front two with regular ammunition and David Dunn worked his socks off covering huge swathes of green turf.

Dunn’s questionable fitness level was showing the reward of a long pre season stint under the guidance of Wayne Jacobs.

Despite the determined performance WSM leaked a late goal bringing back memories of their very recent woes.

Stewart’s concentration deserted him for a moment and nippy striker Marcus Tudgay simply stole the ball, stole half a yard and destroyed Murray’s excellent performance between the sticks. 83 minutes and all square. David Dunn had the chance to steal a deserved winner in injury time but after running the entire length of the field he saw his glorious chip from 25 yards nestle onto the top of the net.

He fell to the ground in sheer exhaustion and after being pulled to his feet by Rickett’s received the applause from the crowd.

Socks by now around his ankles Dunn had done more than enough to show he was returning to something like his former self.

Hours later Mark made his way from the ground to his car. His mobile phone rang and as he fumbled for it he saw that it was Carolyn.

‘Hi Carolyn, I was beginning to think you’d forgotten me....’

From her response and her guarded words he could tell that she was not herself and clearly had something on her mind and after finally composing herself she said

‘Mark, I ................’

Sheffield Wednesday – home

1:1

[sirdez24]

Pregnant, surely.

[markyt]

- Good spot my friend but there is a twist..

It was almost midnight as Mark switched the engine of his Range Rover on and the car roared into life almost instantly. His Porsche had been identified as having a major electrical fault and required two days in the local garage. Whilst never a car freak he knew what he liked and with a large garage on his property he was able to house a small selection of select wheels.

It was late and he was tired. Normally after a late night fixture he stayed over in WSM and for that purpose had rented a suite at a local hotel on the Promenade but after his phone call from Carolyn he had nosed the car northwards and headed immediately towards Bristol. Carolyn had been a million miles from her assertive self although some of that would be put down to sheer jetlag. Flying half way round the world in 24 hours was a nightmare and yet on touchdown in London she had driven to Bristol and waited for Mark’s phone to come back into service.

Now minutes later he was travelling on the M5 and from his good mood as he had left the ground he was troubled. He hadn’t physically seen Carolyn since January and from daily phone calls they were now down to weekly catch ups and the distance far from making the heart grow fonder had driven a wedge wider than the Atlantic. Carolyn had appeared without warning before but this time there was something ominous about her sudden arrival. Her voice despite tiredness had given away enough.

Mark’s had been expected and the night security guard had barely raised an eyebrow at his early morning delivery. The hotel was all quiet when Mark finally knocked at the door of Carolyn’s room and after a few seconds of rustling the door opened and Carolyn stood in the doorway. She had just showered in an attempt to wash away the effects of an LA body clock but even with no make up and wet hair as ever she was a stunning woman. Even the welcoming kiss held something back…..

‘Mark, I wanted to speak to you personally as there is some news which will affect you and I couldn’t discuss them with you long distance. I have made a decision but truly believe something good is going to happen from all of this and I want you to remember that come what may I will always love you….’

For what seemed like hours Carolyn talked and Mark listened but in reality all he heard were the words ‘I’m 12 weeks pregnant and I’ve sold the football side of my business’.

The world that he had known for 20 years was falling apart at the seams…..

And through it all he had the Phil Collins song ‘separate lives’ tormenting his soul and running through his mind.

[markyt]

‘You called me from the room in your hotel

All full of romance for someone that you met

And telling me how sorry you were, leaving so soon

And that you miss me sometimes when you’re alone in your room

Do I feel lonely too?

You have no right to ask me how I feel

You have no right to speak to me so kind

We can’t go on just holding on to time

Now that we’re living separate lives

Well I held on to let you go

And if you lost your love for me, well you never let it show

There was no way to compromise

So now we’re living (living)

Separate lives

Ooh, it’s so typical, love leads to isolation

So you build that wall (build that wall)

Yes, you build that wall (build that wall)

And you make it stronger

Well you have no right to ask me how I feel

You have no right to speak to me so kind

Some day I might (I might) find myself looking in your eyes

But for now, we’ll go on living separate lives

Yes for now, we’ll go on living separate lives

Separate lives’

Mark pulled his land rover to a halt in a hotel car park adjacent to the runways at Heathrow.

From his vantage point he could see the jumbo jets lining up before taking off for destinations unknown. In amongst them was Carolyn’s flight back to the States. And the tears poured………

During a long and lonely night Carolyn had poured out her heart to him and he had listened without prejudice to her life changing decision making knowing that their ‘relationship’ but not their friendship was over for ever. She had fallen for an LA movie studio producer who had aptly run for the hills the moment that she had discovered that she was pregnant. But her life now pointed to the land of the free and the home of the brave. And brave she certainly was and to that aim she had sold her lucrative football arm of her business empire and made the final decision to start life afresh in her newly adopted media focused world. There was only one black cloud in that silver lining and that was facing Mark and telling him face to face what she had decided to do.

Through that long night Mark had long recognized that he could offer her nothing and had no right to any demands. That was their agreement when they started their relationship and nothing had changed. Together they had conquered the world and Carolyn had steered Mark through his playing career and finally into management.

He could stand on his own two feet that he had already proven but she had always been there……

Carolyn was gone and the one constant in his life would now be at a distance.

Yes she would be there and would always support him but the bonds and ties were now broken and with her tumultuous decision to change her life those bonds were broken irrevocably.

Despite being a strong shoulder for her to cry on he had reassured her that she had made the right decision. Now with her flying miles away in each passing hour he had looked into the car mirror and seen nothing but the echo of his mind.

He was empty at an all time low and despite wanting for nothing was alone for the first time in his life……………….

So much for the WSM motto ever forward…..

[Spav]

Quality, Mark.

[markyt]

Mark had spent the weekend alone in his office at the ground.

The players had been given the weekend off and would return hopefully refreshed and ready for the next home game against Championship side Barnsley on Tuesday night. He could have taken some time off himself but after the recent revelations and the pain of Carolyn’s departure he actually appreciated the solitude. Being at home and having to be the life and soul of the party had been something he had not wanted to face despite his guilt at avoiding those closest to him.

However alone in the stillness of the ground had been the perfect antidote.

The time had seen some benefit as he was completely upto date and on top of his desk work yet able to wander around the stadium at leisure lost in his own chain of thought. He knew that come Monday he would have to have cleared his head of thoughts of Carolyn or he would simply implode with the darkness that had descended upon him.

The club didn’t deserve a moody and morose manager as neither was good for business.

For Mark he knew of only one way to really clear his mind even the very darkest recesses and that was simply to exercise.

On a Saturday afternoon in July he had the freedom of Woodspring Park and made good use of it.

Starting with light jogging he built up to a long busting session of running up and down the steps of the main stand. 30 minutes of relentless leg work brought out a different kind of pain and as the knee ached in complaint at the activity it was being forced to undergo he began to feel more released from his recent concerns. Next came an hour of ball work and he dragged out every piece of training drill kit including cones and a practice free kick wall. Even though he hadn’t played in anger since the summer of 2002 the old tricks and techniques quickly came back although most were being tugged to the fore by memory rather than natural talent with the ball at his feet. The sweat was pouring from him as much down to the heat as the exercise regime his body was being pushed to. Exhausted he sank to his knees and grabbed into his bag for some ice cool water. Forgetting all of the new fads in rehydration Mark was happy to sip the cool clear liquid and the rest was doused over his ringing wet hair and face. He could feel the water almost steaming as it landed on his hot skin. Sitting on the grass he gently flexed his damaged knee as he surveyed the ground. There was no finer place to be every other Saturday than a football club and he knew that despite missing the playing side of the game he had the closest thing to replication he would ever achieve. He was a lucky man and that realization had hit home. He wanted more. He wanted to successful and he wanted to be the best he could possibly be. To that aim he would savour every minute of his time at the club and ensure that come what may he and his team had built would not crash and burn in short order. WSM were here to stay and who knows perhaps just maybe progress that little further. Mark sipped the last of the water and toasted an absent friend.

The odds were against a club the size and stature of WSM but the bookies were not so sure.

Torquay, Hull and WSM were amongst the fancied promotion chasers all due to their recent success. Momentum was the key and a decent start might provide further belief that the Championship wasn’t out of reach. The season would be long but Mark was determined to make the most of it. By Sunday night despite Carolyn still being a regular subject of thought running through every bone of his pained body to the outside world he was close to his old fighting self. The slight limp gave away more than words. He was anything but close to his fighting self but right now he was ready to take on the world albeit alone.............

It was time to unleash the quiet man on the WSM public and Tuesday night would see the final piece of his division one plan come together.

Free signing James Collins now close to full fitness would make his start and that thought actually brought a smile to the face of the ex Chelsea man. The Barnsley match would start his side’s evolution as he closed on his starting eleven for the first game of the season and Bryan Robson’s band of gold. August needed to hurry up and arrive as Mark was now keen to just get on.

[markyt]

Thanks Spav for your feedback. Hopefully more of the same to follow....

The quiet man cometh....

Barnsley were a decent Championship side. They had gone close to the play off berths the season previously but in truth a poor run with 2 draws to lower placed teams in their final games of the season put paid to their play off hopes. That had been enough to see the club make sweeping changes and several new players mostly on free transfers had bolstered their ranks. But the late season slippage had seen three of their better players move to other clubs although not all had made the leap to the Premiership. The fact that big name clubs were now cluttering up both the Championship and division one meant that money was not a concern to those desperate to return to former glories and they had every chance to hijack the star players from the clubs around them. Wolves under the man Mark detested the most in football were undergoing a complete transformation and were buying players left right and centre. 15 all told were added to the Midlanders ranks in the transfer window. Robson couldn’t get the Premier league players to drop two divisions but with £25 million to spend he was certainly snaffling the best the Football league had to offer and in particular raided the Championship time and time again. The wage budget to secure players of that ilk and persuade them to drop a division would be enough to cover any of the Credit François trading loss and would dwarf almost every club outside of the Premier League. The pressure that Robson would be under to deliver promotion from division one would be incredible.

‘Serve him right.....’ the only words that crossed Mark’s mind on the subject.

The Barnsley Tuesday night game sparked a change in game plan for Mark’s side.

He would now start to stretch players to 70 minute football in this and the Bristol City game before playing his preferred starting eleven for 90 minutes against Cardiff in the final pre season game. The eleven to face Cardiff would be the likely side to start at home to Wolves. Mark had watched the team train although had left most of the preparation to Jacobs and Aitkin. Mark’s only involvement came when working at close hand with the forwards as he coached them together individually and together showing them the runs to make to best use the speed and passing ability of Walker and McBride in the wide positions. That conversation had seen the likes of Holmes, Buchanan and Story knocking on his office door at the training ground and querying their position in the team. Only Holmes of the three showed any sign of concern at the conversation although he fell short of doing a ‘Samba’ and asking for a move. The other two were happy enough to understand that they would get their chance if they put their work in on the training ground or when they appeared from the bench.

Of all the sides to visit the South West so far that Summer Barnsley were by far the fittest and the closest match in terms of preparation for the new season to WSM and despite playing a side that should have been able to compete Barnsley infront of 4204 fans raced to a three nil lead within 40 minutes of the opening whistle. Barnsley were well worth the lead and were coasting towards half time but the goals scored were as much about Barnsley’s quality in the final third as they were about unfamiliarity in the back four for WSM.

Collins had an awful start to life in the West Country and his lack of sharpness saw him lose a marker for the first goal and unlucky enough to add a second as he scored an own goal. In truth there was nothing he could do about the own goal after being twisted and turned by some lovely footwork. Collins desperate late lunge had seen a shot cannon of a shin and loop over Brain’s.

Finally the WSM machine started to clunk through the gears and start to play the style of football that had brought them joy over recent years but even with the home support witnessing decent passing and movement and an odd foray into opposition territory Barnsley grabbed a deserved third. A screamer from 30 yards left Brain’s well beaten and picking the ball out of his net for the third time in the first half.

Mark had been confident about the team he had selected for the first half and as the players trooped into the home changing room he slammed the door and read the riot act. Fifteen minutes of pure vitriol poured from his mouth. Thoughts of Carolyn hadn’t been far from his thought process for days but now with a team three down and playing as if they had never set eyes on each other before Mark was totally focussed and demanding instant retribution. But his game plan stayed in place with only one change made to the side for the second half. Elliot Benyon had been anonymous and marked out of the game. McLeod would join Folan upfront as WSM looked to bully themselves back into the game. The second half saw WSM grow in stature and for 45 minutes they dominated Barnsley and with a vice like grip hemmed them back into their own half. McBride and Walker now had two target men to aim for and couldn’t believe their luck and with Kerr and Sawyer finding their passing range the two wide men broke clear time and time again and delivered a ball for either or both front men to attack.

Barnsley staggered and lost their stride and with the home fans cheering on their beloved seagulls finally WSM clawed themselves back into the game. Folan grabbed a first on 52 minutes climbing above his marker to head home a lovely Walker cross. Gillan at left back had provided the perfect out ball and Walker simply pushed the ball into space, raced on and curled in a cross hoping that men in white shirts had followed his run. He had no worry as both strikers tore into the penalty area but Folan closest to the flight of the ball benefited with a powerful diving header. 10 minutes later after the first substitution of the half McCann flung in a well flighted free kick that saw a poor clearing header fall to McLeod’s feet and the ex MK Dons player smashed home from 12 yards.

With flagging legs and bursting lungs Mark introduced right on cue four substitutions into the battle as WSM chased the game to the very end. Bates on for Folan should have claimed an equalizer from the penalty spot after WSM were awarded a penalty for a soft handball in the box. Bates stepped up and fired his shot towards the bottom left of the goal but a firm left hand pushed the ball around the post to deny WSM at the very least a draw.

As the whistle blew all sides of the ground cheered the excellent entertainment that they had witnessed. Barnsley deserved the win but as the ‘quiet man’ found his voice in the back four WSM rallied and delivered a performance that promised much. Of the new players Folan, McLeod, McBride and Collins showed that they were worthy additions to the squad but Walker, McCann and Kerr were as ever reliable and worthy of a starting place against Wolves. The workout had been to everyone’s benefit and a different eleven would get their 70 minute run out on Saturday against Bristol City. Only after that game would Mark begin to show his hand for the season opener.

In truth only one issue concerned Mark at the overall performance. Left back was now a position that troubled him. Alan Morgan had shown his ability whilst on a short trial at the club and Gillan and Wilce were more than adequate defenders but no where near his class. Mark had no choice but to go with one of the long term WSM players as left back but after the game he would long rue missing out on Morgan and Jacobs and Atkins could only concur. The smell of the season was coming closer and the WSM side were warming up nicely for their August league one debut.

Barnsley – home

2:3

[markyt]

20 minutes into the pre season friendly against Bristol City and Mark was already permanently positioned in this allotted touchline area.

Screaming at the team to play in a certain way and demanding the highest application to their responsibility.

5240 fans had flocked to the Saturday afternoon fixture which to Mark was the ‘local derby’ despite the fans sheer belief that Cardiff and Clevedon were the teams considered as their rivals.

Mark had started with a completely fresh eleven players in comparison to the Barnsley game but an ominous groan materialized from around the ground as an early away goal was scored in just the second minute. Different players, different opponents but the same nervous acute lack of awareness and lack of familiarity amongst the WSM back four. Stewart and Pacey were the centre halves at fault for the goal and their lack of close marking had allowed a simple knock down from a free kick and a lumbering Bristol defender the simplest of half volleys. A bemused Scott Murray in the WSM goal was well beaten. Mark looked at his watch in sheer incredulity at a goal being scored and reckoned that less than a minute had been played and neither side had shown any real worth of an opening effort.

With Alan Quinn and Grant McCann quickly grabbing hold of the midfield space and winning their relevant battles the WSM machine found itself slipping up into a higher gear and with Mark serenading from the side lines chances began to fall to the men in white. McLeod fresh from a goal scoring performance had already linked up neatly with Guy Bates at the sharp end and with Buchanan seeing plenty of the ball the two front men stretched the City back line. On 22 minutes WSM blasted themselves back into the game and just three minutes later Mark’s side went into the lead.

Guy Bates the man many WSM fans considered most at threat from the arrival of the new signings claimed both goals. The first a simple solo run that saw him jink past two defenders and then cheekily slip the ball over the diving Bristol keeper. Bates’ second for Mark was a real cracker and an excellent team goal. Quinn collected a Pacey pass and from the half way line he curled a driven ball with the outside of his left foot into the feet of Buchanan. Buchanan slowed took the ball into his stride took one brief look and without even attempting to beat the closest marker crossed a ball deep to the far post. McLeod chested the cross towards his strike partner and Bates threw his right foot at the ball and scissor kicked the ball on the full volley. The keeper watched the shot fly past him into the top right hand corner. Bates effort caught in mid air was a perfect picture for Monday’s Weston Mercury.

Half time and Mark was very satisfied with the 45 minutes work and demanded no let up in the pace or the level of the performance and for the second half to be just as effective. No changes were made to the personnel but Mark advised the team that he would make wholesale changes from 60 odd minutes. McLeod changed that concept picking up a knock minutes into the second half and Benyon made his entrance and with his first touch of the ball claimed the third WSM goal. Quinn had nipped the ball past his marker and with a one two with McCann he simply glided into the box before finding his run stopped by a flailing leg and the WSM midfielder despite making every attempt to stay on his feet fell to the ground. Benyon stepped up and smashed the penalty home on 49 minutes. 3:1 and WSM were coasting......

Under sunny clear blue skies WSM spent twenty minutes stroking the ball around the lush green grass to the sound of ‘ole’ as Bristol City chased white shadows. Rickett’s and Kerr the better of the late replacements passed the ball with total freedom and at will were picking out colleagues with a range of passing that left many in the crowd drooling. But with the game entering the final quarter wholesale changes were made by both Managers and the tempo and style of the game pretty much ground to a halt. Some very neat passing mixed with some clever touches but in truth no real goal mouth entertainment to speak of.

Smiles and high fives all around as Mark’s substituted players returned to the bench.

Already the final pre season friendly against Cardiff was weighing on Mark’s mind. He had virtually penciled his starting eleven for that and the Wolves game but several players that Saturday afternoon had shown that they were worthy of a place to and that would give him some sleepless nights as he debated his decision. Mind you sleepless nights had become something of a regularity since Carolyn’s US departure.

The crowd whistled for the ref to end the game but in the final death throes of the match Bristol scored a late break away goal created from nothing but over confidence by WSM. WSM had been caught out by a quick counter attack and were over run by four breaking players to just the two of the home side. Downes in his second half stint let his fellow defenders know of their short comings and perhaps for Mark added some gloss to the overall performance. Downes had settled in well and his voice and authority would certainly help WSM during their division one season.

Bristol City – home

3:2

[markyt]

Have you ever been lost in a different world?

Where everything you once knew is gone

And you, find yourself powerless

With everything that exists

You’re numb

Will I ever break free?

I search my world but I can’t find you

You’re standing there but I can’t touch you

Try to talk but the words are just not there

I can feel a sense of danger

You stare at me like I’m a stranger

Paralyzed and you don’t seem to care

The demons in my dreams

(Demons – theme to LOST)

Mark woke from his nightmare.

The duvet and pillows were scattered around the room and even in the darkness and the still of the night he could tell that his dreams had been endured for hours. The sheets were twisted and soaked with sweat. Initially he had dreamt of Carolyn but despite talking to her she couldn’t hear him or perhaps didn’t want to. His dreams had then taken him on to face Bryan Robson’s Wolves and the grinning face of the Wolves manager had become more manic as the goals rattled past Brain’s in the WSM goal.

After the 6th goal Robson had pushed Mark over and the sensation of falling had woken him.

The house was still and he was alone. His family had gone to Cornwall to make the most of the glorious summer weather and to give Mark space to finalise his team’s preparation for the season. Being alone had probably been not the wisest move and the stillness and silence toyed further with his mind. He’d tried to call Carolyn to check that she was ok but she hadn’t responded and he felt more lost than ever.

He was awake and there was no point in simply lying in bed unable to sleep. After making a clean bed and clearing up the wreckage to the room Mark showered and then switched on the TV and after flicking through the channels came across Bad Boys 2 on Sky Movies. The film one of his favourites kept him amused despite having seen it already dozens of times but he must have fallen asleep well before the credits rolled.

He had no idea of time when the phone in the bedroom rang.

He grabbed the receiver and half asleep asked who was calling.

‘Mark, its Wayne where are you?

Mark looked at the alarm clock and swore. It was close to 10am and he should have been at training an hour earlier. He’d overslept and simply told asst manager Jacobs that he’d had a bad night. Mark advised his no. 2 that would be there as soon as he could be and as he moved around the house advised Jacobs of the changes to make to the day’s training plans.

20 minutes later and he was already in his car.

Showered he felt better and with a mug of hot tea to hand drove quickly to WSM.

The players welcomed his late arrival and the banter started about the WSM paying his fine for being late.

Training in bright sunshine lifted his spirits and Mark and the backroom team agreed the starting eleven for their final pre season game at home to Cardiff 24 hours later. The players selected knew that they would have an excellent chance of starting against Wolves just 8 days later but now fate twisted the knife a little bit further…….

[markyt]

It wasn’t the fact that WSM were beaten by Cardiff that left Mark almost silenced at the end of a one nil loss.

His mind was racing and whilst now clear of thoughts of Carolyn, at least for now anyway, he had much to consider as his side were now facing their league one debut. The last pre season friendly at home to their local rivals had been a tight drab affair played out in front of 5240 fans on a baking hot Saturday afternoon. Fans had made the most of the sweltering afternoon to top up their tans but Mark in short sleeves and tie for the afternoon’s football remained cool and almost detached from the football.

He surveyed events from the sidelines at times animated at others bemused and silenced.

For the majority of the game he imposed himself in the technical area with Wayne Jacobs frequently joining him as they discussed tactical changes and tweaks to their game plan. When things went poorly Mark’s voice could be heard above the noise of the crowd. When WSM stuttered and couldn’t find the right pass he simply shook his head and remained silent.

The WSM side facing Cardiff was a mixture of old and new and supposedly the future for the South West team. This day had kept him going through his darkest hours but from the early minutes Mark had a feeling that the world was against him which had been made worse by the frantic change to his starting eleven just minutes from kick off. Keeper Jonny Brain’s had complained of feeling unwell and had been sent home suffering from a virus bringing James Gilpin in as a straight replacement in goal. Brains now faced a fitness race to be ready for the first game of the season and it would be a close call.

Mark’s major plan for the afternoon had been to start with the side that would all being well face Wolves in one week’s time but that notion was wrecked by the injury suffered by James Collins in the very first minute. James climbing for an aimlessly hit forward ball headed the ball clear and in the process collided with the head of a Cardiff forward and after several minutes of treatment was taken off for his own precaution. Collins walked off the pitch but barely knew his own name let alone the day of the week and whilst the grogginess quickly wore off he was taken straight to Hospital for a check up.

Aaron Downes stepped up to replace the ex West Ham man and over 90 minutes quietly and efficiently went about his work cementing his place in the first league game of the season where he would partner Craig McKeown. Folan replaced by Bates at the 70 minute mark didn’t even register one shot at goal. Benyon his partner had put in a decent stint and probably should have claimed at least two goals.

The first a sitter from 5 yards ballooned over the bar and the second where the ball hit the net only to be disallowed for offside against Caleb Folan. The offside goal had been the only moment of true quality in the final third of the pitch. Benyon had run himself out for the cause and Mark caught his number one striker talking to the physio and wrapping ice on sore shins.

Newbold was gone and now Benyon was struggling.

The only crumb of comfort for the seagulls in that bright summer sunshine was that the midfield four had a real look of familiarity and despite one new addition going forward WSM in midfield had real drive, energy and purpose. Pity the front two didn’t find a similar gear. Captain Scott Walker led by example but the upfront combination of Folan and Benyon were nowhere near the pace of the game and timing of runs and position play meant that the two kept appearing in the same area of the pitch. Benyon and Folan needed time on the pitch..... (and not to share a blade of grass)

Guy Bates and McLeod in just 20 minutes forced themselves back into Mark’s recognition for the Wolves game with both eager and willing to work together. Cardiff to had been made to look terrible although to be fair to David Jones’ side WSM had certainly helped. The referee added to the stop start nature of the game with a keenness for the whistle despite the friendly nature of the game. With the game almost over Cardiff picked up a penalty in the 89th minute and the Cardiff captain, Sean Mackie lashed home leaving Gilpin moving completely in the wrong direction. Cardiff now in the same division as WSM showed that there was very little to choose between the two sides over 90 minutes and both were supposedly amongst the bookies favourites for a promotion tilt.

On performance both would struggle over the rigors of 40 odd games but each had seven days to put things right and try to come out of the blocks at lightning pace. A good start was critical for their season’s progress. In WSM’s case it would ease the pressure on a newly promoted side playing at a higher level. For Cardiff and Dave Jones anything but a good start would lead to calls for Jones to go.

At full time Mark walked around the pitch with the whole WSM squad acknowledging the home support and thanking them all for attending the game. Even as Mark applauded the faithful fans he knew he had major decisions to make. Despite 4 weeks to bed in his new players the time simply hadn’t been enough. The majority were now match fit but no where near being a team....

His team from division two had the overall edge and depending on Brains availability looked the best bet for Wolves.

Mark could simply select last year’s team knowing that they would be comfortable and provide some stability to the season opener and perhaps some piece of mind. His recent nightmare’s of Robson’s rampant Wolves tearing WSM apart too recent for his own liking. Of the new signings only McBride a certain starter although Mark would have to look at the striking partnership in some detail as whilst Benyon was a certainty depending on his injury the dilemma as to who would play off him would keep him awake.

Bates performance during pre season had been good enough to thrust him back into Mark’s thoughts.

Could he really though discard Folan and McLeod?

The new arrivals needed time to acclimatize to his style of play and to gain the confidence of their team mates and despite all of his doubts and pre season worries the quality of the new men was there for all to see time however wasn’t. Wolves the first opponents for WSM had signed in excess of 15 new players and were probably going through similar concerns about getting their team to gel in time for the new season. Fate twisted the knife even further before August the 1st arrived and the WSM side mark would put out bore little comparison to the one he had selected previously and Blake Newbold was coming home......

Cardiff – home

0:1

[markyt]

Mark was deep into his pre match preparation with the media when the final news to impact on his team selection was passed to him on a scrap of paper. Emma had appeared as he was being interviewed by Jeff Stelling for Sky Sportscentre and discreetly handed him the note which contained the message ‘Benyon picked up a knock, ok for bench but not 90’.

Mark looked across to Emma as she stood in the doorway to check that he had understood the message and he simply nodded his affirmation before she left the boardroom. Jeff Stelling would have been none the wiser as to the turmoil that enveloped him as the swan sitting in the hot seat swam serenely on through the interview whilst definitely paddling furiously unseen by all watchers to reach the final question. There was not even the slightest rippling of the waters. Afterwards a different story as mark discovered that Benyon had slid into a challenge and somehow come off worse. Benyon thought he had caught his studs in the turf but at least there was no long term damage.

During the interview itself Mark had been asked for his views of the season, ambitions for the club, players to watch out for from the ranks of WSM and finally what teams did he expect to win the relevant league and cup competitions. Mark had not been persuaded to go anywhere but Chelsea for most competitions although even Stelling was laughing when Mark was asked who would win the Championship and whilst Mark looked as if he was deep in thought he replied ‘Chelsea’ and once the straight faces returned Mark selected Sunderland for a return to the Premier league. Division one was Wolves with the money Robson had to spend there was no reason to look elsewhere. Stelling as ever sharp tongued and with a ready wit bounced the interview along and Mark never a lover of the process actually found himself relaxing into the session and even the massive traps Stelling laid into his path were avoided with Mark’s equally as quick response to questions raised. Even the mention of Bryan Robson failed to raise Mark’s pulse. Ask him a question after tomorrow’s game and the response might well be off the Richter scale.

After the media circus was over for the day Mark wandered around the ground checking that everything and everyone was ready for the big day. The new facilities although not fully open for the league debut and the neat trimmed green turf looked fantastic bathed in late afternoon sunshine and even though the game was 24 hours away already the anticipation and the desire to get on with it had all reached a peak.

Team selection remained the last major event for the afternoon and at 4pm he met up with the players in the changing rooms.

It was the last real preparation talk about the Wolves game and Mark had chosen that moment to announce the team that would start off life in division one.

Brain, Bailey, Downes, McKeown, Gillan, McBride, McCann, Kerr, Walker, Folan and finally McLeod were the names mentioned and those plus five substitutes would be involved in the Saturday morning training session when the final instructions to the team and the players were issued. In truth the selected side bore very little similarity to the eleven he had considered 7 days earlier. 7 of the team had worn the white of WSM the season before and deserved the opportunity to claim their place against Wolves but the new signings equally had a part to play and whilst there were many sighs of relief and smiles from the chosen men recognition that each player in the squad would get their chance quelled any upset at early season omission. For Folan and McLeod a chance to show clubs that they could play at a higher level an added incentive to play well against Wolves. Wolves one of the many sides to look elsewhere. That Wolves had actually paid for their arrival at WSM via the purchase of Newbold somewhat of an irony. WSM were ready!

Roll on Saturday and the arrival of the league's 'golden millionaires'..........

[markyt]

Fed to the Wolves!

Woodspring Park on the opening day of the season was a sight to behold.

Paul Bliss had gone to town literally on the opening game fanfare and with the club’s sponsor Somerset Tourist Board making the most of 1500 potential customers traveling from the West Midlands the razzmatazz was if anything even higher than the club’s league debut 12 months before. The home support had started to arrive early as many of them had yet to sample the delights of the newly improved facilities.

Local buses were laid onto transfer Wolves supporters arriving at the station all emblazoned with Somerset Tourist board decals and pictures of important Somerset tourist attractions. The Saturday afternoon buzz had returned to WSM and to football clubs across the UK.

Mark’s notes in the programme covered two pages as he welcomed both fans old and new to the ground and gave his view of the challenges ahead. The programme another glossy season opener at a special price featured pictures of the ground development and before and after plus a brief history of the club in its latest guise and some incredible shots of the land prior to any thought of building Woodspring Park. Green and pleasant lands now replaced by a modern stadium with green and pleasant turf. For most home support however their interest was captivated in the programme by an excellent centre spread providing full details on the WSM squad written at length by scout Guy Wyles.

Each player had a brief description of their talents and an idea of what fans could expect from them plus a small picture to aid recognition as they appeared on the pitch over the next few weeks.

The scene was set for the afternoon’s feature event and as both teams emerged into bright sunshine applause and vocal support erupted stadium wide. The noise was electric and 5470 fans, a sellout in terms of the latest ground opening programme wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else in the world. For Mark despite years of being in the game the black and gold strip was a sight to behold. It was simply one of those football strips that couldn’t be messed with and certainly iconic. Forget nick names, mascots and emblems the black and gold strip meant more than all of that despite them being managed by one Mr Bryan Robson. Robson had been in good spirits as the two met for the first time that afternoon. A firm hand shake and usual cordial words before both disappeared into their relevant changing rooms.

Robson for a man under sheer pressure to deliver appeared to be unaffected by the demands put on him and the money spent by him over the close season. Time would tell if he and his team could cope but after spending significant money Wolves needed to start the season well and how better than trampling over the likes of WSM and putting one over Mark at the same time would make it perhaps sweeter for the ex Man united player.

However the pure arrogance of his club came across in them having to visit such lowly opposition and clearly that arrogance spread from top to bottom it had certainly rubbed off on Robson’s squad. The anger that their manner portrayed annoyed many of those including the likes of Emma and her admin staff. Woodspring Park was no Molineux agreed but those connected to WSM were not ‘hicks from the sticks’ and deserved better. With kick off minutes away Mark was surprised to see Emma appear by his side in the tunnel especially as her workload at match day demanded her to be elsewhere. She pulled him to one side whispered in his ear ‘give these big time Charlie’s a thrashing boss man’ and promptly kissed Mark full on the lips and vanished leaving the WSM manager speechless. The players with him in the tunnel enjoyed the moment as their calming influence had flushed red with instant blushing but laughed the moment off with a curt reply.

‘Next one to make a crack get’s docked £50 and if you don’t want to upset Emma and her team this afternoon better let’s show Wolves we are not here to make up the numbers and that we have every right to sit at the same table.’

The shrill whistle sounded and the season was up and running.

Robson’s side was built around the option of purely choosing the best sweets in the sweet shop and money certainly buys you quality but you need luck, time and coaching ability to weld a side together and for all Wolves money they too had only four weeks to prepare. One worry for Mark had dissolved as Blake Newbold an acquisition at a mere £1.5 million from WSM in the summer could only claim a place on the bench. Newbold despite all of his known qualities and vast transfer fee he was a pauper joining the rich men and would need to earn his shirt when given the opportunity. Despite new faces spread across both teams the game quickly settled into a good rhythm and with the heat of the day influencing the style of play all of the fans began to enjoy the afternoons fare.

For all of Wolves quality players it was WSM that struck gold first. McCann and Kerr tidied up in midfield and McCann given too much time on the ball then played a one two deep in WSM territory with Gillan before turning and breaking forward into acres of space. Scott Walker was wide open and McCann found him first time with a drilled pass covering 20 yards. Walker at walking pace used Gillan’s lovely timed left wing run as a decoy and the feint gave him time to look up and curl a cross into the centre of the penalty area. Walkers’ cross was almost a free kick as he had slowed the ball and at walking pace struck the cross goal wards. The ball sat up begging to be hit and the keeper raced to claim the ball but Folan reacted quickest climbed high and flicked the ball with the faintest of touches over the outstretched arm of Wolves keeper Roy Carroll. The ball bounced into the empty net and after following the ball in Folan raced to the corner flag before sliding the final feet on his knees. The goal typical of WSM work from the seasons past was welcomed with noise unheard of during Mark’s time at the club. The Woodspring lion had been woken and roared its delight at an early goal.

Millions of pounds and the weight of expectation saw the goal initially rock Wolves but the WSM goal on 18 minutes saw Robson quickly onto his feet and within three minutes the tweaks and changes allowed the Midlands club to claw back level. The goal came from an over hit cross that simply cleared Brain’s and into the roof of the net. A fluke but they all count. The seagulls wings were clipped and for 15 minutes WSM were pushed backwards as Wolves searched for a second goal and in the heat of the day WSM were struggling to contain a now rampant Wolves side. Brain’s made two sensational saves all before 45 minutes one from a full blooded half volley and the second a thirty yard screamer that the WSM keeper pushed wide and into the side netting.

Mark was convinced it was a goal from his vantage point but was more than happy to accept just a corner...

Wolves were beginning to find the sweet shop to their liking and as the 1500 made their voices heard, Izale McLeod beat the off side trap after Mark Kerr’s delicious through ball and slammed home an unlikely 2nd WSM goal. McLeod raised one arm in salute to the home crowd before being deluged by a merry band of WSM players. The WSM 2nd goal had been completely against the run of play but at half time that counted for nothing as WSM had their noses in front regardless of territory possession or actual quality on the ball.

Team talk delivered and Wolves were expected to up the pace and reassert their hold on the game but as they toiled in the heat WSM rose to the challenge and they began pepper Carroll’s goal time and time again. Wolves couldn’t find away past McKeown and Downes although Gillan at left back claimed the eventual man of the match. WSM were working hard but at no time in the second half were they particularly stretched. Even the 70th minute introduction of Newbold failed to make any indentation on the WSM back four. Robson by now was raging on the sidelines and with Wolves changing tactics several times the WSM bench in comparison changed nothing and their confidence was rewarded with a penalty in the 89th minute. Robson lost the plot and was sent to the stands for his touchline fury.

The penalty given for a foul on Folan was the correct decision and there could be no real complaints. Sam Bailey had powered in a 50 yard pass that released Folan and at full stride he edged clear of his marker. One clip of the heels and Folan had no option but to go down. Walker stepped up and lashed the kick home and barely had time to celebrate before the final whistle sounded.

WSM had won and there was no doubt over 90 minutes deserved victory. The scoreline probably a little unfair on Wolves but the end result was justified WSM as mark’s side had done more than enough for the three points. WSM celebrated the victory long and hard and many at the club were more than happy to see the midlands side return home with their tale between their legs.....

Wolves – home

3:1

[markyt]

The game had been over for a couple of hours and with his match day duties completed Mark found himself alone in his office.

He showered and washed away thoughts of the day and finally relaxed as the water soaked, cooled and cleansed his skin.

He hadn’t realised how intensive the pressure of the day had been and whilst victory had made the day much sweeter the water finally released all of his tensions. Wolves had arrived triumphantly and would return home with their balloon burst. Robson although both magnanimous and generous in defeat had confirmed in post match interviews that he hadn’t been surprised by the defeat and that WSM would be one of the clubs chasing the top spots in the league but in his opinion the big clubs would come through in the end. Of that there wasn’t much doubt and whilst the players and those associated to the club celebrated long and hard after the whistle mark was already moving onto the next fixture. Monday would see the first formal review meeting for the season but Colchester would arrive just 24 hours later and that game probably the tougher of the two opening fixtures. Colchester led by Dave Jones had been in division one for a couple of years and had a tight well knit squad with no major changes over the summer. Teddy Sheringham’s son Charlie would lead the line and he was turning out to be every bit the player his father was. Young Sheringham was never going to emulate his father’s prolific career but he was carving a niche all of his own.

The league table meant nothing but Hull, Stockport and WSM all held the top three positions after day one of the new season.

Hull had trounced Bristol five nil and Hartlepool had suffered 4:1 at the hands of Stockport showing that each had maintained momentum from their promotion weeks earlier.

Mark switched his mobile on and within seconds the message alert flashed.

It was a message from Carolyn. ‘Well done, a great win, love C xxxx’

Carolyn had never been far from his thoughts but to be honest the emotions of the day had at least allowed him to forget about her for most of the day. He looked at the moon that appeared through his office window and smiled. Although both would be able to see the moon across different parts of the day he had finally realised that she had effectively been the sun to his moon and he no longer needed her warmth to light up his day. It was time to move on and Mark deleted the message without replying.

Dressed again in his match day suit and a fresh shirt he closed the pc down and switched the large screen tv off.

As he flicked the desk light to the off position the door was knocked and Paul Bliss appeared in the open door frame.

‘Mark’ he announced ‘what are you doing, come and join us all in the directors bar for a drink, we are celebrating and need the main man. I’ve invited the admin and ground staff to join us to thank them for all of their hard work during the summer months. I want you to say a few words to the troops to if you don’t mind.’

In truth Mark wanted to go home.

The day had been too long but he found himself joining the merry crew and spent two hours with various revelers.

As the evening wound down he finally caught up with Emma.....

[markyt]

‘Are you going to take me away from the drudgery?’ asked Emma ‘its been a long day and I want to get out of here she added.’

Emma and her team had worked hard over the weeks leading up to the season opener and whilst covering for maternity leave she had found herself thrown into the front line. Everything to her credit had gone according to the detailed plans laid down over months of close season work. All about the 6 p’s Bliss had told her as the big day closed and repeatedly laughed as he recited the phrase ‘Prior planning prevents p*ss poor performance’. He was right and Emma’ meticulous planning meant that opening day had been a huge success and that the blueprint for the rest of season had been laid in stone.

Minutes later the two were in the car park.

‘You hungry’ Emma asked.

‘Starving but I really can’t face a crowd tonight.’ Mark pulled a face at the thought of eating in public.

WSM on a Saturday night during the summer would be busy but add in football fans celebrating and he would be guaranteed very little peace.

‘How about a takeaway at my place’ suggested Emma and with Mark in no hurry to return Exeter and an empty house quick agreement followed. 20 minutes later Mark had arrived at a local Chinese restaurant and once the food had been prepared he drove to Emma’s house in Kewstoke.

The house was pretty much as Mark remembered but noticeably there were less family pictures on display. The food was devoured and Mark was surprised at how hungry he had been. The day had been a long one and he guessed that Emma too had been hard at work since the early hours of morning.

Mark looked at his watch. It was well after 10.30pm and he would need to make a move homewards.

Emma saw the movement of his arm and recognised immediately that he was conscious of time.

‘Mark you don’t have to go. There is the spare room if you want to stay over. Or mine….’

She laughed nervously at her own forwardness.

Mark stayed and over the next hour the two talked earnestly and with Emma reassuring him that there would be no strings and no demands he stayed the night in her bed……..

[markyt]

The Monday morning board meeting had been a breeze. No one wanted or needed to pick a fight and that meant that Mark’s review of the month ahead was short, sweet and to the point. WSM had three home fixtures, one already played, three away and an interesting League Cup first round fixture at home to Ipswich.

Mark had suggested picking up 9-10 points from the first month of the season would see the club making an excellent start to life in their new division. However with the element of surprise and the unknown on WSM’s side it might lead to a greater haul from the six league games. The home fixtures matched WSM against Wolves, Colchester and Bristol Rovers and on the road WSM would have to face Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield and a local derby against Yeovil. In truth the team had played well over 90 minutes against Wolves and the balance of old and new players had been the decisive factor in the win. Business wise an approach for Ian Sharps was confirmed and despite Mark’s concern that the player was selling himself short Sharps was on his way 24 hours later. Barry Town had offered 14k and Sharps wanted the move realizing that his family could then remain in the WSM area. They were very settled and he could commute daily using the new Severn Bridge.

Barry Town were doing well in their own league and with the attraction of European Football thrown into the mix Sharps didn’t even need to take a salary hit.

The meeting over Mark and Chairman Paul Bliss were the last two remaining and as Mark stood up to go Bliss lifted his hand and suggested that he sit back down. The boardroom door closed behind Emma the final person to leave and Bliss leaned towards Mark and commented

’Nice to see you smiling again Sparky. I know that the Carolyn scenario must have impacted hard.’

Mark smiled but more from puzzlement than humour. ‘Sorry Paul, I’m not sure I understand your question?’

Paul explained that he had tried to invite Carolyn to the game and after struggling to contact her directly on the phone he had gone straight to her office in London only to be informed that she was no longer involved. Finally he had been put through to the ‘new owner Sky Walker’ and informed of the business changeover. Walker effectively was now Mark’s agent and in that brief conversation Bliss had understood why his manager had been less than his usual self in the very recent weeks. ‘I know she was a huge part of you life but I guess the world moves on. Carolyn’s new business Picture Perfect according to Walker is going to be amongst the very best in its field and didn’t fit well with the football portfolio in the UK. You met this Walker bloke?’

Mark had only been too happy to emerge from the meeting unscathed but in the end had said very little leaving Bliss to do all of the talking and assumption making. Mark had no idea who Sky Walker was and more to the point wasn’t even sure if he needed an agent anymore.

Walker had yet to make contact but his name already irked Mark as the WSM boss began to imagine a trendy sharp suited 30 something year old with all of the latest IT gadgets. Sky Walker was either a very trendy showbiz name or his mum and dad were Star Wars fans but either way Mark would not hurry to make contact. Mark had no idea at that point in time that the name Walker would later return to haunt him.....

The conversation was quickly forgotten as Mark changed and drove to the Training ground and working on the training ground cleared any thoughts of Carolyn. WSM had less than 24 hours to the Colchester fixture and a win would see them go top of the league albeit for just one day.

[markyt]

Mark had been urging the back four to press up after conceding a goal in the 3rd minute.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw left back Adam Griffin launch a ball deep into the Colchester half and his pass angled towards the edge of the box. The Colchester left back had been caught way out of position and Griffin’s quick thinking had seen a huge hole appear and a queue formed far right as both Folan and McBride arrived almost simultaneously to claim the ball. For a moment it looked as if they would get in each others way but Folan took control of the situation pulled the ball out of the air and then hammered a half volley into the roof of the net. The keeper’s feet never moved and Colchester began the inquest.

As the ball hit the net Mark leapt onto the back of Assistant Manager Wayne Jacobs and celebrated the WSM equalizer with a fist in the air as a salute carried along the touchline by an equally delighted Jacobs. Dave Jones had only arrived at Colchester 7 days before the start of the season and in fact Jones had already been to the revamped Woodspring Park with his former charges Cardiff just weeks earlier during pre season. Cardiff in that game had walked away with a win and Jones with little time to prepare his new charges had kept the tactics simple and gone with the same game plan that had served his Cardiff so well.

In conversations pre match Jones had spoken to Mark about his reasons for changing sides and the majority were placed on interference and lack of board support.

A 4-5-1 formation allowed Sheringham to lead from the front and despite warnings to the back four about the Colchester strike man, Aaron Downes poor clearance had been rammed past Brain’s in the WSM goal. McKeown had given Sheringham too much space although to be fair to the WSM centre half he hadn’t expected the Colchester man to have been gifted a chance.

Downes had effectively gift wrapped the chance and Sheringham had claimed his 3rd goal of the season.

WSM had barely touched the ball in those early minutes and sharp words to calm the WSM side down were quickly heeded and after a period of positive play WSM stroked the ball around under the bright floodlights. A Colchester mistake in over committing players on their left hand side of their formation allowed WSM to plunder a reply on 12th minutes. Folan’s goal celebration included a double somersault and a kiss of the badge and the home support knew that as a replacement for Newbold, Folan’s arrival already looked like a sharp piece of business from their beloved manager.

Dave Jones and Mark traded tactical changes and equally shouted words of encouragement but for the remainder of the half a tight but interesting game of chess was being played by two well matched sides.

Half time and Mark made a significant change to the WSM tactics. The key change with McCann being moved forward into an attacking midfield position in support of Folan and McLeod and with Kerr asked to anchor midfield and provide cover for the back four.

McCann’s changed role brought chaos amongst the Colchester defence and as they struggled with just who was marking the WSM man the South West side claimed a 2nd goal. Sam Bailey picked up a Brain’s early throw and with very little opening up for him he lumped the ball diagonally to the left wing. It earned him abuse from the home crowd as it was a poor effort and no where near a white shirt.

The ball looked to be going out for a throw to Colchester but somehow McLeod’s determined effort saw him stop the ball right on the sidelines. With very little time before being closed down McLeod put the ball back into play and in doing so he found McCann himself free of markers and with time on the ball. McCann simply raced forward and in seconds covered the ground from the half way line and one elaborate dummy saw him into the box and with the crowd baying for a shot he effortlessly placed a pass to the feet of Folan just to his immediate right who then had the easiest of chances to score his second of the game. Bailey’s poor pass had turned into a creative one and WSM were in front. Colchester regrouped and changed formation themselves moving someone into man marking McCann. The damage was done.......

WSM were 2:1 up at the 49 minute mark.

Barring an injury to Aaron Downes in the 71st minute WSM enjoyed the second half. Again the ability to find a white shirt the key to control of the game and that was certainly aided by familiarity although in the final minutes Mark threw on Dave Buchanan and Eliot Benyon to ensure WSM closed the game down. The new improved WSM were now top of the league and even if for just 24 hours the fans and players would celebrate a derived win that saw them climb to the mountain top.

Colchester – home

2:1

[markyt]

The seagulls have landed.........

Mark had been staggered by the turnout for the Sheffield Wednesday game.

22000 odd had appeared for the Division One Saturday afternoon fixture at Hillsborough and the 1000 travelling voices were lost in the cacophony of noise for the home side. Sheffield along with Wolves were favorites for an automatic return to the Championship but they had not started particularly well opening with a loss. However the WSM fixture was only their second game of the season and their first home fixture. Much was expected from the Yorkshire side especially as the nucleus of talent despite relegation had remained together.

Sheffield Wednesday although struggling with historic debt at least had the consolation that the scenario was not getting worse despite relegation and with a following that would leave many much better placed teams very jealous, they had every right to expect their team to return to the next rung of the ladder in a relatively short space of time.

Mark had warned his players that although without the star names of Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday would be extremely dangerous and in his opinion the more likely of the two to get promotion. Guy Wiles had reported as much in his assessment of the opposition and warned of pace on each flank and that WSM would need to be careful in not pressing to far up the field and leaving gaping holes for the wide men to attack.

The heat of the afternoon seemed to affect the game and with the sun shining brightly overhead there was very little protection for the players on the green turf. The game slowed accordingly after a bright start and each side would have been happy with their initial efforts on goal. The hard but true ground allowed the ball to be pinged around and Brain’s was kept particularly busy with long range efforts.

There was actually very little between the two sides and Mark and Wayne Jacobs commented mid way through the half that their WSM were standing up well to not only their opponents but to a noisy passionate crowd. There were very few in the white shirts of WSM who had played in front of such crowds but they had shown that they could cope with Walker in particular relishing the ability to perform in front of so many. For him and the likes of Bailey and Gillan it hadn’t been that long ago they were appearing in front of 304.............

Half time saw plenty of positive words and a request for more of the same. That concept went out of the window two minutes after the restart.

The SW right winger received a delicious pass that he pulled out of the air with one touch and the second movement saw him skin left back Gillan and leaving him on the seat of his pants. With the keys to the stadium the Owls man raced to the penalty box and then after seeing Brain’s coming off his line in an attempt to narrow the space he simply lobbed the WSM keeper and celebrated along with 21000 others. It was some goal and the touch alone to take the ball down out of the air worthy of the admission fee alone. Sheffield Wednesday buoyed by the breakthrough pushed forward in seemingly wave after wave and as much as good luck than fine defending WSM managed to repel each attack.

McKeown the WSM man of the match rose to the occasion and driven on by pure adrenalin personally motivated the rear guard action. His leadership and communication skills demonstrated time and time again as WSM defended courageously under the onslaught. It was almost as if he had drawn a line in the sand and stated to the opposition you shalt not cross this line...

Mark made a triple substitution on 71 minutes more in hope than expectation and that change had been purely to offer fresh legs in amongst tiring limbs and to add one to midfield with McLeod making way leaving Folan alone. Walker annoyed by the substitution angrily stomped from the field clearly unhappy at the decision. Mark would have words with the player post match but Walker would be left in no doubt just who was the boss. The clock was ticking closer to 90 minutes and WSM as a second half force were non existent. Sheffield had rolled them over and were heading for a fairly comfortable win. With the crowd whistling for full time Mark looked at his watch and on the touchline urged his players into one last effort.

Sam Bailey picked up a misplaced pass and strode purposefully from the WSM penalty area. His break saw him advance into open space but with WSM defending deep there was very little movement in front of him. Folan screamed for the ball and although closely marked Bailey played the ball towards the WSM striker simply because there were no other options.

Folan shielded the ball and turned it around the centre half and then chased hard to get after the ball. The defender had been too tight to Folan and the body shielding by the big WSM striker had seen him momentarily blinded to the move and left for dead. Folan without a decent strike on goal for 45 minutes took his chance and drilled a grass cutting shot through the keeper’s legs from just inside the box.

WSM had leveled the game at the very end and the hush that enveloped the ground broken by a small pocket of noise from delighted seagull’s support.

No longer top of the league but unbeaten after three games it was no wonder the 11 white shirts celebrated the point.

Sheffield Weds – away

1:1

[sherm]

Still top stuff Mark, love reading the WSM adventures

KUTGW

[markyt]

Thanks Sherm, thanks very much for your positive comments. Suprising myself with the longevity of the story but hopefully it remains a good read and keeps people interested.

Strange times ahead and hopefully you will still be reading when they arrive....

Mark looked at the alarm clock on his bedside table rubbed his eyes and made the decision that it was time to get up. Sleep had been limited to 5 hours. The trip home had seemed to take forever but in the early hours of the morning he had returned to the family home.

He spent a couple of hours that morning with his family before showering, changing and packing a small case and by 11.30am he was in the car and driving northwards up the M5 heading for London where he would take in the Charity Shield game between Chelsea and Liverpool at the new Wembley.

The Porsche scythed it’s way through the holiday traffic and stopped only once at Sedgemoor Services.

Mark refueled and happily signed autographs to those in the queue to pay for petrol and snacks on the garage forecourt.

Chelsea shirts nowadays were equally visible as those of Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester Utd and in amongst the holiday traffic many Chelsea and Liverpool fans merged happily heading for the sell out Sunday afternoon game. Mark was dressed in a casual shirt and suit and before he could get back into the car he had signed shirts, paper and had his photo taken on the latest camera phones.

Before heading back onto the motorway Mark collected a passenger.

The car slowed and the stunning woman opened the door threw her travel bag into the back seat before jumping in the car and then kissing Mark. ‘What kept you?’ Emma asked accusingly.

The car then headed to the M4 before arriving on the outskirts of London and heading for Ealing Broadway tube station.

The two then went their separate ways with Emma making her way towards Oxford Street where she would spend the afternoon shopping.

The two would meet up again after the game and then would go onto to Mark’s flat just off the King’s Road.

Mark had been to Wembley several times since it had been rebuilt but as he walked up towards the prominent feature he felt envious of the two club managers afternoon. The Charity Shield game meant nothing to either side other than getting one over a rival but for 90000 fans it was a chance to see the new signings play and to see their team play on the perfect stage.

A loss meant nothing it was just a pre season game.......... (Not a chance when these two were involved!)

As per usual the two clubs fought a closely matched tie that ended in a draw although Chelsea in front of their end of the ground claimed a win on penalties.

To be fair neither side deserved to lose and to that aim both managers could take much from the game.

Each club had spent heavily over the summer although Liverpool’s investment in Pique at £23 million and Van Persie on a free transfer was probably the better known of the major transfer deals over the summer months. Liverpool meant business and wanted to win the title and breaking the bank to do so much easier now that they had a new home. The New Anfield would welcome close to 70000 fans and that lift in turnover allowed the board to back their manager even further than before. Mark had sat amongst the rich and famous although he spent most of the game talking to Poyet, Wise and Zola but after the game he quickly headed back to the nearest tube station and returned to collect his car. Crossing London seemed to take forever but finally he deposited his car in the underground car park below his flat and then jumping a tube at Fulham Broadway he was on his way to the West End to meet Emma.

Hours later the two arrived back at the flat and Emma was given the guided tour. Mark’s flat although used very infrequently of late was seen as an investment. It was some investment especially as it had risen in price more in one year than Mark had earned in all of his time at WSM. Mark had considered selling the flat in recent times but with property still the best bet for investment he had been persuaded to keep it. The flat cost nothing other than a maintenance charge and a regular cleaning bill. Emma fell in love with the flat immediately suggesting it needed a woman’s touch to make it more homely. Later on the two wandered around the attractions of the King’s Road and then onto Sloane Square before finding a fine eatery. Emma soon realised that the bright lights of London had much to offer and her regular shopping trips had only scrapped the surface of what London could offer. She had never lived outside of WSM and although well traveled was like a kid in a sweet shop with the sights and sounds around her. The relationship awkwardness of working together and sleeping together had already gone and although business and pleasure were kept totally separate already Mark had grown very fond of her but recognised it was still very much early days. Emma was a complete contrast to Carolyn and her timely arrival had certainly helped to lift the black clouds and he enjoyed being with her.

[markyt]

Apologies for the lack of posting - work has gone mad and I'm chop chop busy busy work work bang bang....

Battle of Somerset 2009!

After an excellent week of weather WSM had trained hard under bright blue skies and with no ill effects from their previous game Mark simply selected the same again option for the Yeovil game. Yeovil had effectively become the big derby for WSM although in truth there had been very little interaction between the two clubs over the years. If nothing else the winner would rightly claim the bragging rites for being best team in the county. Yeovil had blazed the trail for the non league and their business model and ground design the route that clubs such as WSM had followed almost to the letter. Yeovil were a well run club living within their means but pushing hard to climb the league ladder and at the very least reach the Championship. Yeovil’s ground packed 10000 fans in total and they were attracting gates of that nature week in week out and WSM would bring to Huish Park a full house.

Plans were afoot to expand the stadium but that was now dependant on promotion.

Yeovil had started the season similarly to WSM and found themselves in amongst the league leaders.

A win for either would see them rise in to the top three in the division but the bookies had gone for a draw suggesting that there was very little between the two sides. Yeovil with the home support ringing in their ears started the better of the two sides but after a couple of half chances that left keeper Brains scrambling, WSM survived the opening onslaught and settled into the rhythm that had seen them unbeaten so far. The game with both clubs keeping the ball on the ground was excellent to watch and with very little in the way of stoppages the match seemed to race by broken only by changes in ball possession.

Kevin McBride had settled into life for his new club really well and now that he understood the movement of the forwards in front of him and a clear grasp of what Mark desired of him on the pitch he produced a performance that saw him claim the mom by some clear margin. McBride’s willingness to receive the ball even when appearing to be well marked allowed him to open his box of tricks and with a feint, a dummy and an elaborate step over or two time and time he found himself clear and able to plant a cross exactly where it hurt in the Yeovil penalty box. The warnings were not heeded by the Yeovil back four and one break too many by McBride saw them concede an opening goal on 25 minutes. Sam Bailey intercepted a pass and played the ball to McBride’s feet before he in turn found McLeod and raced to find the return ball which the WSM no. 10 had drilled towards the corner flag. One look up and McBride measured a cross that saw Folan diving full length to power home a thumping header. It was a beautiful goal that claimed the goal of the month for August.

McBride’s efforts were recognised by fans and the chants from the away support called his name loud and clear.

Folan’s goal had been well taken and on balance of play WSM deserved to be ahead despite the early Yeovil pressure.

WSM drove on and looked for a second but with half time close they were undone by sloppy defending with Bailey completely at fault.

With time to clear the ball Bailey was caught out of position and once robbed of possession Yeovil’s new striker Steve McLean simply crashed home a shot after an unchecked run. McLean caught the eye and it was clear why Yeovil had paid 150k for the Scottish International and the goal all of his making.

With no time for the restart half time team talks commenced and concluded with both terms emerging in to the sunshine expectant of the three points. Mark made one change pushing McCann into an attacking midfield role in the hope of creating some doubt in Yeovil’s minds.

The change worked but despite the rising shot count and the number of golden chances created WSM failed to land a second goal and but for two excellent stops and the intervention of the cross bar they themselves might have found themselves losing a game that they dominated for the second 45 minutes. With WSM in cruise control Mark threw on three substitutes and from the last 10 minutes tried to force the win but it was all to no avail. Yeovil soaked up the WSM pressure and saw the game through. The Battle of Somerset was at an end....

As the whistle blew Mark shook hands with the Yeovil manager Russell Slade and admitted that a draw was a fair result. Both sides remained unbeaten and at the top of the division.

In amongst the crowd were two smart suited gentlemen. Despite the sharp designer suits and sunglasses they would be largely ignored by those around them. Their names Steve and Sky Walker and both multi millionaires in their early 30’s although making their money in completely different businesses. Steve a media mogul with several internet and magazine houses to his name and Sky a football and media agent. Both were football fans but of London teams and the only reason for coming to the West Country fixture purely a clash with a party in the area later that night. That diary clash had been to their advantage as they had met with Paul Bliss the WSM chairman and been impressed with his vision of the future and both were quickly invited to Woodspring Park. They accepted the kind offer although Sky Walker admitted that he would hopefully speak to Paul and Mark sooner rather than later especially as the WSM manager was supposedly one of his 'new' clients......

[markyt]

Apart from a couple of minor injury concerns there was no real rationale for changing an unbeaten side and Mark saw no reason to do so for the 1st Round of the League Cup which saw Ipswich arrive in the South West. Mark during his time at WSM had come to consider that any cup competitions were like a tea bag for him in terms of not being in the ‘cup’ for very long. Even the non league cup games had been poor in terms of results although he recognised there had been times when the competitions were far from priority for the club.

But in August the club were up against a real footballing side marshaled by Jim Magilton and the game whetted even the ex Chelsea man’s appetite. To pit your wits against a quality side was always a test and especially when you were convinced that your team could get something from the game and with a sellout crowd of 5500 to cheer you on it was no wonder there was a real sense of optimism about the fixture.

Under the new floodlights WSM opened the game brightly and found a weakened Ipswich side to their liking. There was a growing confidence and familiarity about the players and that showed in the match performance. Ipswich in comparison were all over the shop with new faces coming in for effectively their first competitive game and some even making debuts.

Magilton was close to melt down as even the simplest of passing movements seemed to break down giving easy possession to the ‘Seagulls’. Given too much space the WSM midfield started a riot and WSM raced into a 2 goal lead at the 30 minute mark. Folan and Walker claimed a goal a piece and both were well deserved. Folan’s on 12 minutes a delightful shot on the turn after being found by a long raking Mark Kerr pass of well over 40 yards. Folan collected the ball with his back to goal and with a defender breathing down his neck the WSM no. 9 turned and lashed a shot on the edge of the D. The Ipswich keeper had no chance after being slightly unsighted by his defender but dived and with the slightest of touches could only push the ball into the roof of the net. Folan raced to the corner flag to celebrate the opener before coming to a stop after sliding on his knees and waited to be mobbed by equally delighted team mates.

The 2nd goal arrived at the 29 minute point after McCann’s driving run had been faulted with a tap on the heels. 35 yards from goal and a 5 man wall to beat Walker curled a sot into the bottom left hand corner. The one bounce in the 6 yard box took it over the keeper and Walker punched the air demanding the home support to raise their backing to even greater heights. Mark couldn’t ask his players to do much more after total domination across the 45 minutes. It was just a matter of same again please and make sure you stay awake during the half time team talk. Magilton mean while was peeling the paint in the away dressing room and throwing the rattle out of his pram at the inept first half performance from his team.

WSM wouldn’t complain at the final whistle even though Ipswich had made life very difficult in the final minutes.

A late goal on 83 minutes had given Ipswich an opportunity to chase something from the game and with Mark having made three attacking substitutions in looking to further increase the advantage WSM ended the game hanging on to their victory. Magilton had no complaint as overall WSM had been the better side during the 90 minutes.

After the press interviews Mark found his way to the director’s bar and found a jubilant Paul Bliss celebrating with his party.

Mark knew the majority of the people but was introduced to the unknown faces discovering that two of the three were related and that one suggested in a brief conversation that he was Mark’s agent.

The Walker brothers had arrived and after enjoying the match performance celebrated with the delighted WSM board and clearly were enjoying the VIP treatment rolled out by the WSM chairman.

Mark mingled and said his hello’s as required on the night and then found himself face to face with Sky Walker.

‘Hi Mark, what a night and its great to finally put a face to a name on a file although being an Arsenal fan I of course know all about your playing exploits.’

The two chatted amiably but the mood changed almost instantly after Walker pressed for a meeting to discuss the future for his ‘client’.

Mark saw little point in beating about the bush. ‘Mr Walker, Sky, I’m not sure I actually need an agent anymore and see little or no reason to meet with you until I have made that decision. I don’t need the sales pitch from you and I am certain that should the need arise then I can either employ you or someone else on a limited short term basis. I’m sure you have plenty of work to do especially with the takeover of Carolyn’s business so let’s leave things as they are for the moment. Anyway I hope that’s ok and if you will excuse me I need to talk to some of the key staff here.’

Mark left Walker to his own devices but there was no doubt that Walker was annoyed at the brush off. Something he was far from used to. His brother laughed off thoughts of sleight and said ‘Maybe he is right, what has he actually done as a manager? He’s not won anything in reality has he and even if the club do get higher up the leagues there is no where near the money here to see that status maintained long term. I reckon that Mr Bliss is going to need investment and quickly if the club is to progress. Mark is clearly kingpin here right now but that might change and maybe we can play the long game and perhaps make some money along the road.......’

Ipswich – League Cup 1st Round home

2:1

[markyt]

Mark waited for the last player to enter the away dressing room at Huddersfield and slammed the door shut.

Huddersfield had picked up just one point all season and WSM still unbeaten had been expected to dominate. Barring one change the side were the same eleven that had played Ipswich town off the park.

The one change to the team was to the centre of defence with Damion Stewart coming in for the injured Aaron Downes.

Paul Bliss had been generous in victory and flown via Exeter and Leeds airport cutting down the need for an overnight stay pre game and reducing the travelling time from 6 hours to 45 minutes. Lo cost airlines were fantastic and Exeter had their version Flybe.

Mark launched into an angry tirade....

‘What’s the matter with you lot - ****ing jet lag? Having problems breathing due to the altitude and thinness of the air this far north?

Not one of you has delivered in that half and the tactics you were asked to commit to went out your brain when the whistle blew. We come all of this way bringing coach lads of supporters to the game and for what’.

Mark pointed at the midfield and picked them out for his last major torrent of abuse.

‘You guys have let me, the fans and yourselves down. Huddersfield are half the team we are and yet you four have allowed them to roll you over and push you around as if we are nothing. Wayne finish this off and get their heads clear. I’m going to get some fresh air because your performances stink....’

Mark stomped off leaving the players to sort themselves out with asst manager Wayne Jacobs passing on his commentary.

Jacobs and Mark had already discussed the tactical changes for the second half and it was a simple matter for the WSM no. 2 of making Mark’s thoughts known and ensuring the players understood.

Huddersfield had literally thrown everything into the first half and with a high tempo pressing game WSM had stalled and not got going. WSM had the most prolific front pairing in the division on current form but neither Folan nor McLeod had even half a chance to their name. Grant McCann had been the only WSM player to live up to reputation but even he had been limited to long range efforts which barely caused the Huddersfield keeper to lose any sleep. But for all of their ineptitude the score was still level........

Huddersfield with the wind and rain behind them continued their dominant form and continued to show WSM to be a limited force. Mark was stunned into silence and apart from a couple of swear words said very little in those early minutes. He was already considering changes and Quinn and Buchanan and Benyon were quickly warming up from as early as the 48th minute.

Finally WSM started to find their feet and after a Brain save WSM passed the ball fluidly and worked their way up the pitch. McBride and McCann worked the ball wide where McBride’s initial cross was blocked but the bounce of the ball gave him a second chance to deliver. Sam Bailey raced to provide and overlap and with most expecting a McBride ball into the box the WSM right winger pushed a ball towards the corner flag finding the run of Bailey. Bailey just kept the ball from going for a goal kick and unmarked drove a ball across the 6 yard box.

Players from both sides threw themselves to clear the ball or to turn it goalwards but somehow it made its way to the far post and Scott Walker slid in to claim an unlikely lead and a very simple tap in.

Walker’s two yard effort enough to send the away support into noisy cheers of ‘We are sh*t and we know we are’.

10 minutes later with no real improvement Mark brought Quinn and Buchanan on for Kerr and McCann and Benyon on for Folan. To be fair any one of the eleven could have been replaced. WSM were awful but somehow despite constant Huddersfield pressure and a rear guard action that made the Dunkirk evacuation look like a picnic in the park WSM snatched a win.

Sam Bailey claimed man of the match perhaps demonstrating that WSM defensively had won the day.

Huddersfield – away

1:0

[markyt]

The final whistle sounded and Mark punched the air in delight. WSM had emerged from a dire performance against Huddersfield with three lucky points. Mark quickly found a muddy and exhausted Scott Walker the hero of the hour or as the local paper the Weston Mercury later described his 59th minute winner ‘the hero on the hour’.

Mark high fived with his captain and the two embraced an unlikely undeserved win.

As the two walked from the pitch after saluting the travelling support Walker turned to his manager and said...

‘That win was for you boss, the lads know we didn’t play well but we didn’t want to go home empty handed. Still unbeaten and we want to keep that run going.’

Mark had calmed dramatically from half time and had accepted the win however badly his side had played from the minute Walker had scored his goal. The second half performance had been heroic and although Huddersfield would feel hard done by and were still without a win, WSM would travel home a very happy side with the half time words forgotten. Mark as he showered in the changing rooms washed away the remnants of the game and reflected on his squad. They were stronger, quicker and perhaps more talented than previous years but the heartbeat of the side remained two of the ‘originals’ inherited from his arrival at the club.

It was also true that against Huddersfield in amongst the new talent brought to the South West club, Walker had claimed the winner but the cross that created the goal was supplied by Sam Bailey and Bailey himself had gone on to win the man of the match award. The two deserved their hero status with the home support and for both to play at this level stuff of dreams. Neither looked out of place against the better players or names in the league and had already proven their desire and ability to progress, improve and importantly keep their place in a team that was riding high and very much against the odds.

Changed Mark emerged from the dressing room and literally bumped into Steve Walker who at that moment was in deep conversation on a mobile phone. Mark mouthed an apology to the media man and as he made his way towards the coach found Paul Bliss.

After words of encouragement and pride at a win that saw WSM climb upto 6th in the league, Mark asked Bliss why Walker had appeared for the third game running. ‘Dear boy, I like him and he talks a good game and more to the point he is wealthy man with an unhealthy interest in football. I think I can help him by making him a bit poorer and giving him a healthier interest in football at WSM. As a minimum I think he is interested in a long term investment and who knows he might want one day to buy me out or at least be the catalyst for someone else. At a huge price mind you and that will be down to you, the better you and the team do the better the deal......’

Later on the plane home Bliss spoke in confidence to Mark explaining that Walker had during conversations suggested himself becoming involved at WSM and whilst recognizing that it was never going to be a money maker for him realization of actually owning some of a Football club whetted his appetite. He had more money that he knew what to do with and football activities were something that gave him huge pleasure. The final words from Bliss on the subject perhaps summed up Mark’s thoughts on the man but there was an ominous tone to the words chosen by the WSM owner.

‘Play nice with him Mark he may bank roller future growth here and who knows fund your transfer demands and don’t forget his brother, he may be useful in the longer term so again I remind you to play nice and a long game.’

Mark had all but forgotten the younger brother. That he planned to do for good once he had confirmation of just what contract he actually had with Play Fair the new name for Carolyn’s old business. Right now he had no need to an agent but who knew what the future held. He would be damned if he gave a percentage of his salary away should a ‘big’ club come knocking on his door especially if he could avoid it. There was no animosity in that thought. Sky Walker simply wasn’t Carolyn and that was the problem end of story........

The conversation was quickly over as the plane quickly landed at Exeter airport and Mark enjoyed the benefits of flying.

15 minutes from the terminal to home....

[markyt]

‘Time to earn your money son...’

After emerging with a priceless win away to Huddersfield next up were lowly Bristol Rovers. Rovers had started the season with a poor run of results which meant that they were featuring at the wrong end of the table. That poor run had ended with a fantastic win at home to Wolves where they picked up three points after ‘tanking’ Robson’s side two nil.

Mark’s Saturday afternoon had got even better at that news and the ‘big’ club were also struggling to get their season going and now remained the only club in the league without a win. Mark could not even begin to imagine the pressure that Robson was under especially after spending millions in January and over the summer period.

Interestingly Wolves acquisition of Blake Newbold had failed to see the ex WSM player start a game and that news would be tracked by Guy Wyles, WSM scout. If there was any chance of Newbold being farmed out on loan or Robson deciding that the player didn’t fit his plans then Mark would consider bringing the lad back.

Bristol Rovers was another local game that would now be considered a derby. Mark made two changes to the side one for injury and one to all Aaron Downes back into the side. Damion Stewart was the player dropped for Downes but the ‘Jamaican International’ had other things on his mind following a surprise call up to the international squad and Gillan had picked up a knock that saw Adam Griffin come in at left back.

Sitting on the bench Mark watched his side concede two early goals and Bristol Rovers with their confidence sky high after beating Wolves tore into WSM and completely played them off the park. WSM if anything were even worse than their Huddersfield performance and looked sluggish, slow and unable to match Rovers in any department.

To lose two goals in 7 minutes straight from the whistle a nightmare that got no better.

Bristol Rovers were awesome and with rapier like precision carved open WSM and took their well worked goals and chased more but WSM defended well and stoutly denied them further gains. McKeown in particular had been found wanting and Paul Trollope’s side profited from his lack of awareness and McKeown trudged off the pitch knowing he was in for a hard time during the interval.

As the whistle blew for half time Mark stood hands on hips waiting for the players to move down the tunnel. His mind was racing and he knew that the next 15 minutes were critical and he mentally prepared the team talk.

Loud enough to hear he heard a WSM supporter say ‘time for you to earn you wages son’. The comment was clearly aimed at him and although the supporter probably never meant for him to actually pick up on that comment in amongst the half time supporters groans of despair Mark had heard the words and they to would be on his mind as he walked hands in pockets down the tunnel.

Mark was the last to enter the room and silence shrouded the home dressing room. They expected another blasting and more slamming of doors. The hush continued as Mark grabbed a marker pen and began to draw up the tactics for the second half. Mark had decided that WSM would go for it and he’d rather get hammered than not try to get something out of the game. The formation saw McKeown substituted and Elliot Benyon on with WSM moving to 3,3,1,3. McCann was moved into an attacking role behind the three strikers and Benyon and McLeod would play off Folan. The strikers were told to harry, and drag markers all over the pitch and Mark Kerr whilst offering a holding role in midfield warned to get forward when the going was good. In truth the tactics had something of an Ossie Ardiles about them but Mark would throw caution to the wind and give the WSM supporters something to think about. Perhaps even Britol Rovers too....

The changes made it was time to bake the cake use the half time recipe.

Bristol still dominant in the opening stages of the half soon found a different opposition and with WSM playing more direct football the tide changed and flowed literally right back up the Bristol Channel.

Slowly WSM got themselves into the game although Bristol were still dangerous on the counter keeping the WSM defence busy.

Upfront the WSM strike force had a field day and although not getting much joy in front of goal themselves their pursuit of space caused pandemonium. They were all over the place and the three aided by Walker and McBride wide left and right respectively all five prodded and poked looking to create something, anything to get the home support cheering.

Finally a goal and not from the expected source.

Mark Kerr collected the ball and with movement all around him stepped forward looking to release the right pass. Arms went up almost on demand calling for the ball and in that moment space opened up showing him the way to goal. Bristol playing in red were like the red sea and obligingly opened up and parted creating a hole through the centre of the box and Kerr thumped a shot goal from all of thirty yards that flew into the left hand corner of the net and was unstoppable. One shot one goal some return for WSM.

The going got even better 10 minutes later as McCann threw a pass into the left hand corner that Walker did well to keep in play. One cross delivered to the head of Folan saw the Bristol keeper palm away from goal but Kerr had tracked the ball and unmarked found the ball at his feet and the keeper struggling to get off the floor. Kerr couldn’t miss and didn’t.

Woodspring Park was now rocking to the noise from 5000 home supporters and after a nothing 45 minutes the new tactics had delivered a stunning fight back. There was still time to win the game and with 12 minutes left WSM continued to press home their 12th man advantage. The crowd bellowed for more but in the end WSM were glad to collect a point.

Bristol as a second half force had been driven to counter attacking football and as the WSM goals were scored Trollope made substitutions to try and counter Mark’s tactics. In doing so he gave WSM further territory but in the dying minutes one route one ball saw a Rovers player free and goal. Over 90 minutes Bristol probably deserved the win but with mark beginning to look to skies a roar from the home support. The linesman had flagged for offside and although late with his flag the referee agreed and somewhat fortunately WSM survived the scare. Trollope was furious with the decision and replay’s showed that his side had been unlucky as Mark himself saw very little wrong.

The final whistle saw the players jubilant in the end result and they remained unbeaten throughout August.

Mark turned round and searched for the old man in the crowd who had directed that comment to him at half time.

Mark found him three rows back and climbed through the crowd and then shook the man’s hand.

The supporter was clearly surprised to see Mark next to him unaware that his comment had been heard. In amongst the clapping and cheers Mark simply explained to the supporter why he was there and to confirm ‘That point was for you sir – I hope I’ve earned my wages now...’

Bristol Rovers – home

2:2

[markyt]

Monday morning and Mark headed for the training ground.

Being unbeaten carried additional pressures and whilst he would remain at the training facilities for a relative short space of time that morning he wanted to ascertain the fitness status of his squad post the Bristol game. He had spent the remainder of the weekend considering options all around the thought process of shuffling the pack and freshening the side to face Hull.

His visit would gather information about the little knocks and niggles and get a physio report on the players that had yet to start a game.

James Collins was needed on the pitch but his playing arrival still seemed weeks away but there were others and Mark intended to consider everyone of his squad for the next away match.

All four of the teams that had been promoted from Division 2 were continuing their promotion momentum and although WSM remained unbeaten they were a mile off the pace compared to the likes of Hull.

Hull were promoted as Champions and already were heading the division at the higher level. The ‘tigers’ were chewing up all before them and next up were Mark’s South West side. Hull had menaced WSM in the previous 12 months and Mark already was wary of the trip to Humberside.

Mark’s mind had cleared quickly during the drive and as he pulled off the motorway he began air drumming along to the Phil Collins’s song in the air tonight which by now was blasting from the stereo. In mid drum beat the music cut out and the mobile phone burst into life showing that a call was coming through and that it was Frank Gregan. Mark pulled a face before answering although peace had broken out between the two and Gregan was now headlong in getting the stadium ready for the next phase of the opening.

‘Morning Frank, what can I do for you?’

Gregan quickly said his hello’s before launching into his reason for calling.

‘Mark, we have a couple of offers on the table for a some of the squad. Paul is comfortable with our wage bill and has no desire to clear out anyone and therefore it is purely a football decision as to whether you let them go. The offers are as follows Rob Bayley to Bournemouth for 30k and Adam Griffin 20k to Rochdale although the 20k has got several strings attached in terms of add ons and finally Alex Rhodes 15k to Chesterfield.’

Mark breathed in and considered the offers and the impact of losing the three. He understood that he was under no pressure to sell but realistically 2 of the three would now be no more than bit part players. Bayley blighted by injury the only player he was reluctant to part with but he was realistic enough to realise that the money on offer was decent.

‘Frank, ok it’s a tough call but let’s try and do a deal. All three can move on but I will speak to them first and it is entirely upto them. If they want to fight for a place here then that is all the better. But I’d rather be honest with each of them and let them have the decision to make.’

With transfer deadline hours away there was little time for thought. The players ‘ummed and aaaad’ but decided to move on and in fairness Mark couldn’t blame any of them. Playing every week the driver for all and each knew that to progress they had to look elsewhere however much they were part of the squad and enjoyed life in the West Country.

WSM banked 55k in the process and the window closed quickly as the three made their getaway.

Although not a deal driven by deadlines Mark had another go at Alan Morgan. Morgan was still available and holding out for a decent offer. Four clubs had offered trials to the ex Hearts man but none had managed to secure the player. As a left back he was different class compared to the two remaining at the club. But after Fran’s attempts and a personal call from mark Morgan remained unmoved and holding out to ransom. Morgan admitted freely to mark that he was holding out for ‘bigger’ club and hoped that an injury somewhere else might see him gain a chance. A risky strategy but at least Morgan was upfront about it. Mark could only wish the lad well in his club search but reminded Morgan that he would keep tabs on him and hoped to see him in WSM colours before too long.

[markyt]

2nd Class stamp....

Hull were flying high at the top of the division and like WSM remained unbeaten throughout August. Something had to give on the first day and game of the month and the bookies whilst perhaps sympathetic to Mark’s side and their own unbeaten run still came heavily down on the Humberside team convinced they would emerge with three points. Training had been tough as Mark chased improvement but with continued absence due to injury Mark had been satisfied with just two changes. Wilce came in at left back replacing Gillan although based on recent performances Adam Griffin would have been selected. Just one problem though Griffin had been sold just days before....

The second change saw the return of David Dunn with Cherno Samba added to the bench as Mark had selected a side he felt confident could collect a win and with the attacking options on the bench something that historically had been unavailable to him the personnel to change the flow of a game.

Although the midweek game was an away fixture WSM had been able to complete a mornings work on their own training ground before connecting to a flight from Bristol to Humberside airport which dramatically reduced travelling time from an all day coach ride to less than 1 hour. Incredibly flying their in back in one day the players and associated club staff was marginally cheaper than the normal coach trip and overnight stay. Bright sunshine bathed the Kasey Stadium in a serious of long shadows and the evening was perfect for a game of football as the crowd arrived and the floodlights added their own shadows to the evening fixture. The whistle blew to signal that battle was commenced and two sides that had met in division two and emerged with a win apiece would now look to establish superiority at the higher level.

Hull in the black and gold, confident, cocky and aggressive after 5 successive wins tore into WSM and claimed an early goal. WSM had barely settled and between Kerr and Dunn if they had touched the ball once Mark would have been right to demand a recount.

Hull were right on the money and bullied WSM pushing them back as intricate passing play opened up an uncertain defensive display that soon hemorrhaged a second goal. Just 7 minutes had been played and with ease Hull had strolled to a 2 goal lead and WSM had struggled to cross the half way line.

No errors, no mistakes, no lack of awareness to account for the Hull goals.

Pure quality and two strikers being given perfect delivery time and time again allowing them to easily outmaneuver what appeared in comparison a static WSM defence. It was men versus boys and whilst Mark changed tactics to try and counter the erstwhile and determined opposition, already with the game less than 10 minutes old WSM were chasing long shadows and Hull seemingly out of reach. Hull couldn’t keep up their pace and power of attack for the whole half and finally the likes of Dunn and Walker got their act together and the men in white closed space down and began to cut out the supply to the Hull front line. In comparison the WSM game plan now resembled the ugly sister compared to Hull’s Cinderella but at least the score line remained at just the two goals as eleven white shirts toiled hard to get into the game but at least the Hull were no longer having the game their own way and WSM were out of neutral and into at the very least second gear.

Then came a fluke.

From nothing Michael Wilce scored an absolute screamer. A lumped ball forward from Sam Bailey came back towards the WSM half with interest added and after a couple of headers between the midfield units of each team the ball fell wide left and to the feet of WSM left back Wilce. Wilce looked for a pass but saw nothing but marked men in front of him. Moving forward he pushed the ball to far forward and looked to have lost control of the ball but got to it before the Hull midfielder and Wilce fortunate to get to the ball evaded the challenge and then hit the ball sweetly and a 40 yard missile cannoned into the roof of the net. Hull supporters rubbed their eyes in disbelief at the flukey goal but the small pocket of WSM supporters broke into cheers of easy, easy, easy......

WSM had done nothing much for the first half but they had reduced the deficient to just one goal as the whistle sounded shortly after Wilce’s goal.

Mark during the interval made significant changes.

David Dunn had complained of the after effects of a challenge and Mark decided not to risk the player unduly especially with Dunn’s long history of regular sick notes. McCann back into the fray and asked to move further forward supporting the front two with Samba and Benyon thrown on to try and add some guile to the final third. Folan and McLeod whilst starved of the ball had done very little to add to the WSM performance and would pay the price and the ignominy of playing just the first 45. Not that the changes made much difference. The second half saw a rampant Hull pushed on by 12000 plus in the stands and deliver the three points that their performance deserved.

Samba added to the South West side’s gloom with a flying elbow that earned a red card on 67 minutes. WSM had struggled to contain Hull with 11 men and now with 10 WSM had very little respite from the ‘tigers’. As the game closed Hull had scored a third but probably should have more and Benyon became a 5th midfielder as it became very clear that WSM as an attacking force were nullified.

WSM were as bad as Hull were good and the unbeaten run ended on September 1st.

WSM yet again had failed against one of the better sides in the division and that trait remained ever prominent.

WSM were picking up wins but against the lesser sides. When pitched against the ‘decent’ teams they struggled and the microscope was now out as the press boys had a field day and labeled Mark’s side as ‘second class’. The words would burn and Mark used them to good effect in the training post the defeat ensuring that every squad member realised that they were ‘stamped’ with the tag and yet WSm at the higher division were still a top half table and had 'posted’ more points on the board than even the most dedicated of fans would have dared to suggest.

Hull – away

1:3

[markyt]

The midweek game away to Hull had seen WSM crash and burn. In the previous couple of games they had wobbled, seen a wheel or two come off and finally they had hit the central reservation. The flight home miraculously short had seen the squad subdued and almost silent. There was much for them all to think about and Mark and his backroom staff spent much of the flight debating the way forward.

There were difficult conversations ahead but one thing was certain Mark would spend the next few days working on the training ground working in isolation with the WSM strikers and the midfield unit. The most difficult conversation of all took place early on the Thursday morning as Mark pulled captain Scott Walker to one side and told him man to man that he would be rested for the Bradford home game. Walker took the news well at least face to face with the WSM boss. Walker was not to blame for the recent loss but he had been unable to provide the ammunition for Folan and McLeod and in truth against Hull had looked extremely leggy. Buchanan was given the nod and joined Mark and the others for their specialist training session. At the end of the session Mark showered and made his way to Woodspring Park where a late afternoon board meeting would discuss the month ahead, future plans plus a financial report.

Minutes before the meeting Mark was joined by David Dunn and fitness coach Ed Baronowski and the three sat down to talk through Dunn’s fitness progress. After Baronowski’s initial review, Dunn added his own thoughts into the mix during which Mark remained silent listening intently to both points of view. As Dunn finished speaking Mark finally entered the conversation. ‘David, no one can question your determination to get fit and that there has been significant progress especially with the additional pre season work that you have put in. However the Hull game showed me that despite all of your effort you are no where near close enough to being match fit. I know it will take several games to get the joints working again but I can’t afford for you to do that in the first team. My choices are limited but I leave the door open for you.’

Dunn winced at the words but remained silent. Mark continued.

‘I’m going to ask Wayne Jacobs to play you in the reserves and that you play regular football for the next few weeks purely in the aim of getting you to the playing level that I think we can see you impact on the first team. As it stands today you are no more than a substitute and that to someone of your talent is ridiculous. The years of injury have taken their toll and the lack of games in between but between you, Ed, and Wayne and a run of games the picture may change. But I guess it’s up to you.’

Dunn nodded ‘Boss I understand and am finding the pace of the game tough. You mentioned options and an open door what do you mean?’

Mark leaned back into his chair. ‘It must be tough coming down the playing ladder and finding that even though you put in the work there is still a gap in where you think you should be playing and reality. I guess the options open are to offer you a short term loan elsewhere or that’ Mark paused for affect, ‘we agree mutually to terminate your contract here and now.’

Dunn literally went white, certainly whiter than the shirt he had worn just hours before.

‘Boss, don’t do that to me. I love it down here and have just got settled. My girlfriend and the little one have joined me now down here and I want to stay. I understand after last night’s performance that I have work to do and will do that but I want to stay here, give me a run of games and let me show you I can make a difference....’

The board meeting was a fairly simple affair in comparison to the Dunn discussion. WSM were riding high despite the very recent thumping but in September faced a run of 6 more league games and one cup match. Despite the season being just four weeks old WSM were now at full pelt and the pace of the season had if anything stepped up a gear. If WSM still skirted the top end of the league in four weeks time then they would be doing well. The fixture computer had thrown up sides that could be beaten and certainly WSM had avoided the better sides in September. Each game would be tough but points were available in each fixture. With the final phased reopening of the ground due at the end of the month WSM needed to keep winning to ensure that local support would continue to turn up in even greater numbers.

Next up Bradford at home.

[markyt]

Mark demanded a high tempo from the first whistle and with a decent couple days on the training ground each of the selected eleven players knew to the letter the task that they had been set. Folan and McLeod were told in no uncertain terms to put themselves about a bit and ensure that the Bradford back four were given no time or opportunity to draw breath and to add to the WSM attacking mind set the two wide men Buchanan and McBride pushed further forward as Mark changed tactics and selected a 4-2-4 formation.

Mark’s initial starting position was purely to push Bradford deep into their own territory, create panic and mayhem across their defensive unit and in the process look to exert maximum pressure and score. The move had the touch of perhaps desperation to the outside voyeur but Mark simply summarised that the tactics would suit Muhammad Ali and therefore were good enough for WSM. Push on score goals and then draw back as the expected reply would certainly come from a decent Bradford side but by trying to overwhelm Bradford with completely the unexpected WSM could certainly profit. Delivery of the ball to the front two critical and each hour spent on the training ground could only benefit the end result.

Saturday afternoon and with a slight breeze to take away some of the heat of the day WSM started to play to the tempo demanded of them.

5500 a full house bellowed them on and saw probably the best 20 minutes of football ever seen at Woodspring Park. Three goals within 17 minutes the exact response to a dismal last 90 minutes away to Hull. The first goal a 35 yard free kick that crashed into the back of the net as early as the 1st minute delivered from the right foot of the once again reinstalled Grant McCann. The free kick had resulted from a nudge on Folan and Bradford paid the price for forming a poor wall in response. McCann reeked immediate havoc with a curling effort that gave the keeper no chance. Just 10 minutes later and WSM doubled the lead. Buchanan floating majestically on the left wing collected a Kerr pass and jinked inside his marker. As he powered towards the box Folan pulled wide left creating space for an easy pass. Buchanan found him and then carried on his run distracting the closest of the Bradford defenders. As Folan turned and looked to thread a ball back to the WSM left winger, Kerr screamed for a pass. Wide open and just on the left hand corner of the box the ball rolled into his path and Kerr drilled home a shot hard and low that found the near post corner. Bradford were in complete disarray and the Bradford Manager Stuart McCall frantically tried to shake up his troops knowing already it was going to be a long afternoon. The third goal arrived on 17 minutes and for Mark the best of the bunch. Neat inter passing that started from the arms of WSM keeper Brains before finally arriving 12 passes later to the far post and a sliding McBride boot that steered the ball past a decked and beaten keeper. McBride ghosted up at the back post unmarked and with the passing and movement from start to finish it was no wonder that the WSM support sang happily ‘easy’ easy’ easy’ remembering just days before the chant that had seen their side well beaten as the third WSM rolled into the net.

Instant payback for the faithful......

Bradford under McCall had not been torn apart by more than a two goal difference during his time as manager there and already were nestled in amongst the early leaders in the league.

Despite all of this they were left completely shell shocked at the early WSM power play.

However WSM couldn’t keep up the relentless pace of their start and as they slowed and tried to remain dominant Bradford themselves began to get into their own stride.

To McCall’s teams credit they pulled one goal back on the stoke of half time and after putting together some decent possession they deserved it to and from just one shot on goal they scored.

Half time and WSM were cheered off to a man and without doubt they had delivered the tactics exactly and Mark had only words of pride and encouragement.

Despite an equally good start to the second half WSM couldn’t add to their goal tally and as tired legs and exhaustion kicked in Mark decided enough was enough and made three quick substitutions. At the same time he drew back the WSM team to their normal 4-4-2 and looked to hit a now pressing Bradford side on the counter attack.

The clock was counting down and as the game to a close a Sam Bailey miss placed pass found its way into the back of the net after a some neat footwork from Francis Jeffers. Brains was beaten for the second time and couldn’t be faulted for either goal. By now the crowd were screaming for the whistle and moments later it sounded. 3:2 on paper looked a close score line but McCall in post match interviews held no punches. Bradford were beaten by a class side and WSM were the best side he seen during the season so far. Bradford had some work to do but WSM had deserved the win. The stats said it all and WSM should have scored even more than just three. But for all of that there was a huge positive stride by the South West side infront of their home support. The Hull game had been like Bradford simply blown away.....

Bradford – home

3:2

[markyt]

The Brothers Grimm....

Mark arrived early at Woodspring Park and remained in good spirits following the excellent win against Bradford. Hartlepool were next up and the team had a short morning training session before making the long trip to Hartlepool. Whilst Mark hated the thought of the long coach ride to the North East it would give him time with the players and an overnight stay allowed for a decent training session on the morning of the game. After the last two away games the benefit of flight versus the performance on the pitch hadn’t matched up and therefore the old tried and tested format of match day travel returned in all of its glory. Mark’s knee already yelped in sheer pain just at the thought of travelling in such a confided position.

Mark said his good mornings to the skeleton staff on duty and finally entered his office. At the early hour of 8am he would normally have found himself pretty much left alone but today he was surprised to find two people waiting for him.

Steve and Sky Walker had made themselves at home in his office.

‘Can I help you?’ Mark requested annoyed as much as anything to find his planned routine interrupted.

‘Mark, great to see you again, sorry to just drop in on you unannounced but we were in the area and thought we would make best use of our journey plan.’ Steve Walker took centre stage although both seemed content to use Mark’s office.

Mark bristled at the invasion but stopped short of saying so and instead appeared to just waft away the scenario. He remembered Paul Bliss’ words and shrugged before replying

‘No problem, I’ll just collect my stuff and find room to work elsewhere; we are off at 11am so I won’t need my office today. You are welcome to it.’

Sky Walker realising that they were already treading on quicksand tried to gain the higher ground. ‘No, no, no you sit down, we are visitors and I want to chat to you even if just for a few minutes. Steve is heading north with your party today and I thought that by dropping him off here we could chat. I know you are busy but you are my client and if you haven’t had chance to check your contract for your information you are locked to me for two more years. I’m sorry if that doesn’t please you but the contract is watertight and part of the Carolyn business deal. It’s the same for everyone I’m afraid. So like it or lump we are going to have to get along. Your contract is up at the end of the season and I’d like to discuss the way forward and Steve is involved now that he is on board at the club and wants a hands on approach to any contract negotiations.’

Mark was shocked at the final statement. Historically Bliss had handled the contract renewing process but here Walker was stating that his brother was now involved. 'Isn’t that a conflict of interest? Queried the wary Mark.

Steve Walker laughed and laughed out loud. ‘I’m not involved in the offer process or your salary just representing the board making sure we secure you for another 3 year deal. We want you to stay and between the four of us, (Bliss included) we want to offer you the deal that secures that picture and not to waste any time achieving that result. Here’s the deal....’

Minutes later Mark was given a new contract to peruse and given the clear understanding that the club had made an excellent offer to secure and tie him to WSM for the long term. The ‘party’ left and in silence Mark opened the envelope and speed read the details.

The offer was good, doubling his salary and although no where near the big earners of the Football League sufficient to show Mark their keenness at continuing with them. There was no thinking about it Mark read through the fine print, signed the document and Emma delivered the sealed envelope personally to the brothers grim. Mark had signed up for another three years without thinking despite his concerns about changes at the club. He still had a nagging doubt about the Walkers’ but at the very least he would stay for three years, had a break clause should a big club knock on the door and the wage rise not insignificant. Emma for one was delighted at the news...... and so to were the WSM supporters.

‘Ever forward’ the back page of the Weston Mercury headline as the news broke.

[markyt]

Despite an overnight stay Mark’s knee had woken him early on the Tuesday morning and for several moments he had no idea of his surroundings and found himself on the floor after falling out of bed. Colliding with the nearby wardrobe not the best treatment for knee pain but surprisingly after the jolt an involuntary yelp as the pain kicked. The coach trip from South to North had seemed never ending and the monotony of the journey only broken by an excellent fast paced movie Bad Boys 3 starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

It had been Mark’s choice for the trip and as the final credits came up most of the team had joined in with the theme song ‘Bad Boy’s bad boys what you going to do’.... although Sam Bailey changed the final line to include win three points....

In amongst the crowd a certain Jeff Stelling adding to the decent 7200 crowd.

The travelling support from WSM sparse unsurprisingly bearing in mind the distance between the two clubs but 400 or so fans made the most of the game flying into Newcastle and spending the afternoon shopping in the North East particularly at the Metro Centre at Gateshead. Hartlepool under the wing of Danny Wilson were a good footballing team and after a shaky start had started to grease the wheels and get their jugernaught moving in a forwards movement. Three wins on the bounce had seen them head the right way up the table and closing on WSM themselves.

After a dominant win against Bradford there was no change to team selection for Mark’s side although there were more conservative tactics.

Even so WSM roared into an early lead as the pace and drive of the South West side took Hartlepool by surprise. The 400 fans made themselves heard as Izale McLeod hit the back of the net and somersaulted his way towards them in the stands. Some celebration but his goal taken at a very acute angle the completion of a move that started deep in the WSM half and the movement of both strikers caused consternation at the back for Hartlepool. The ball being driven perfectly to feet from back to front with even Mark purring in delight from his vantage point in the away dugout. Mark Kerr in particular the key influence in the move that had seen Folan and McLeod interchange positions and finally a Kerr pass to the left of the penalty area allowed McLeod to arrive on the ball just onside and with time to look up he smashed the ball past the keeper when most would have expected a ball across the 6 yard line and the amassing troops.

20 minutes of WSM domination were soon overturned and Hartlepool started to ask questions and but for the woodwork should have been level. WSM were now struggling to cope with a more direct side as Wilson changed tactics with a flurry of hand gestures and finally in injury time a through ball into the run of the striker saw the leveler. A simple goal carved out by a lovely one two on the edge of the box. Craig McKeown slightly at fault after being caught ball watching although that was probably unfair on the WSM centre half. There was no time for much more than the restart.

Tea and sympathy the half time interval conversation but WSM needed to tighten up the space between midfield and defence and ensure that the Hartlepool midfield were given no option but to play the ball long.

WSM clung on to a point despite Kerr running the show in midfield and as the whistle blew Mark puffed out his cheeks in relief. Despite three positive substitutes and Kerr picking up the mom WSM were lucky and the point gained harsh on Hartlepool. Wilson’s side were better over the 90 minutes but WSM had shown that they were not in the league just to make up the numbers and would not be pushed around.

But after the long trip at least WSM returned home with something.

Hartlepool – away

1:1

[markyt]

Same again please!!!!!!

Mark seriously considered making changes for the visit of Gillingham but with the Bradford performance still fresh in the memory and with the eleven emerging unscathed from their recent away fixture he decided to go for the same again. From the training sessions Elliot Benyon certainly looked back to full fitness but with Folan and McLeod in amongst the goals Benyon would need to wait. Alan Quinn and Scott Walker were pushing hard to get back into the frame but all three would need to keep the bench warm until their chance arose. The only injury concerns were the slow progress of James Collins and the unfortunate Dunn who yet again had picked up a minor knock that would see him sidelined for two weeks. Collins was at least back in training but complaining of feeling uncomfortable and the physio prognosis was slow slow slow....

5500 and yet again a sell out for the limited capacity Woodspring Park.

Despite the bravado against Bradford Mark stepped back from 4-2-4 and settled for McCann moving up behind the two strikers allowing Kerr to operate across the centre of the park. Gillingham were a mid table side and in Mark’s view ready for the slaughter and his pre match team talk lived up to his expectations. Gillingham had come to play on the counter attack with 5 strung across the middle. WSM tactics and the position of McCann in particular caused them a problem or two and Mark’s side took full advantage coasting to a three nil lead up to half time.

Goals arrived on 5, 27 and 39 minutes as WSM dominated roared on by a passionate and vocal home crowd.

The power and pace of the seagulls tore Gillingham’s game plan to pieces and during 45 minutes of entertaining football WSM enjoyed themselves under late summer sunshine. By half time WSM had much to Mark’s annoyance taken their foot of the pedal and Mark whilst delighted with the first half showing wanted more and in trying to get that little bit more out of his side made three half time substitutions. Quinn on for McCann as WSM went back to their usual 4-4-2 with Anderson and Benyon coming on in place of the goalscorers Folan and McLeod.

The three goals all deserved with Folan grabbing two to McLeod’s one. Folan’s efforts, one a turn and shot from 12 yards the other a header from the edge of the box that somehow ghosted past and outstretched hand and although well taken were both beaten by McLeod’s 20 yard volley. Dave Buchanan the man of the match delivered a perfect cross that saw the ball bounce once and then at the perfect height for an in form striker to hit whilst at pretty much full pelt. A clear winner of goal of the month and caught in all its glory by Sky. McLeod’s facial expression as he hit the ball set it all. He wanted to get to the ball first....

Second half and WSM were never as good as they were in the first 45 minute showing. WSM were still dominant and in complete control but unable to hit the target despite both Anderson and Benyon working hard to get something from the afternoon work out. Both would have better days and despite nothing to write home to your Mum about as match workouts went great for the players and the greater squad.

Quinn an experienced head in midfield the perfect foil in the trenches for the ever ‘perfect’ Kerr. Mark Kerr was turning into some footballer and Mark was astonished to think that nobody else had spotted the progress or seen the ability of the lad. Mark could see him playing at a much higher level and that needed to be sooner rather than later with age a factor for the lad.

To be fair McCann wasn’t far behind him and possibly the better goalscorer of the two but neither would look out of place in the Premier League. For them to be at WSM something of a coup and down to excellent scout work and Mark already knew that both we being watched. At least he wasn’t at a club that needed to sell.

Even in dreamy moments Mark had thought of being a boss at a ‘big’ club and if that happened he would certainly raid WSM of their riches............

As the final whistle blew to a man the crown and applauded their team off the pitch.

WSM were moving upwards and keeping up with the clubs chasing the top of the league placing.

The league was beginning to take shape although the likes of Stockport, Torquay and WSM were in amongst the fancied runners. The only name not there whilst expected to be at the top were Wolves. Robson’s side were on an awful run that saw them anchored at the wrong end of the table. Still early days but right now Wolves would need to go some to catch the like of Hull and Sheffield Wednesday. Robson would already be hearing calls for his name.....

Gillingham would have better days but over 90 minutes didn’t trouble Brains’ onceas WSM dominated from start to finish.

Next up the league cup and Cardiff at home.

Gillingham – home

3:0

[markyt]

Mark jumped up and down punching the air in sheer jubilation.

A two nil victory against Cardiff in the second round of the League cup sounded an easy enough game. But that barely scraped the story behind the result. The game had flowed with pace and shown that there was very little between the two sides.

The new Cardiff boss, the much traveled Rob Kelly would have been delighted with the showing and they would return to Wales disappointed.

Over 90 minutes both sides had tried to deliver a result but despite plenty of goal mouth action the net at both ends of Woodspring Park remained empty.

Mark despite no real desire or priority to do well in the cup competitions had however selected the same eleven from the previous game and been bold in tactics pushing McCann again into a forward midfield role opening up space for the passing range of Mark Kerr. Cardiff equally had no desire to progress in the cup but were probably keen to get one over a local rival.

Woodspring Park another sellout at 5500 rocked to the noise that both sets of fans generated.

With 90 minutes up extra time loomed and despite a side that certainly deserved a win Mark had to make changes as the effort of the game had taken its toll. Checking the troops during the short respite from action Mark swapped Benyon and Anderson for the exhausted Front pairing and with a desire to win added the experience into midfield in place of McCann who was dead on his feet. Both sides still threatened at the restart of extra time but as each minute passed penalties looked like the order of the day.

Then from nothing 2 goals on 118 and 119 minutes........

A shot from 20 yards cannoned off the WSM cross bar and bounced kindly for the home side. Tired legs across the park saw wide open spaces created and an unchecked run saw a shot beat Brains all ends up. The crossbar saved the day and with a quick interchange Alan Quinn simply lifted a pass over the last Cardiff defender and asked Buchanan to chase. End to end stuff now as both sides went for the win.

Buchanan had anticipated the ball and got there first and after neatly collecting the pass knew that he was pretty much all alone. He could see the fresh legs of Benyon and Anderson chasing to get into the box and that glance wrong footed the keeper as Buchanan drilled a grass cutter from the edge of the box far left. The keeper had stepped to his left and was shocked to see the ball thump into the bottom of the net. Cardiff looked down and out as exhausted bodies reacted to the impact of the goal.

At the restart WSM were determined to hold out for a win and after claiming a poor pass Quinn now enjoying the freedom of the park unleashed a pass that found Kevin McBride alone wide right. McBride simply ran down the right wing and knowing that three white shirts were demanding a cross he pushed the ball towards the Cardiff penalty spot. Anderson in pretty much his first start in WSM colours could only just reach the ball despite straining every sinew to climb high enough and in turn could only flick the ball onwards towards goal.

A miss kick from a very tired Cardiff defender saw the ball spin off a Cardiff boot and nicely to the feet of Benyon.

Benyon had a simple shot from 9 yards out to claim a second WSM goal and showed again his ability to be in the right place at the right time and finished well.

WSM had won and for once Mark saw his side climb into the third round of a cup competition.

The news got even better as WSM were drawn at home in the next round against Leeds.

Dennis Wise was coming to town and Mark for one was excited at that opportunity. Leeds a Premier League side would arrive just as the revamped Woodspring Park moved to its new capacity.

Cardiff – home 2nd rd League Cup

2:0 extra time

[markyt]

The decent run of results ended just hours after the euphoria of the mid week Cardiff league Cup match.

Playing away to lowly Shrewsbury Town Mark’s WSM side hit the wall and literally burned out in full view of a decent crowd and the progress of recent weeks was nullified in the process. Hull the last team to beat WSM had been outstanding and well worth the win but Shrewsbury scratching for any kind of form had found themselves facing a tired and lifeless side and then took full advantage.

A 34th minute winner from Shrewsbury’s Ben Davis enough to see the home side collect three points. Davis had simply waltzed past several woeful attempts at a tackle and smashed home from 15 yards.

The goal arrived after a Shrewsbury corner was failed to be cleared and Davis pounced and with some nimble footwork and a well struck shot hit the net. The pressure had been mounting and under grey damp skies WSM had struggled to keep pace with the game.

No if or buts about it WSM were awful and Mark himself took full responsibility for the result and performance.

He had been happy enough to field the same starting eleven that had played Cardiff and the tired legs had certainly played a part in his sides downfall. Even three substitutes on 60 minutes failed to quell a by now confident Shrewsbury.

The result should have been out of sight but some how doughty defending and a desire not to concede a second goal enough to limit the score line. The second half hadn’t been one way traffic but even the introduction of the lively Benyon failed to provide Mark with much of a positive. Even as the referee raised this whistle to call and end to the game Benyon cracked a shot goalwards but the woodwork came to the Shropshire side’s aid and in Mark’s mind WSM got what they deserved and admitted as much in post match interviews.

There was no point beating yourself up but Mark had not taken into account the rigors of extra time in addition to the travelling to the next game and dwelled on the stark reality that he would need to learn the lesson and use the greater squad to its full effect. In the dressing room post match Mark tried to lighten the mood with a comment ‘that if you guys keep winning in the cup games then what do you expect........’

It didn’t work............

The squad would need to be used especially with another cup game or two coming along. Neither competition (League or Johnsons Paint) were priority but the riches of winning meant teams like Leeds would now venture South. Decent gates brought additional revenue and matching yourself against better opposition the point of being a manager. Mark closed his eyes on the return trip to WSM and started to consider options for Doncaster in just 72 hours time.

Doncaster were a class above Shrewsbury and WSM needed to be at 100%. Time to make changes.

Shrewsbury – away

0:1

[markyt]

A change of mind with 24 hours to go....

Mark didn’t have long to think about changes to his side.

The Shrewsbury performance had shown nothing else but a need to use the squad to its full but working on the training ground on Monday morning as his side prepared for a home fixture on Tuesday night against Doncaster Mark struggled to with his dilemma. Mark watched training from the sidelines deep in thought and conversation with Asst Manager Wayne Jacobs and Coach Ian Atkins. Each of them had a view point but finalised the team pretty much at the same answer. WSM would be a changed side but only where necessary rather than wholesale changes as a response to one bad performance. The team had emerged from the weekend without injury and if anything meant that Mark’s decision had been made the more difficult. Calling the players into a huddle before lunch Mark selected the eleven to start.

Coming into the side Lee Sawyer at right back, Cherno Samba wide right and upfront Benyon joined by Stephen Anderson. Sawyer was probably the only shock selection being played out of position but Sam Bailey one of the ‘local heroes’ had looked all out on his feet and needed a rest. The midfield duo of Kerr and McCann were kept together although Mark took the time to pull new signing Alan Quinn to one side to express his delight in the training work being done by the ex Sheffield man and that Mark knew that Quinn would get his chance to impress sooner rather then later.

Samba was buzzing and spent the remainder of the afternoon with a big grin on his face. Samba considered himself a striker but his ability to play wide right the only reason he had been brought to the club from Plymouth. Samba knew this was his chance and although still on the transfer list determined to keep his place. Both Doncaster and WSM were on the same number of points and latest betting suggested that a draw was the best bet as there was little to separate the teams albeit WSM having the slightly better goal difference. Kick off on a damp Tuesday night welcomed another sellout for the West Country side. Just games away from the ground opening to its new potential 9000 capacity, Woodspring Park was as noisy as ever and the travelling 400 from Yorkshire made themselves heard above home support.

Over 90 minutes the balance of power swung like a pendulum on an old grandfather clock with neither side being able to gain full control. Both sides showed a possession of real footballing traits keeping the ball on the damp turf and fizzing the ball around the excellent playing surface. WSM were the first to hit the target with a Benyon break that crashed into the side netting with much of the crowd thinking it had actually gone in. Benyon’s movement had Mark purring with delight. For the chance itself Buchanan’s pass played between two defenders saw Benyon anticipate the ball the quickest and he fired off a driven shot from the edge of the box. Benyon looked lively and was a constant threat showing that he was back to form whilst Anderson making his first WSM start followed Benyon’s positive lead.

For all of the clever WSM play Doncaster struck first blood. Aaron Downes adjudged to of handled the ball from a corner had been a touch harsh but Doncaster claimed the penalty and struck gold. Mark queried the decision with the 4th official but got no where. It looked like ball to hand and the TV replay said as much. No matter as within 5 minutes of the Doncaster opener Benyon brought WSM back into the game.

25 minutes played and all square. For the WSM goal Mark Kerr released Samba who had been far too quiet in the opening quarter and Samba like a horse wearing blinkers stormed down the wing and thumped a ball into the area. The keeper expecting a quality cross ended up palming the ball onto his cross bar and Benyon headed home from four yards. Samba claimed an unlikely assist and Mark shrugged towards the bench from his position in the technical area as if to say he had no idea whether the Samba delivery was a cross, a shot or a fluke not that the once again vocal home support cared.

WSM now took their chance to press home an advantage and for the remainder of the half looked for a second goal but as the 45 minutes were looming Doncaster scored a breakaway goal and went in front for the second time. WSM had been caught out from an attacking corner and a long ball fell kindly and took the closest WSM defender, Sawyer, out of the game. Sawyer lunged at the ball but after missing both ball and man the Doncaster no.9 rounded Brains and rolled the ball over the line.

Second half and WSM emerged from harsh words. They didn’t deserve to be behind and it was time to deliver something from the game.

Doncaster with the confidence of the lead looked to counter attack and time and time again stretched the WSM defence.

WSM clung in to the game knowing that a third goal would be enough for the Doncaster win.

On 70 minutes Mark had seen enough and threw on Quinn for Samba and added Folan and McLeod in place of the hard working front pairing.

Samba had certainly tried but Mark was now even more convinced that Samba would not be a long term option at the club.

Despite spending little for the player he was neither a strong enough striker nor purposeful enough on the right wing. Samba would return to the reserves and remain on the transfer list for the foreseeable future.

WSM had chances but the game looked like ending at a home defeat until a Quinn free kick found the head of Folan who simply buried the ball from 10 yards out. The header a perfect ending to a measured free kick. All square and probably a fair result on the night and meant a point a piece and nothing could separate the teams in the league ladder but Mark could claim that the changes made to the side had been the difference. Swindon up next would see further changes.....

Doncaster – home

2:2

[markyt]

The pace of the season was already a frightening reality and September had already been negotiated and the final game meant that in the space of just eight weeks WSM had completed a third of the season’s league fixtures. Riding high at the right end of the table demonstrated the progress that had been made both on and off the pitch and whilst there was still a long way to go before the deciding point in the season fans of the West Country club had every reason to believe that they belonged at the very least in division one. The three promoted clubs were all nestled into a decent position although Hull looked the better long term bet for promotion. As Autumn approached clubs needed to maintain momentum or like leaves at that time of year fall and the gap from top to bottom not wide enough for clubs to not look back over their shoulders. With Wolves one of those bumping along at the wrong end time to put things right....

Swindon away was close enough to call a local game and on the last Saturday in the month WSM returned to a crescendo of form and the Wiltshire side suffered the consequences.

Mark had delayed team selection until 24 hours prior to kick off. Several players from the Doncaster game were given time to respond to treatment but with a squad close to full fitness Mark needed to take no chances and returned several of the players that had been rested from the Doncaster game. One real shock with Lee Sawyer retained at right back as Mark had been impressed with his performance just days before. Benyon the only player missing to cause any murmur of concern from the stands was returned to the bench although that was down to a slight knock rather than being actually dropped. Folan and McLeod were returned to the front line and not bad replacements to that matter of fact.

WSM with McCann pushed into an advanced midfield role took the game by the scruff of the neck and after a slow start raced into a 2 goal lead by the 30 minute point. McLeod and Folan grabbed a goal a piece on the 22 and 28 minutes as WSM dominated from the minute the first goal arrived.

The first goal all Folan’s work as he created a chance for his strike partner. A chipped Buchanan pass was collected by the ex Chesterfield man on the edge of the box and the pace of the ball took him beyond the last man. As the Swindon keeper advanced to close the angle Folan shifted the ball to his right and McLeod had the simple task of sliding the ball home from 15 yards. How McLeod had been left completely unmarked a point for the Swindon bench to complain about. With Swindon looking for a culprit Folan mauled his way past static defence and collected a poor back pass and raced goalwards before lifting a shot over the dive of the home keeper.

At half time despite complete domination Mark had to make enforced changes.

Folan had been felled late in the half and after landing awkwardly Benyon replaced him and Kevin McBride complained of a tightening hamstring and Alan Quinn given the opportunity to further impress. Swindon had no answer to the power and pace of the away side and despite a much tighter second half it was WSM who had the better of the action.

The goals finally came again in another ten minute burst. 75 and 81 minutes saw WSM scream into a four goal lead.

Benyon’s hard work gifted a penalty that Quinn thrashed into the top of the net claiming his first goal of the season whilst McLeod scored his 100th league goal after planting a firm header past a gloved outstretched hand. Buchanan’s cross deserved a goal and McLeod duly obliged meeting the ball at the peak of its flight and dispatched it and then raced to the corner before sliding Klinsmann like to the away supporters.

In the end the scoreline faltered WSM but after recent performances Mark was just glad to see a dominant 90 minutes with the likes of Quinn adding to the end result. Only downside from three points Folan would definitely miss the next game but Benyon no poor relation....

Swindon – away

4:0

[markyt]

The real thing?

Mark with a week to prepare for the next game had decided to take a trip to watch a midweek fixture between Bournemouth and MK Dons.

In the company of Guy Wyles he wanted to have another look at Brett Pitman who still remained at the South Coast club despite much speculation that he was bound for better things. Flying from the blocks he was already the top scorer in the league and Wiles had picked up on the rumour mill that Bournemouth were now keen to do a deal and realise cash their major asset.

Pitman delivered an excellent performance scoring a drilled shot from 15 yards and creating a second for his young strike partner.

For all of his efforts Bournemouth were still taken apart by the league leaders as a rampant Dons side collected 6 goals and three points.

Mark knew that Pitman was still the real deal and despite an abundance of riches in that area of his squad would have no hesitation at attempting to add the player to his roster. He could only imagine the noise that would emanate from Frank Gregan’s mouth at the news that Mark wanted money to spend on another striker. But for all of that Pitman, Benyon, Mcleod and Folan would spearhead WSM in such away that progress would be expected automatically. Four top strikers any manager’s desire and each of them in Mark’s opinion destined for the higher stage. Harnessing them all together even for the briefest moments in time something to lick your lips about and quench any teams thirst.

The only stumbling block money and unless some was available before the turn of the year Pitman would be gone in the January transfer window and if Wyles was correct in terms of the grapevine 500k to 650k enough to secure the man. Bearing in mind Bournemouth had been hanging out for close to £1.5 million Pitman had become a bargain but not if there was no money on the table. Despite reservations Steve Walker closing on involvement at the club had brought investment that supposedly would head Mark’s way. With the October review meeting two days away now was the time to test that ‘promise’.

After the late night return home Mark didn’t hurry to morning training and after a brief lie in and breakfast he readied for the trip from home to WSM. The mobile rang as if reminding him to be on his way.

It was Emma.

‘Hi gorgeous what can I do for you?

In her moment of hesitation he could tell something was wrong.

‘Mark where are you? News has broken and there is a hurriedly arranged press conference at 11am. Steve Walker has secured the signing of an exciting player for next season and announcing it along with his introduction as a board member and major backer of the club.’

‘What?’

Emma had expected the explosion and got the full force.

Within minutes Mark was on his way northwards and trying to get a handle on what Walker was up to.

Each phone call came to a precise zero. No one at the club had any inkling of who or what was going on and Mark’s knew that Paul Bliss was out of the country not due back until later that day. Walker’s timing perfect and he could feel the hand of Gregan somewhere in the shenanigans. Mark’s Porsche was pushed every minute of the journey until it finally ‘arrived’ in the Woodspring Park car park. Mark was out of the car even before it had pulled to a stop. He was after blood and no one was going to stand in his way. Emma met him in the foyer and indicated the direction he should head to find Walker and co.

[markyt]

Mark had built up a head of steam as he made his way from the car park at Woodspring Park to the board room where Steve Walker was supposedly holding an audience. Literally Mark hit the board room doors at speed and they flung back smacking against the wall protectors before closing behind him just as rapidly.

‘Mr Walker, I’d like a word please. How about my office in one minute...’

The fury on the manager’s face had perhaps said more than enough and Walker somewhat meekly obeyed which amused the local TV crew in their midst of setting up the cameras. Mark sat down and awaited the arrival of the ‘new’ director’ and Walker duly arrived and after a moment or two of stand off the WSM manager calmly asked, ‘Would you kindly tell me what you are upto this morning and why I appear to be the last to know about a player signing. Once you have explained yourself I can assure you that my resignation letter won’t be far behind....’

Walker stared in the face of the ex Chelsea man and was the first to blink. Of that there was no doubt and in that moment Mark was master and commander despite the title on the door. Walker blustered and waffled and for one so sure of himself physically crumbled. Arriving at WSM as if he was a saviour on a white horse but in reality the West Country club hadn’t needed him and perhaps like some master magician Walker had tried to conjure up a bigger part for himself at the club. Investing a tidy sum meant that he had some say in the running of the club but his stake was no where near enough to wield significant power. Paul Bliss was still the powerhouse and major stakeholder but Walker couldn’t accept that and in his blindness to grasp greater power had become a moth to a flame whereupon he had tried to bedazzle onlookers with guilt rather than solid gold. His actions were a statement from someone who wanted everyone to look and say wow when in reality most would say so what.....

Mark listened and barely moved, his face provided no window to his inner thoughts. ‘So who have you brought?’

‘Alan the young Brazilian that you identified in the Summer signed to join us from next July and I have got him for 250k. I didn’t think we would get very far but the deal is done in less than 24 hours’

The name ‘Alan’ momentarily threw Mark. He could feel the fingers of Frank Gregan around the Alan signing and curiously there were very few at the club who knew of Mark’s desire to sign the player.

Then the truth dawned. Walker had used Mark’s office and in that opportunity had found the scouting work compiled by Guy Wyles.

It was still a huge leap from there to his thoughts now but Gregan and Walker’s brother Sky were upto their necks in it. And now they would pay the price and it was far more than 250k.

Mark had seen and heard enough and the ears were no longer listening ‘Oh well you’d better run along for your press appointment, you mustn’t keep them waiting.’

Walker stood up and stammered, ‘Wh, Wha What are you going to do now?’

‘Me, I am going to make you sweat and at tomorrow’s board meeting I’ll let Paul know my plans and if you are there you will be able to learn them at first hand....’

Walker disappeared and Mark calmed himself and poured an ice cold diet coke.

Not in the mood for desk work he stomped over to the training ground and joined in the gentle training session before ball work later in the afternoon where for two hours he was young free and ruling the roost at Stamford Bridge again.

Later in the afternoon Mark looked at his mobile phone and saw 30 missed calls.

The majority were from Chairman Paul Bliss. Walker had released the cat in amongst the pigeons and this cat was a Chelsea Lion and very hungry..

Bliss’ return to the UK perfectly timed.

[markyt]

Paul Bliss was absolutely furious with the state of the affairs on his return from a golfing trip across Portugal and Spain.

Despite the fact he had little or no involvement in recent events he stepped up and took full responsibility. Mind you it changed nothing.

All out war had broken out between his club manager and the investor that he had courted over recent weeks.

Walker’s money was gratefully received and with the credit crunch still developing its dark storm clouds over the world significantly reduced any financial worries for Bliss. Not that he had many to start with.

The outcome of Walker’s handy work however still had to be resolved.

A player that Mark certainly wanted had been brought to the club albeit behind his back and with no input or confirmation of the correct decision being made. Concerns rightly queried by the WSM boss stood around funding and future transfer options as well as justification of board interference in the playing side. Mark wanted answers and seemed intent on knowing just who at the club had been involved in Alan’s purchase.

It was a mess and Bliss didn’t have the answers but knew that if he didn’t resolve matters here and now within the four walls of the board room Mark would not back down and would walk.

That couldn’t be allowed despite Bliss having total agreement with Mark’s grievances. Walker was in the wrong but couldn’t be put out to grass without WSM looking completely inept and considered a laughing stock by all and sundry.

Peace in our time had to be delivered and Bliss using every nuance of his business acumen found a route through the minefield.

Walker would not be involved in any footballing dealings other than at board level and would have no contact with Mark and the playing staff. The directors would look at the finance package at the club and look to inject cash in addition to the 250k spent on Alan. This would be in place prior to the transfer window in January should the need arise it ensuring that it would be available to spend with further funding in addition in the Summer. The transfer budget still not huge but at least Mark could have the clout to go and get the likes of Pitman unless a bidding war took place and WSM were priced out of the market.

Mark was persuaded to back down from his far from idle threat and seen by all to be the hands down winner in the debacle.

For all of that Mark watched Walker squirm throughout the meeting and couldn’t shake from his mind that somehow Walker would make him pay in the end. Walker had been made to look foolish and both inept and clumsy at the same time and that wasn’t what he was used to. He didn’t like it one little bit but took it all knowing that by riding out the storm he would have another day.

Mark could see that in the dark eyes. Walker wanted full control and Mark out of the way as retribution for today......

After a short break Mark whistled through his October review which would include 5 league games and a minimum of two cup games. All of the league games would be tough but the final game perhaps the most severe test with Crystal Palace. Mark barely smiled at the end of the meeting. The club was changing and he had to make sure he was ready for battle.....

October would test WSM to the full and it had already started badly.

[markyt]

No prisoners!

Mark returned to the training ground and was in no mood for anything but hard work and attention to detail.

Rotherham were next to arrive at Woodspring Park and were a side built around a towering centre forward and a very direct style of football and WSM had found in their recent history that to be their downfall.

Lee Sawyer continued at right back although Sam Bailey impressed and pressed hard for a return to a starting berth with Elliot Benyon rightly becoming concerned at not being in the first eleven but with Folan and McLeod leading the division in their goal scoring exploits even Benyon realised he would have to wait a little longer. Mark had barely graced the bench with his backside when Rotherham lashed home an opening goal. 45 seconds according to Wayne Jacobs watch and WSM were already standing on a precipice and Mark stared ruefully at the green turf before pulling himself upright and bellowing instructions to all and sundry. The echo of his voice reverberated around the stands which marked the early goal in virtual silence in what had been a cauldron of noise seconds before.

Rotherham’s opener a simple looping ball into open space allowed the galloping number nine the time and space to crack home past Brain’s sprawling frame. Mark watched his colossus of a centre half McKeown be manhandled out of the way, fairly without any shadow of doubt and Brain’s really had little chance to rescue the WSM back four. WSM struggled with the physicality of their opponent and for a long 20 minutes or so WSM were out of their depth and drowning. Adding to the darkening despair McCann limped from the fray and Bailey came on allowing Sawyer to move into midfield.

WSM were grounding to a halt on heavy turf.....

From nothing WSM came to life and in three minutes turned the game on its head. Sawyer in the position he thrived started to show his immense talent and why Mark saw him as the long term holder of the central midfield berth. Sawyer could see a pass with his eyes shut and even from a position just infront of the back four he delivered the WSM leveler. One pass released Buchanan and the cross from wide right saw the merest of glances from the head of Folan. The keeper leapt despairingly but the ball just cleared the finger nails. The crowd came to life and as the crowd settled into their seats WSM grabbed a lead. Sawyer slid into a 50/50 challenge and emerged with the ball and raced forward stepping past two lackluster challenges. With four to aim for Sawyer had an embarrassment of riches to aim for but perhaps the crowd noise got to him as he let fly from 35 yards. The ball clipped a Rotherham defender and hit the post. Sawyer’s effort had been going wide until fate took an interest. The ball bounced neatly for McLeod who thumped the ball into an empty net. Cue bedlam......................

Half time and Mark’s words of warning left no one under any doubt. Rotherham are dangerous we need to play with our heads not just our feet.

One enforced change saw Benyon on for Folan. Folan had fallen late in the half and despite intensive treatment not able to continue.

The second half was all over the place as both sides tried to either win or throw away the game. The heavy second half downpour added to the occasion but finally on 89 minutes WSM secured the three points.

Benyon deserved a goal and showed many why he deserved to start. 45 minutes of sheer torture for a worried Yorkshire back four finally saw a WSM third and Benyon’s pace the reason.

Benyon found a Kerr through ball to his likening and raced clear but was pushed wide by defender and keeper and his tame shot rolled across the area and McLeod slid his second of the game home.

A cracking game literally from start to finish.

Rotherham – home

3:1

[markyt]

Changes were forced on Mark for the next game away to Walsall and Benyon finally returned up front and whilst the player himself was delighted to start Mark too pleased for his star. Benyon had been with WSM since their Conference season and now the leading club goalscorer a position gained in his own right since Blake Newbold’s move to Wolves and despite the plaudits and the goals from Folan and McLeod, Benyon was the real deal and despite supposed interest from other clubs Mark remained positive that Benyon would be around long term.

Blake Newbold’s move to a bigger club had been a lesson for all to observe. In truth without his sale Folan and McLeod would not have been brought to the South West but Newbold had gone and to a ‘bigger’ club. Wolves were huge and the crowds they were attracting week in week out fantastic but they were struggling and Newbold’s initial period at the Midlands side was nothing short of a disaster.

Injuries and his new team Wolves scratching around for form had seen Newbold consigned to the bench.

For someone used to starting every game life was not good despite the wages. Benyon still in contact with his old strike partner and saw the reality of moving to the wrong club. But for all that Benyon needed to get back on the pitch and Swindon was his chance and whilst he was sorry for Folan now was his chance.

Walsall were supposedly a takeover target and their manager Paul Tisdale, someone Mark knew from Conference life when Tisdale was at Exeter, had been handicapped with the inability to bring in new faces. Saying all of that he had in weeks he had developed a team that was tough to beat but one that couldn’t score goals.

6500 turned up to watch and that crowd buoyed by 750 travelling fans who noisily made themselves held.

WSM continued in their rich vein of form and played Walsall off the park in the first 45 minutes but for all of the style and verve the ball would not hit the back of the net and as the ref blew the half time whistle the South West side had amassed 10 clear cut chances to Walsall’s none but the score line remained level. Mark encouraged his troops and tweaked the tactics to push McCann just behind the front pairing but remained confident that his charges could claim another win that would see them climb three places and the heady heights of 6th in the league.

Benyon delivered a timely opener within 10 minutes of the restart.

Kevin McBride working tirelessly up and down the right hand side of midfield picked up a Lee Sawyer clearance and quickly picked up the pace and stormed down the right wing. The left back tracked the run but expected the WSM wide man to hug the white line and this was his mistake. McBride flicked the ball inside and changed the direction of his run. Benyon pointed to where he wanted the ball and McBride threaded the ball through the eye of a needle and perfectly into the WSM strikers run. Benyon knew where the goal was and swiveled his hips and in one movement drilled the ball across the goal and it rolled into the net glancing off the inside of the left hand post.

The lead didn’t last and 5 minutes later a free kick bent past Brain’s in the WSM goal. The free kick a fair return on a late tackle that earned Downes a yellow card and on another day would have been red. Downes had lost the flight of the ball in the Walsall flood lights and in earnest tried to get to the bounce of the ball but found the man and sent him into next week. The crowd bayed for blood and for Downes to be removed but the ref stood resolute even under intense Walsall pressure and produced just the yellow card.

The Walsall goal from 33 yards curled late and Brains had nothing to do but watch the ball lick the back of the net.

A lovely goal and certainly a contender of goal of the month.

The remainder of the game saw WSM continue to press with Walsall happy to soak up time and look to break on the counter. Mark made three substitutions but Quinn, Anderson and Bates couldn’t force the issue and the game ended all square.

Walsall – away

1:1

[markyt]

Slick and smooth are words usually used to describe excellent footballing sides.

However during the WSM versus Swindon fixture which was the Johnsons Paint 1st Round the words best described the pitch rather than either sides overall performance. Mark had made sweeping changes fielding a side that bore no resemblance to the side that had torn Swindon apart just weeks before.

Gilpin, Bailey, Wilce, Downes, Pacey, Samba, Quinn, Ricketts, Walker and up front Anderson and Bates took the field for WSM giving many of the players a first decent run out for their new side.

Whilst the cup tournament was well clear of Mark’s radar he couldn’t let the paying public down and with 4212 attending the game he was right not to do so and certainly the side selected decent enough to get a result. The weather didn’t help the overall game with a downpour hours before kick off but neither side showed enough over 90 minutes to win the game.

WSM struggled to get out of first gear whilst Swindon equally as inept seemed content with neutral gear and as the match ticked on happy to almost stall.

Mark couldn’t help himself and spent the majority of the game standing in WSM technical area either urging his side on or deep in conversation with Wayne Jacobs and Ian Atkins. Overall perhaps WSM shaded possession and better quality on the ball but despite chances and many falling in the final quarter WSM couldn’t find a way to goal and the tension mounted. Samba again flattered to deceive and despite working his socks off in the position Mark thought his best, time and time again poor control and a misplaced delivery marred his game.

Scott Walker and Alan Quinn vied for the best overall performer in a home shirt and after three changes at full time it was Walker that broke the deadlock. Samba threw his shirt down in disgust and stormed down the tunnel which earned him a mouthful and a two week fine. Mark could do without stroppy strikers and Samba learnt that the current mood of the WSM boss not one to mess with. The other two substitutes saw Benyon and Sawyer on joining McBride in trying to break the general malaise.

The changes worked within minutes of extra time starting as Sawyer hassled an opponent out of the ball released it quickly to the efficient Rickett’s who in turn pushed a ball deep into the left hand corner of the pitch. The ball slowed and fell into the run of Walker who benefited from a slip and quickly broke into the Swindon box and lashed home from 12 yards.

But for all of the late dominance of WSM, Swindon threw caution to the wind and went 4-2-4 and in the embers of second half of extra time they pegged WSM back into their own half and in doing so changed the pattern of the game. Gilpin untested for 90 minutes and more suddenly became the main man but even his excellence when called upon failed to stop a Swindon equalizer.

Tough on WSM but Swindon had shown that WSM were sluggish at the back and tired legs played their part in poor defending from a corner and the resulting header that flew past Gilpin.

No excuses WSM hadn’t deserved a win.

Penalties started as another bout of rain arrived and lashed Woodspring Park. If it wasn’t a serious business Mark would have laughed. Each team seemed reluctant to score and in ten penalties only Scott Walker man enough to both hit the target and score.

The post, the bar, the stands and now and again a save stopped either side from easing supporters pain.

But Walker’s goal enough to see WSM through to the second round and a home game against Wolves. Robson would return.....

Swindon – home 1st Round J Paint Trophy

1:1 after extra time – WSM win 1:0 on penalties

[markyt]

Plan A – or as close to it as possible

Millwall on a run of 4 straight wins arrived confidently to the South West fully expecting their brand of football to overwhelm WSM.

Mark’s WSM side benefited from 7 days rest and barring a start for Benyon a completely different eleven from the team that played 120 minutes against Swindon in midweek. A crowd nudging over 5000 saw WSM come out of the blocks at full speed and after 25 minutes of high class football Millwall were reeling from a two nil reverse.

The first goal arrived on 21 minutes and all from a Millwall corner. After a clearing a loose ball deep from within the WSM box Dave Buchanan neatly played his way out of the WSM penalty area and lifted the ball down the left wing looking for Caleb Folan to get on the end of the long raking pass.

Folan raced clear of his marker and continued a run parallel to the side line racing athletically past Mark’s touchline position. One look up for the ex Chesterfield enough for him to see Benyon screaming for the ball and Folan delivered. Benyon caught the ball on his chest rounded the keeper and calmly tapped home from 7 yards out. Millwall were stung into an instant response but again three minutes later were undone by the pace and movement of the WSM front pairing. Kerr and McCann combined in the centre circle before a Kerr through ball turned the Millwall defence. Benyon looked a certainty to collect and run clear and after doing so found his route blocked but Folan created panic and Millwall stepped back creating space and a hole wider than the Thames. Benyon’s pace always a threat to unwary defenders and after scoring one already minutes earlier Millwall’ invitation to shoot was not to be missed and Benyon let fly from 30 yards.

The ball looked to be going in until a huge left hand from the Millwall keeper, Joe Lewis on loan from Norwich, clawed the ball away from goal but McCann who had followed the Benyon shot instinctively as if he knew exactly where it would land smashed the ball home with the Millwall defence simply staring at each other in wonderment.

Just who had been marking the WSM midfielder and why had nobody seen the run?

For the remainder of the half WSM pushed for a third, but Lewis all 6’ 5†of him, ensured that Millwall remained in the game.

Half time and no reason for change. WSM were to chase for more goals but to keep the game tight at the back.

Millwall were obviously given the hair dryer treatment in the dressing room and for the first 10 minutes after the break WSM struggled to cope with the renewed aggression of feisty opponents. Bailey now called into action showed that he was every inch as good as Lewis in the Millwall goal and then in 45 minutes proceeded to claim the man of the match award as time and time he saved goal attempts ensuring that the WSM goal was not broken. The Millwall storm was finally broken as the WSM midfield claimed control once more and Folan and Benyon terrorized the Londoners back four with their pace and the quality of ball being delivered to them. The third goal would not come and with the game almost up Millwall streaked clear and claimed a consolation breakaway goal with Lee Sawyer at fault. Sawyer’s concentration momentarily left him playing the Millwall winger yards on side and one ball over the top was enough to see Bailey beaten from the edge of the box. Brains still managed to get something on the shot but it trickled over the line despite Sawyer’s best efforts to atone for his mistake. The Lions roar had been left too late and WSM claimed another priceless three points showing that they were worth their 7th place in the table. For all of the performance and the deserved win Mark was already moving forward in his plans for the club. He had seen enough of Joe Lewis to recognise real talent. Lewis would be added to Guy Wyles scouting pool and despite Brain’s ability between the sticks the Millwall loanee appeared to be a cut above anything Mark had seen for some time.

Lewis was clearly unhappy with life at Norwich and now Millwall were giving him the chance to play week in week out.

Mark was now convinced that Lewis would drive WSM further forwards in his desire for the club to climb the league ladder.

Lewis’s contract was up in the summer and if Wyles report proved Mark’s initial thoughts to be correct WSM would be in to sign the lad next Summer although if Lewis continued to perform at the same level WSM would be far from alone in trying to secure the signing.

Millwall – home

2:1

[markyt]

Preparation for the Leeds 2nd Round league Cup fixture had gone well and with no ill effects from the Millwall game Mark simply selected the same eleven. The league cup played no long term plan for the season but with a sell out guaranteed and opposition that demanded respect let alone the fact that two of his best friends were coming to town and the Leeds chairman Ken Bates would also be present.

Mark was involved in pre match interviews for Sky when a cockney voice echoed along the WSM corridors.

‘Oi, Fat boy, are you wearing makeup again for them camera boys?’

Mark had no need to turn towards the voice knowing that Dennis Wise was the culprit and without breaking his contact with the Sky interview team he replied, ‘No small boy, I am wearing makeup just for you!’ before continuing with the interview.

Moments later the three amigos were reunited. The banter returned very quickly between the Leeds team (Wise & Poyet) and Mark but there was nervousness about the two. Pressure to get their team up into the Premier League had been overtaken by desire to see the club do more than make up the numbers. After one season of being comfortable and not being involved in relegation matters reality had checked in to their hotel. Now rooted in the bottom three and without a win during September Wise was taking the flak and the doomsayers suggesting that Bates would act quickly getting rid of Wise if the pattern continued. There would be a long list of replacements but the rumours however wild in nature all pointed to Poyet being the power behind the throne and that the Uruguayan would more than fill Wise’s shoes.

The three over tea and biscuits talked over Leed’s plight and even laughed at the thought of Poyet in Wise’s shoes although the throw away Wise line perhaps ensured laughter. 'He’ll need to cut the ****ing toes off first mind you matey’

The humour and pre match banter was soon forgotten as the serious business of a football match got in the way.

The game if anything worse in style and nature than the Swindon game 1 week earlier and in fact making that game the game of the season in terms of drama and quality. Leeds had thrown out a patch work side of reserve and first team players.

In theory good enough to progress against WSM but despite their value and talent they couldn’t get going and found WSM to be more than capable of holding their own. Despite the gulf in class WSM were every bit as good as Leeds but when both sides were playing football that needed reviewing under the trade description act that didn’t say much. Both benches were the equivalent to jack in the box leaping from their seats and barracking their troops into something, anything that was remotely positive. For all of their efforts the game sped by with very little to shout about. WSM were comfortable and defending without really looking troubled. Leed’s in contrast barely able to get anything right in the final third despite the better quality on the ball. 90 minutes whistled by before Leed’s old boy McBride lashed home from 20 yards with 110 played.

The WSM goal not the prettiest started from the hands of Brain’s, one lumped ball flicked on by Folan and McBride smashed home a driven bouncing ball that evaded the dive of the Leed’s keeper Kasper Schmiechal. The home support finally had something to cheer about and the noise level rose dramatically as a consequence. But minutes later the mute button applied once more as Aaron Downes clipped the heels of Sone Aluku and the Leeds striker went down in the box.

Aluku stepped up and gave Brains no chance.

Penalties again...........

This time WSM hit the target converting 3 from 5 and that was enough to seal the win. The Leeds travelling support 1500 in total howled their dismay and called for Wise to go. Wise was in trouble and knew it. It was a long way back to Yorkshire and every mile would be uncomfortable. Time would tell if Wise could survive and Leeds needed to start winning and quickly.

(they did and Wise survives the season – more of that later)

Leeds – home LC 2nd Round

1p:1 aet

[markyt]

‘A flock of seagulls’ eaten alive!

I am trying a couple of different styles of writing in the next couple of posts. I would appreciate your feedback with regards to my efforts.

After the relative high of a win over Premier League opposition even though the performance marked very little to desire, WSM were quickly handed a serious dose of reality. In a period of 8 days and three games WSM emerged second best in each of them. The games themselves Oldham away, Wolves at home in the JP Trophy and Crystal Palace away completed the October fixture programme and provided much for Mark to think about.

After playing his first team against Leeds changes were enforced as the impact of 120 minutes severely affected and a very unfamiliar side stepped up to the plate to face both Oldham and then Wolves 3 days later. The Oldham game went from the sublime to the ridiculous as the new look side coasted to a two nil lead and for 70 minutes dominated play only for Oldham to rally late on and pull themselves level and but for a disallowed goal would have themselves collected the three points. The half time team talk had been simply to keep the same momentum and don’t let the concentration drop but from the moment Oldham scored a fretful nervy side developed despite constant barracking from the side. WSM had something to lose and having made three positive substitutions early in the half Mark’s side simply folded. The manner of the final 20 minute performance enough to send a sane man mad and enough for the WSM boss to turn into a raging whirlwind on the sidelines. The changing room was a ghost town post game and for once even the never lost for words manager had effectively very little to add to the debate.

From the ashes of losing two points there was very little to be positive about. Stephen Anderson making his full debut would have been disappointed to see his mom performance ruined, was a major positive from the game. Anderson unleashed had found the net twice, the first a lovely solo goal on 27 minutes that saw a twisting and jinking run bamboozle two defenders before a chip cleared the onrushing Oldham keeper. The second on 41 minutes a typical WSM goal with Walker beating his man wide on the left racing to the byline and then providing a cross that begged to be hit goalwards. Anderson perhaps guilty of a nudge on the closest defender early in the move rose high and as the ball dropped invitingly he volleyed home from around the 8 yard mark giving the Oldham keeper no chance.

Then came the collapse.... Mark threw on three of the greater squad with Matt Somner and David Dunn coming on to strengthen the midfield and replace tiring limbs. Somner a defender by trade was caught cold and clearly lacking in confidence. It had been some time since he had been involved in first team activity and the rustiness in his performance was a price that WSM paid and from a winning position gave the game away.

The Oldham goals both well taken all from dead ball situations and despite eleven white shirts behind the ball WSM conceded two almost identical goals. How anyone could not see the lumbering Oldham centre half standing in the middle of the WSM half beyond Mark but his flick on's created measured chaos and goals ensued.

Oldham – away

2:2

Wolves returned to the South West for the 2nd round of the Johnson’s paint Trophy. Wolves were far removed from the obnoxious opponent that had appeared on day on of the new season. Not winning games their root of their problem and the cockiness had been swapped in equal measure for a large slice of humble pie. The abuse towards the team and manager clearly affecting the performance on the pitch and a meaningless fixture far from home turf perfect in its timing. Robson had swung the axe and finally settled on a team that looked to have a better shape about them led by ex WSM player Newbold. Newbold had struggled for pitch time after his big money move to the Midlands. But after taking his chance from the subs bench the goals had flowed and he was now the master of the number nine shirt.

Mark’s side whilst added to by some of the more regular faces still one no where near the side that 7 days earlier had rubbed shoulders with the high and mighty. Damion Stewart and Robert Pacey together for the second time of asking needed no warning of the prowess of the number 9 they would face but somehow in the opening ten minutes allowed Newbold two strikes on goal that left Scott Murray picking the ball from his net. Newbold subdued celebration said it all. Stewart and Pacey finally got to grips with the game and sorted themselves out at the back but WSM were chasing the game and Wolves confidence still low allowed WSM to play the territory game. Alan Quinn and Mark Kerr ably grew in stature but WSM despite territory and the greater percentage of the ball were unable to capitalize.

With the game up Mark threw on Samba and Benyon and in the death throes of the match Benyon raced clear from a well timed Quinn pass and lashed home. The mood around the ground changed as the home support hoped for more but Wolves closed the game down and went through to the third round. The Wolves bench then reverted to type celebrating the win as if they had won the league and in that celebration revealed that their true colours were far from black and gold.

Wolves – home JP trophy 2nd Round

1:2

The aftertaste of the Palace game left Mark with grave concerns for the Winter fixture programme.

WSM were once more at full strength barring the long term injured James Collins and Izale McLeod amongst them but in 90 minutes the gulf in class, power and pace between the haves and the have not’s on display for all to see. Palace were phenomenal and walked away with the three points barely breaking sweat. Roared on by a huge crowd WSM were not even good to stand in their shadows created by the floodlights at the ground. Men versus boys and WSM were lucky to cling onto a two nil loss. The goals either side of half time an injustice to a totally dominant side. The football was more than effective it was superb and with the ball on the ground WSM were torn apart by a soaring rampant Eagles’ side. Mark made more changes in the WSM game plan than he could ever remember before across 90 minutes but all to no avail. WSM were in the end just about able to contain rather than subdue the south London side as Crystal Palace kept their winning streak of 5 games going climbing to second behind Hull in the table. WSM dropped to their lowest position in the league since the opening day of the League One season sliding to 12th albeit on goal difference. There weren’t that many points between 2nd place and 15th that a win or two wouldn’t resolve but WSM were clearly struggling now that their initial successes had been examined to the full.

WSM were dead and buried and Palace soaring.......

Crystal Palace – away

0:2

[markyt]

Mark leaned against the wall feeling the jet of water wash his face and body. As ever the slight nag of knee pain welcomed his morning wake up but after 20 minutes of a gentle stretching workout he was ready for the trails of the day. As he turned his face to the shower head he could hear the distant ringing of his mobile phone.

‘Marky, it’s Guy Wyles do you want me to bring the phone to you?’ It was the voice of Emma who currently watching sky sports news from the comfort of the bed. After a run of games for WSM Mark had managed to escape the confines of life at Woodspring Park and made his way to London supposedly on a two day scouting mission.

That remained the plan but Emma had managed to jiggle her world around and at the last minute joined Mark for the trip to the capital.

Mark enjoyed her company and the two were closer than ever despite ensuring that they pretty much avoided anything other than eye contact during the day job. For now the odd day or two together was enough for both and they would keep the relationship under wraps fro all of the obvious reasons.

‘No ***, I’ll ring him back in 5.’

Draped in a towel Mark grabbed the phone. As he searched Wyles number he watched Emma’s curvy naked body pass him and he felt the old stirrings of lust rising. ‘Down boy he thought to himself’.

‘Hi Guy, sorry I missed your call, just in the shower. How’s your day’?

Conversation raced on as the two confirmed arrangements for the next 48 hours which would include a Chelsea versus Liverpool under 18’s game, Bournemouth at Barnet. Mark was keen to look at the next batch of Chelsea youngsters having plundered a rich field of talent and with insider knowledge to his benefit perhaps again he could pick up another youngster to slip through the Chelsea net. The BB game however all about one man – Brett Pitman a deal that Mark was assured as being a real possibility. Pitman was a star and Bournemouth despite his talent were not making an impact in their lower division. Now was the time to sell before their star man allowed his contract to just run out. Wyles scouting work and contacts assured Mark that Pitman was now effectively up for sale and a lost closer to 500k than just months before. Very few clubs would trade in January and unless one of the big boys needed a long term striking option then WSM could certainly compete for his signature.

Mark and Wyles would also discuss Blake Newbold. The rumour mill seemed to suggest that despite goals arriving Robson was not convinced by his new striker and that Wolves might look to recoup some of the money spent. Now that would be a real dilemma for the WSM to consider.

From the games themselves Peter Avery at 17 looked at real prospect playing at either centre half or central midfield but too soon to even consider him as an option but according to the Chelsea management team, Avery needed to concentrate and improve dramatically for a new contract to be offered. For all of that Mark remained convinced that the lad was a polished gem that just needed time on the pitch.

Pitman however was the real deal and although not hitting the net in the evening fixture worked hard in a poor team leading the line with vigor. Time to talk to Bliss and somewhat reluctantly Walker and see if the promised transfer monies were to be backed up in reality.

If the answer was positive then Mark would look to make a move in the January transfer window.

[markyt]

Mark had emerged from the November board meeting disappointed, frustrated and bemused.

No firm figures on the cash that would be made available to him in January despite earlier promises and he could only take Paul Bliss at his word that money would be found. Yes, Mark knew that there was plenty of time before the transfer window opened but he wanted reassurance that promises would be delivered. It was clear that Bliss himself had realised that Steve Walker was being difficult and not living up to expectations. Walker had an agenda and by not providing the cash that he himself had agreed to pump into the club he was aggravating old wounds and in terms of his relationship with Bliss causing open conflict. Difficult times clearly blocking the way forward.

November would effectively be the quietest month of the season so far. It could get quieter still if WSM failed to negotiate the first round of the FA Cup but in truth everyone would expect the club to beat Conference side Mansfield regardless of their long league pedigree. There was also the 4th round of the League Cup which would bring Championship side Charlton to the South West.

Therefore with the cup to occupy the WSM mind there would only be two league games both home fixtures. Cardiff and Stockport would be Woodspring Park visitors.

With a low turn out for the cup game Mark had selected a side good enough to beat Mansfield but far removed form the first eleven.

Mark toyed with bolstering the starting team with three of his key players but was persuaded to leave them on the bench and using them in case of emergency. He would long rue that decision.............

Mansfield were a big fish in the Conference and playing a brand of football that had propelled them to the top of their division. They started brightly and with a brand of football that kept the ball on the turf. The afternoon a miserable damp affair soon turned likewise for WSM supporters as they watched a break down of communication between the defensive unit. Mansfield capitalized and Sam Bailey playing at centre half and captaining the side for the afternoon lost his rag with those around him. Mansfield probably deserved their lead but the boo’s that greeted half time were loud, vociferous and angry and probably unheard of during Mark’s time at the club. WSM had conceded two goals in a ten minute spell and Mansfield were better in every department. The first goal on 22 minutes arrived from a corner when Bailey’s header found Somner and his miss kick fell to a Mansfield striker on the half volley and Gilpin could do nothing but punch the ball into the net. Sloppy seconds made the scenario doubly worse on 29 minutes. This time Gillan played the ball back to Gilpin in the WSM goal but left him way short. Mansfield capitalized and a sliding challenge clipped the ball up and over the diving keeper.

Mark was furious and despite the rain prowled the touchline growling angrily at his cohorts.

Second half and following a blunt changing room conversation Mark made three straight changes.

Dunn marking yet another poor performance, Matt Somner off as Mark brought Sawyer into midfield and Guy Bates replaced by Caleb Folan.

The changes took time to bed into the game and Mansfield happy to prod and poke and attack on the counter took advantage of wide open spaces in the WSM defence. WSM were 3-5-2 and finally began to weave their way into the game finding men in white shirts with the ball being played into places that hurt and at last gave their fans to cheer about.

Pressure grew and Folan pounced on a keeper mistake that saw a Quinn shot pushed into Folan’s path and the ex Chesterfield man making his way into WSM folklore smashed the ball from 6 yards into the roof of the net. Unfortunately that goal arrived on 80 minutes leaving WSM very little to play with despite now getting the lion’s share of the ball and pushing Mansfield onto the back foot.

The boo’s had turned to cheers but even though WSM had chances to at least grab a draw the final minutes flew by and Mansfield in the eye of a storm clung to a win and the scalp of a league club.

WSM were the only league club to be knocked out of the first round and that fact alone enough to rile an already angry manager.

There was only one positive from the game. The loss meant that WSM now had a break at the end of the month and Mark would use that time to rest players by granting a few days holiday. If nothing else it was time to recharge the club’s batteries. He himself would look to sunnier climbs. Football was consuming his every thought and knowing that couldn’t continue meant that the Mansfield loss might yet provide the club with a boost. A break would benefit the players and maybe give them all a lift prior to the Winter arrived bringing heavier pitches and a huge number of fixtures. David Dunn paid the main price for his poor showing and his name appeared on the transfer list. Dunn was furious but Mark could no longer accept his being at the club regardless of his clear ability.

Dunn was finished..... but Mark threw Michael Charles, Matt Somner and Guy Bates to join him on the transfer list as the season threatened to fall apart. The loss hurt and Mark had three days to get the troops ready for Charlton.

Mansfield – FA Cup 1st Round

1:2

[markyt]

The highs and lows of football management

4th Round League Cup

The return of the Mark? (mack)

Two hard days followed the Mansfield drubbing and with retribution for poor performances rewarded with an appearance on the transfer list Mark’s face sourer than Gordon Brown’s after a kicking in the May 08 elections. Barking out instructions to the troops as they went through each training session and despite the incessant rain Mark never missed a minute. He trusted his staff implicitly but now felt that the machinations of the club came second to actually spending time with his squad.

Charlton were next up at Woodspring Park and expected to roll over WSM. However after dispensing of Leeds in the earlier round WSM could certainly punch their weight and Charlton had enough notice to be wary of the South West side. The loss to Mansfield would either galvanize WSM or their season would tailspin into mediocrity. But for all of that WSM would field a strong team as those players rested would return strengthening Mark’s hand.

Brain, Sawyer, Downes, McKeown, Wilce, McBride, Kerr, McCann, Buchanan, Folan and McLeod would start and would certainly be up for a fight........

Charlton under the tutelage of Alan Pardew started confidently under the flood lights of Woodspring Park and with 5200 making the trip it looked as if the gulf in class would shine through. But after 20 minutes of backs to the goal defending WSM emerged from the shadows and shone a bright light for their division. Neat passing starting from a Sawyer tackle saw WSM hurtle up the field and with McBride pinging a cross into the box from close to the byline Folan flicked the ball down to his strike partner and McLeod thundered home an unstoppable volley from 12 yards. One up on 37 minutes and after 10 minutes of showing they could not only match but compete with Charlton fully deserved. Charlton notched up their game performance and came back at WSM but despite deserving at least and equalizer emerged empty handed at half time.

Second half and replication of Charlton’s early dominance. Charlton were going for it and spent the half camped in WSM territory and with an armoury that featured 5 quality forwards WSM could do nothing but fall back and defend in depth. Mark made three substitutions as he tried to curtail Charlton’s dominance but in effect the Championship side were in the ascendancy and WSM effective passengers in a game that they held the lead. In amongst the debris Sawyer, Brain’s and Downes emerged as the outright stars from a workmanlike WSM performance. With a lead to hold onto WSM fought like caged tigers and with Charlton hungry for a goal it was nail biting stuff. Mark kicked and headed every ball that appeared in the WSM box as with each passing minute a win looked odd on.

With the game up and into injury time WSM still clung to an unlikely lead.

Charlton were awarded a corner. It was their last chance and the away keeper went up to add to the weight of attack.

As the corner unfolded it was as if the game had been switched to slow motion and a deathly hush swallowed the noise of the paced stands...

Sawyer cleared a goal bound header from the line saving a certain goal and McKeown simply thumped the ball away. Stephen Anderson the furthest forward WSM player, actually on the edge of the home penalty area saw the ball bounce infront of him. He was away and nothing but space between him and the Charlton goal. Charlton defenders raced to get goal side but Anderson realizing he couldn’t run the length of the pitch simply thumped the ball all of 70 yards and watched as the ball rolled into the unguarded net. Anderson was deluged by white shirts and despite very little involvement in the game since his arrival on the 70 minute mark he claimed a priceless second goal that would see WSM home and dry.

Mark turned to the crowd and punched the air. WSM had clung to their first half lead and emerged triumphant claiming a very unlikely second goal. The second goal was priceless earning WSM a lucrative quarter final tie against Bolton and the exhausted WSM players and staff celebrated a superb victory long into the night.

Charlton – home

4th rd League Cup

2:0

[markyt]

Mark had stayed overnight in WSM. After the events of the previous night he had made his way to his standby suite at a local WSM hotel and after what had seemed like hours he finally drifted to sleep. The euphoria of victory in a closely fought match had peaked his adrenalin and it was a feeling matched by no other. The tv cameras had been there and the highlights had been shown on Sky and Mark propped up by a couple of pillows lay comfortably on the bed in the early hours and watched his side emerge somewhat miraculously with a win.

He could hear the home fans chanting

Finally he visited the land of nod knowing that he would sleep long and hard.

Only a gentle warm down would be required for the players involved in the game on the Thursday morning and although Mark would be there, there would be no need to wet the bed.

Mark woke from a deep sleep and for a moment had no idea where he actually was. He stretched in the large bed before realizing that his phone was ringing and had been the chrysalis in awakening him. He grabbed out at the phone and without looking at the caller display details groggily said hello.

‘Mark, I need to meet up with you urgently’ came the female voice in response to his almost grunted greeting.

Mark was fully awake now and shook his senses alive.

The voice he recognised instantly and the anxiousness of her tone said it all and without faffing about he simply asked where and when.

There was little pleasantry between the two voices and the call ended almost abruptly.

Mark lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

After months of no contact suddenly a meeting within 24 hours of a call. Mark had no idea what was the root of the call but he could wait for that brief passage of time to pass.

She was back, Carolyn was back......................

[markyt]

Don't look at me like that sighed Carolyn.

Like what grinned Mark.

You know like you haven't seen water for months Carolyn grinned back blushing as Mark's look searched her soul.

Carolyn had been surprised at the immediate return of her feelings towards Mark and the emotions that went with that return were running amok through her body. She had been in the country for just over 24 hours and finally the jet lag had gone and she was focussed fresh and ready for what the world had to throw at her. The two had chatted happily in each others company and caught up, cleared up and put things on an even keel. She was now a mum and her world hugely different to the one she had left behind. Despite the fraught departure months earlier it was clear that Mark felt pretty much the same and whilst they might never get fully back to where they had once been at least the ice had been broken, broken no smashed and both had dived head long first into the cold cold waters.

An hour had flown by at a remote hotel nestled on the hills north of Sedgemoor Services and positioned conveniently next to the M5. Picked for ease and to allow Mark to continue to WSM later that morning the hotel had been perfect for their needs.

Now the reason for her return...........

Marky, you are going to be painted in a corner and without making it obvious we need to get you out of the club sooner rather than later. I know things on the playing field are looking encouraging and who knows the rise to the PL may continue but if the wind blows the way that I am hearing it on my porch in good old LA then there will be blood on the walls at Woodspring Park. I hate to be the bringer of bad news but the blood will be yours...

Carolyn, stop talking in riddles and spill the beans.

Carolyn continued but recognised that the pace of the conversation needed to quicken, Steve Walker will take over this club and he will force initially Paul Bliss out of the way and then pretty much the next day it will be you.

Mark laughed, Carolyn I know the guy has it in for me but how can he do all of that from a standing start?

Carolyn smiled, shrugged her shoulders before responding Paul Bliss is a brave man and has pride by the bucket full but he has left himself high and dry following the world credit crunch and without putting too fine a point on matters is broke or pretty much close to it. The money Walker has stumped up pretty much stopped the club from going belly up, although it was dressed up as a refinancing package and Walker knows that Bliss is teetering on the ropes and one more blow might see him fall. Bliss is a dead man walking and Walker smells blood and will go for the kill when the timing is right. Walker will play a game and I'm giving you a heads up.

Firstly he will invest into the club appearing the generous club benefactor and providing you with all the funds you need to keep the club progressing. Secondly whilst waving the money around in his left hand he will then use the right to grab a larger slice of the club. Ultimately he gives and takes at the same time and his power base grows. Bliss needs the money and the drip feed from Walker keeps him afloat. Finally Walker will own it all and that moment of timing will be down to you and your performance. The minute WSM slump or fail to live up to your high standards you will be out and there is a growing list of names heading your way. In comes the new man to rescue the situation and Walker the ever gracious benefactor gets full control and with that backs the club.

Ok, I get the picture but what does he get from all of this melodrama?

Mark was now silent.

'Simple, he pushes the club forward, gets the club on the cheap, invests some money on the playing side and if the club gets to the PL he will make a killing. Bliss is literally treading water and Walker, but for your team's performance would have already stepped into the breach and cleared the decks, you along with the rest of the swab.....

I understand that for sure but what if WSM don't go to the higher level? Mark queried, Surely his investment goes south too.

Again don't underestimate the man, as he will have already made a small fortune on the price he purchases the club from Bliss regardless.

WSM might never progress but he will have banked several million in the meantime, the club will live within its means and if it stays competitive in what ever division it lands up Walker remains in the black. But if I'm honest he won't allow that too happen the prize is too big. He will throw money at the wall and hope that most of it sticks. Worst case scenario he flogs the club 12 months down the line for its real market value and pockets a small fortune. Bliss will sell to Walker that much is fact and pride won't let him sell to the highest bidder. He will just make it appear that Walker a great investor and proven benefactor to WSM was the right man to continue with club progress whilst quoting the club motto 'ever forward'. And don't feel sorry for rich man poor man Bliss as he still walks off into the sunset with WSM well placed in life and his boots filled with a more than decent return for his initial 50k or whatever when he aquired the club. He will be set for the good life rest assured.

Ok, I got all of that, what aren't you telling me? Mark laughed presuming that was the lot.

Walker has got pre planning on a further ground expansion rushed through at 17000. No one knows about the deal barring those that are involved in the deal but with a couple of tenders in place with his contacts expansion can happen fairly rapidly. He also has long established links to Scotland and the North West of England through his media empire and the likes of McCoist, McLeish or Mark Hughes are touted as being lined up behind him should the need arise. All are currently out of work and if the moneys right they will come. He is no fool and knows that if he gets WSM favoured son out of the club he needs a more than decent replacement and with his brother working in the football business then he will have already whispered in the right ears.

Mark whistled at the final line. Carolyn nodded and added thats why I am here and whilst we cannot stop the inevitable we need to make hay while the sun shines.

What's the Plan, Hannibal? said WSM's Mr T.