Like Father, Like Son?

[alw02005]

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON

[Author’s note: This is my first attempt at a story, I’ve been reading these stories for a while now and was inspired to write my own, I’m an entirely amateur writer. This is based on a long term save that I’ve taken off on a tangent for the purposes of this story. I’ve tried to adhere to the rules as much as I could, if I haven’t please tell me. Feedback is also appreciated.]

JULY 2021

We, our family, knew about it before anyone else did of course. Mr Johnny Walker, the pride of Le Havre, was in the late stages of kidney failure. After an illustrious career in management, in Scotland, England and of late, France, Walker would have to retire from the game he’d loved so much. He’d brought me, his son, with him to France in a move most could only have described as nepotism to manage his under 19 side just a year ago, in a calculated move that he would only reveal to the board a few weeks ago when he disclosed the details of his condition. He wanted me to take over. This would be his final decree, he’d ask for nothing from the club, no money for treatment, no pension, and no money at all for the success he’d brought the club during his time at the club.

And what a time it had been. In 7 and a half years he’d taken the club from mid table in Ligue 2 to five time winners of Ligue 1. With one Europa League also in the bag, Havre AC were clearly a team on the up. And I’d been the under 19s manager. We’d won the youth league (group 3) the year before under my leadership, but in the U19 Champions’ League we’d disappointed in only reaching the first knockout round.

I’d been astounded when the board had agreed to my father’s request to allow me to take over. I was nowhere near the manager my father was, nor the influential, take-a-player-under-your-wing type. But here I was. The first day of training at the Stade Océane. I’m hoping the first team will give me a modicum of support given that I’m my father’s son, and that I’ve been with the club for a year now, but I’m not holding my breath. Thank God my father’s former assistant, Christophe Delmotte, has agreed to stick around to assist me this season. My French is still getting there, but after a year I can get by. I call him aside and ask him to send me a report of the first team as soon as he can.

“Oui, boss.” He smiles. At least he’s on my side. Within the next few months I doubt many more will be.

[tenthreeleader]

The only rules here are that we live in the world you create. Okay, well there are the House Rules too but you haven't broken any of them so we're good to go.

Enjoy your writing. We are all amateurs here so go for it!

[alw02005]

[Thanks tenthree!]

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Havre AC - Season 2021-22

Team Report

Here it was, in black in white, Delmotte was nothing but organised. But then, he'd been here as long as my father had been. I couldn't argue much with the team I had. After all, we were champions. But I did have some ideas. But what would this fantastic team of winners think of my nobody's opinion?

Goalkeepers

Koen Casteels (29) – The first choice for five years following his arrival from Club Brugge. The Belgian international is a key figure.

Alphonse Areola (28) – Only been at the club for 7 months, signed on a free following his release from PSG. Not living up to his potential, though did receive a call up and cap from France at the recent Confederations Cup.

Defenders

Gaetan Cabezas (21) – A product of the team’s illustrious youth system. Established himself only last season as the first choice right back but equally adept at left back. Subject of many bids of late, but has recently signed a new contract.

Jorge Fernandes (24) – Backup at right back, the Portuguese made many appearances last year on the right with Cabezas on the left following Digne’s drop in form. Definitely worth keeping around.

Lucas Digne (27) – Club captain. Signed for free from PSG four years ago, he’s been influential and decisive at left back, but dropped in form last year, with youth product Cabezas often appearing in his place.

Lindsay Rose (29) – Most league appearances for the club having signed in August 2014 from Valenciennes. The best center back at the club.

Alberto Jose Angelotti (22) – A breakthrough last year having arrived from Argentina. Scored more headers than anyone else in the team, and a good defender to boot.

Abdeslam Djebaili (22) – Signed in January from Lyon. Highly experienced for the French U21 side with 47 caps, he only played 11 times following his arrival. One for the future.

Vincent Haman (21) – Out on loan at FC Sochaux last season following a £3.8m move from Al-Hilal, the Cameroonian, adept at both left back and the center should be a decent back up to the first team this season.

George Molina (24) – One of two Chileans at the club, Molina can play at center back, defensive midfield and central midfield. It’s hard to tell his best position, but based on his performances last year, center back seems to be his forte. Has been subject to interest from Manchester United.

Midfielders

Samsul Lubis (23) – Signed from Volendam in 2014, Lubis has spent five seasons out on loan before establishing himself in the first team last year, he’s now the first choice anchorman within the team, as he is with the Dutch national team.

Christian Zambrano (25) – Signed last season from Corinthians, the Peruvian was influential in his first season at the club in the center of midfield as a box to box midfielder.

Patrice Poirier (22) – Another product of the youth system, Poirier made his breakthrough into the first team just last year, providing backup to the first choice left wing and right wing positions, though following an injury to Aravena established himself on the right wing, despite being left footed. Juventus are after him.

Olexandr Rusin (24) – Has only just arrived after an arranged transfer from Dynamo Kiev. A fast right winger. Should give good competition on the right wing.

Jonathan Aravena (22) – Argentine right winger, susceptible to injury, spending around half of his last two seasons out crocked. When he’s fit he’s outstanding, but that’s been a rare sight of late.

Boris Tapia (24) The second Chilean in the side. The left winger was top scorer last season with 27 goals in all competitions, a sign of the passing game cultivated here. A first-teamer for four years, he’s the key player of the team. Manchester United have recently bid £32.5m for him.

Seb Fechner (21) – Signed in January from Basel for £20m, he looks like a key player for years to come. Despite his youth he scored 5 goals in 15 games in all competitions, recently gained his first cap for Switzerland.

Adnan Januzaj (26) – Marquee signing from Dortmund last season for just £14.5m, Januzaj played a key role in the hole behind the main striker making 22 assists in 42 games in all competitions last season. Our number 10.

Teji Savanier (29) – Our longest serving player, having signed in July 2014 from Arles-Avignon. A free-kick specialist, he’s an idol amongst fans. Broke his leg last year, and still coming back from injury now. Not quite the player he once was, but a solid backup on the right wing and in the attacking mid position.

Strikers

Andrea Petagna (26) – Signed from Sampdoria two years ago to replace Carlos Fierro for £18m, Petagna has scored almost 50 goals since his arrival in all competitions. Undoubtedly the first choice in a single-striker system, Petagna is unplayable on his day, but has his off days all too often.

Lassine Bah (20) – Also a right winger, Bah is the third first teamer to have graduated from the youth team, Bah spent full seasons out on loan at Bologna and Celtic before being recalled 3 months into a year-long loan at Sevilla to cover for Petagna, ended the season with 12 goals from just 26 games. A good return for a 20 year old.

Dimitri Lepretre (22) – Signed from Bordeaux three years ago, Lepretre has been in and around the first team for a couple of years, but has been out on loan of late. This will be his first full season in the first team. Can also play on the left wing.