Rien102 Posted April 5, 2019 Share Posted April 5, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Sunday, 21 November 2038, 08h00 Penny Stiles arrived late that morning; it was almost eight. Once inside the main building, she headed for the cafeteria to grab some fruit. She saw that there was a plate of cheese, a leftover from yesterday in the little windowed fridge. Without hesitation, she took the plate, grabbed a few crackers in the bread basket and went to her office with both hands filled with food and her thermos mug of coffee; her basic morning fuel. She put the plate on the meeting table and started to undress. The wind was chilly today and the coat was necessary. She hung it on a hook behind her door and went to her desk, retaking the food and her coffee in the process. She put the plate down and her purse under the desk before she sat. She started her computer and while it was booting, she put a piece of cheese on a cracker and turned to look at the pitches outside. The sun was hidden behind the clouds and most trees didn’t have any leaves but still, football pitches are always nice to look at when you have a distracted mind. After finishing the cracker, she turned back to face her computer. With one hand, she took a sip of coffee and with the other, she unlocked the computer with her thumb fingerprint. The screen light up and the first app she selected was the email one. She knew she had a bunch of those already; she deleted multiple notifications on her job phone without bothering to read them. She proceeded to sift through the emails. There were reports emanating from her scouts on a specific prospect she had bought three weeks prior and that would join the club in the next transfer window. There also was the post-match analysis from the game yesterday; a comfortable 3-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday, on their grounds. She finally arrived at the pile of emails she avoided since the beginning of last week. They were all emanating from the same place: the PR department. They have been relentlessly chasing her for an entire week because of the next match. Saturday the 27th, she would play against Aston Villa. The match would be played on her grounds, at the Emirates Stadium. Yes, it was her former club, and the PR wanted her to make a few interviews about that. But moreover, it would be the very first time two female managers, of top flight teams, would meet face to face in a regular league game… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 5, 2019 Author Share Posted April 5, 2019 Birmingham, Sunday 21 November 2038, 08h00 When the children jumped on the bed, Cynthia O’Flaherty and her husband were woken up buy a noisy and agitated bunch. The three children, aged five to eight, jumped at the same time and wanted to get hugs, kisses and food. The mother grabbed the smallest one and started a tickle contest. The dad was grumpier; it was just another of those mornings… «You can sleep a bit more you old grump! I’ll take care of the breakfast for the kids» she told her husband while getting out of the bed. «Come on children, let daddy sleep a little more!» As she arrived in the kitchen, she started to prepare the meal for the kids while the oldest opened up the telly to watch some cartoons. The 5”2’ women, with fiery red hair, was in a great mood. The sight of the children always brought her a lot of satisfaction. The oldest, a girl named Désiré, was Cynthia’s only child. Barely a year after she was born, Cynthia’s marriage crumbled; the ex-husband receiving a big job opportunity in… Bahrein. There was no way she could accept to resign her post with Birmingham City WFC. The divorce was a speedy affair; both had different career paths and none of the partners were ready to deviate from their own. The other two, aged seven and five respectively, were Brad’s, her husband. The older of the two was a blonde boy named Eric and the youngest was brown haired a girl named Amanda. Brad’s wife died while giving birth to her. Heartbroken, he named the child after his now dead wife. Amanda was diagnosed with Down syndrome. She was beautiful, playful and very affectionate. Luckily for Cynthia, the little girl recognized her for the mother she never knew. Cynthia, who was managing Leeds United at the time, met Brad when she needed major renovations in her house, three years ago. For the energetic woman, this tall man with a look that always seemed melancholic was absolutely irresistible. At six feet, with blond hair and a sportsman build, he was strong and a master organizer; he managed the project from beginning to end. During the five weeks of work, she fell under his charm and it took her a big dose of guts, and seduction, to even have him accept to come see a match of the Whites. It would take her a full year to make him agree to a dinner once the season was over. The marriage happened a mere two months later; Brad moved in the house with his children… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 7, 2019 Author Share Posted April 7, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Sunday November 21 2038, 12h00 Penny was halfway through yesterday’s match by now. As per her usual routine, she would always come at work the day after a match to watch it while taking notes. She stopped the recording and went to the bathroom; the coffee was making its bidding. Sheffield United had been a tough nut to crack. Kurt Zouma, the Blades’ manager, came at her with a very defensive 4-1-4-1. They played possession and were disciplined too; getting only nine fouls, with no yellows. It took her boys seventy-eight minute to unlock their defence. A nice push, built from the back, with precise passes forward, ending with Leon (Smith) making a through pass behind the central defender, where Moreno (Brambilla) had to display all his acceleration and pace just to reach the ball first. It was there, at this moment, that all broke for them. They went more attacking, wanting to get the equalizer. After an interception in front of Arsenal’s box by Reuben (Edge), the counter attack was swift and with the defensive midfielder, having over committed, not being back yet, Leon was able to make another perfect pass to Moreno who suddenly had more space, not being press by two players. One minute into stoppage time, with their morale shattered, one of the central defenders missed a long cross coming from André (Luiz) that was perfectly directed to Leon who closed the match with a great volley. Penny still remembered the relief she felt when their pair of strikers finally were able to score… When she finished watching the game, she looked at the clock on the wall: 16h45. She didn’t have a lot of time. She quickly scribbled some more notes that she would use tomorrow for the analysis with Jon (Stead), her Assistant Manager, and Max (Gunn), the Analyst she had designated for the post-matches analyses. She re-read the notes and added: "midfield passing", before dropping her pen. She took her crutch, got up and went straight for her office door where her purse and jacket were hung up. She rechecked the time: «It will be close…» she said to herself. Since her mother passed away last year, she would go eat with her dad every Sunday night. He was lonely. It was ok, she felt lonely too, but she was more accustomed to it than her dad… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 8, 2019 Author Share Posted April 8, 2019 Birmingham, Sunday 21 November 2038, 12h00 Both Brad and Cynthia’s pair of parents were home for the day. Brad’s had a rather long drive since they had to come from Leeds, where Brad grew up and stayed until he met the ginger woman. Cynthia only arrived in Leeds in 2033, when she took the reins of Leeds United, in Championship, after being the manager of Birmingham City WFC for ten years. She knew Birmingham very well since she grew up only a few miles away, in Coventry. It is where she played and, after a precipitous end of her career due to a lack of talent, she accepted an offer to become an Offence coach for the women football team of the place. She quickly was offered coaching badges and an ex-teammate, which was a fitness coach with the Birmingham City WFC, introduced her. After three years, the club offered her the manager’s job and she took it; never regretting the augmented responsibilities. The march to the Premiere League had been a roller coaster of emotions. When she got the job, the team was a mere last third side on the table, with a lot of disgruntled fans. They were called for the play-offs that year but bad form at the start of the season changed all of this. The manager was fired in October and this is when the Whites’ brass decided to take a chance. Cynthia, with her zany energy and relentless positive mood, gave the squad a new breath. They ended the campaign missing the play-offs by a single point. For the next four years, it would be frustrations and disillusions that would install themselves; four play-offs, all losing them in the second round. Finally, last year, she was able to achieve her goal and not only did she got the promotion she so desperately coveted, she got it without going into the play-offs at all, finishing in second place! Then, at the end of the season, lightning struck, twice! First, Arsenal announced that Penny Stiles, the woman who was the reason why she decided to take the leap with Leeds United, would take the reins of the Gunners after the World Cup. Then, on the seventh day of July, Armando Gonzales, the Aston Villa’s manager, and champion of Championship, decided to jump ship by going to Real Hispalis. Five days later, as she was preparing a training session, she got a phone call from the Claret and Blue to come for an interview. She was speechless! The day after, she was in front of the Villa board and, twenty four hours later, she got a cotract offer… She was now walking directly into the footsteps of the one that made all of this possible for her… She was now anxiously contemplating the coming Saturday, when she would go head to head against Stiles; it was only then that thunder would be heard… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 9, 2019 Author Share Posted April 9, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Monday 22 November 2038, 08h00 Penny entered the main building. The first person she saw was Sue (Chambers), the facilities manager and, who also happened to be a former teammate with the Arsenal Ladies. After saying hello, Penny went directly to her office. Today was the review of Saturday’s game with Jon (Stead) and Max (Gunn). This would have to wait a little though because the damn PR department had scheduled a meeting at 08h30. She couldn’t avoid it because of the Villa game that was coming… «Penny, why did you brush the coming match off with the reporters?» asked one of the PR girls, talking about the post-match interview against Sheffield United. - «Because I didn’t want to talk about it» Penny retorted. - «Look, we know now that you don’t like this media thing, that it is nothing but a chore, but it is unavoidable… especially with the historic moment that is coming and that would happen in our own stadium, I would even point out…» Penny was working hard to stay calm. - «The only history I care about is for us to win our place in Europe next year…» Another PR girl came back at her, rapidly. - «Mrs. Stiles…» she was young, and still was impressed by this woman who was the first ever to manage a top flight team. «… you cannot escape it. You made history, and every success you have, you change history again and again and…» Penny left the conference room right after the tirade. She was tired of that history crap… No, fed-up was more appropriate. When she arrived back in her office, she was in a bad mood. She sat at her desk, threw her crutch on the ground and turned the chair toward the giant windows overlooking the training pitches. Ever since she joined the Bulls, nineteen years ago, this “first woman to ever manage a professional men’s football team” tag had followed her. At first, she always tried to avoid it because she just didn’t like the attention. Beside, Peter Boggins, the President of the board, took a lot of the heat off her at the time because he saw how uncomfortable she was. In a way, she blessed the offer she got from West Brom to become a Tactical coach because she was going back at being a single cog in a bigger machine. When she decided to take her chance for the Villa job, she knew the implications but she thought that it would die over time, like it did then. She was so wrong… Everything she was doing, she was the first! She was the first to win a Premiere League championship... She was the first to win a FA Cup… She was the first to win a Europa Cup and/or Champions League… She was the first to manage a National team... All being opportunities for the media to pester her with this crap of “being the first woman to…” She doesn’t do that to be the first woman; she does it because she knows she wants to do this job because she’s certain she can do it, nothing else… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 10, 2019 Author Share Posted April 10, 2019 Birmingham, Monday 22 November 2038, 08h00 Cynthia was making sure the safety belt was well attached; she didn’t want Amanda to be thrown around in the car in case of an accident. It was Cynthia’s turn to drop the little girl to her specialized day-care this week. As usual, the child was all smiles. During the drive, both were singing songs. It was a ritual that caught-up early and that the “adopted mum”, as Cynthia saw herself, embraced eagerly. When she pulled into the driveway, she saw the educator already waiting at the door. Amanda, in the back seat, was already making hand signs to her. «Anything special this morning?» asked the educator as she was unbuckling the safety belt from Amanda. - «Nada!» said the spunky ginger manager. «She’s in the same mood as every morning!» The drive toward Bodymoor Heath Training Grounds was quickly done. When she arrived, Cynthia parked her car by the door and plugged it before going into the main building. Being the manager had its perks… like having a reserved parking spot barely thirty feet from the main doors. As she entered the building, she saw Rudy (Heylen) walking toward by the cafeteria door. She shouted: «How’s my favourite Assistant Manager this morning? - Not as good as you… you pocket sized manager!» he answered. They both started to laugh! As she was arriving in her office, she admitted that, yes, she had a lot of spring in her steps today. It was true that last Friday’s win against Middlesbrough, and the getting out of the relegation zone that came with it, had a lot to do with her mood… As for Rudy himself, she always thought she was blessed to have him here, at Aston Villa. He had been a coach on Penny Stiles’ team since she arrived here, over fourteen years ago. He knew the club inside and out and best of all, he didn’t care, not a single bit, about the fact that, being a woman, she was forced to sit to take a ****! Since she arrived, the discreet man also was a well of stories about his time with Stiles. Cynthia always has to pry the stories out of him but still… As she was sitting at her desk, she took a few seconds to look at the mural, like she does every day she come to work, where a giant picture of the first woman manager of a top flight team was holding the Premiere League’s trophy in her hand… She was smiling but most of all, she was projecting defiance… «I can only hope to live up to you…» Cynthia thought. Stiles was a role model for her. This woman, who have a physical limitation to top it all off, paved the way to her own dreams of being a manager of a top team… The “Statued Queen” had left a very strong mark here, at Aston Villa, and for good reasons! All of which she did while she shattered every single glass ceilings… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 11, 2019 Author Share Posted April 11, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Monday 22 November 2038, 13h00 Penny was sitting in the analysts’ room with Max (Gunn), the one she assigned to post-matches analyses, and Jon (Stead). She was in a rather fool mood since she prematurely left the PR meeting. The fact that she got three calls from reporters to get interviews about the coming match against O’Flaherty’s Aston Villa next Saturday didn’t help either. Both Jon and Max knew her well and they quickly saw, when they met her earlier today that this week, with the intense media pressure, that would be one of foul moods from the woman that never asked for any of this… About an hour into the meeting, Penny’s phone beeped for a fourth time. She looked at the screen to check who the call was from and grumbled. She shut down the phone and threw it into the paper recycling bin. «Another rep…» Jon started to ask but she gave him a deadly stare. - «Quit it!» she said. Signaling she wanted the meeting to go back on track… About forty five minutes later, Niall (O’Connor), the Head Analyst entered. He saw the three people looking at some footage from last Saturday’s game and stayed silent for about a minute. Penny stopped the recording: «Yes Niall? - Sorry to bother you… but someone from PR called me to ask you if there was anything wrong with your phone… They’ve been trying to reach you for…» Penny sighed, very loudly. - «I shut it down!» she answered in a stern voice. Jon took it upon himself and talked. - «We’re trying to get the analysis done for the last game and we just don’t want to be disturbed, that’s all. Can you tell them she’ll call them back after our work is done? - Sure…» said Niall, cautiously. He didn’t try to pry because, well, not only he didn’t know her well but also, because he felt the waters to be dangerous. «I’ll call and tell them that». He got out. Max quickly restarted the recording; he also knew that he would need to talk to his boss about Penny’s foul mood. When the review was done, Penny went to her office with Jon in tow; he wanted to have a private word with her. When they arrived, he closed the door while Penny went straight to her desk. Jon saw that she was taking her “I’m the boss…” stance by doing this. He plunged: «Penny, we knew it would happen… - Don’t start lecturing me Jon!» she retorted. He just smiled and sat at the meeting table. - «Look, take the bright side of this, the Villa game wasn’t played last Saturday, after a nine days lull due to international friendlies… - You think I didn’t get calls and emails and demands for interviews during that time? - I’m sure you got more than a few. Nonetheless, it’s better to have the game now than last Saturday…» Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 12, 2019 Author Share Posted April 12, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Monday 22 November, 13h00 The lunch was now over and Cynthia needed to go to the meeting PR had asked for. She already knew the topics they would talk about, especially with the gigantic press review they sent her this morning. She asked Rudy (Heylen) to accompany her. She wanted to have some of his knowledge of how, Stiles, has dealt with the media frenzies surrounding her. Cynthia still remembers that yes, there were some articles when she arrived at Leeds, and a few more when she took on the Villa job, but it still probably wasn’t half of what she thought the amount that the next match would call for. Judging by the size of the review, PR certainly thought the frenzy would be big too! The meeting had been called by the Head of PR herself, a woman called Jessy Hamilton. Rudy had told her that she’s been at the clubs forever now, that she was Penny’s main contact in PR too and that she learned to trust her judgement. «Penny certainly hated journos… and with gusto I might add…» said Jessy. «…but she learned, quickly, how to use them. - I always thought she was good on the telly» answered Cynthia. - «Oh, she is…» answered Jessy. «The thing is, she hates doing that. All the media stuff always was the least of her concerned but I think it’s because of what she is...» - «A hard ass?» asked Rudy, half-jokingly. Jessy laughed a bit at the retort. - «Well, to be honest, being the first, like she was, in everything in regards to managing of professional football clubs was, is, certainly taxing for her. She doesn’t like attention and she never was able to cope with the increased attention that is drawn in by success. At least, to be able to cope with public praise of her successes anyway…» Cynthia was listening to Jessy with great interest. For her, Penny Stiles was everything she ever dreamed to be. She was the one that told her that she had the right to dream big and that if she got what it takes, than to succeed too. In press conference, she only saw in Penny the demeanour: determination, ambition, a bit of defiance and steely eyes… Yet, she clearly remembers that never, ever, the manager ever took any credit about anything, sometimes shifting in her seat when congratulated by the press… Jessy’s chat about Stiles makes so much sense... Cynthia always thought it was men management and stuff like that that made Stiles act like this; now she knows it’s more than that… «Look Cynthia, we think we shouldn’t miss the media presence opportunity. The sudden drop after Penny’s departure hit the club hard and the general management thinks we should profit from the renewed interest of the media in you… and the club» said Jessy. - Hey, I’ll do what needs to be done» answered Cynthia. - «Ok, we received thirty nine demands for inter… - Thirty nine?» asked Rudy, interrupting Jessy in the process. - «Yes, thirty nine. - I know I got about fifteen phone calls so far from journalists» said Cynthia. - «Some must try to by-pass us. We prepared a schedule with the five interviews we would like you to do… » ordered Jessy, as she was giving the schedule to Cynthia… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 13, 2019 Author Share Posted April 13, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Tuesday 23 November 2038, 09h00 Penny has surrendered to Jon (Stead). He suggested it might be useful to gather the captains and some key players to help calm some concerns, about her and her mood. Cenyr and Reuben (Edge), both captains were there, in her office. Also were present Domingo (Ruiz), Diego (Pearce) and Leon (Smith), who all played for her at Villa. Jon was accompanied by Tim (Bakens) and Andy (Butler), the Offence and Defence coaches respectively. She wasn’t in a better mood this morning, especially since three reporters waited for her to leave the training grounds yesterday night, asking for comments on the coming game. «I’m sorry to have you go through this, through my mood and anger, but I think you deserve to know why…» She took about two minutes to explain the situation, the media pressure and how it was impacting her. She saw Domingo and Diego smirk a few times. - «Look guys…» started Jon after Penny’s little situation report. «…the media are just all over the place right now. We need to know what you feel about all of this, how the players are reacting and about their reaction to Penny’s mood too. - «I thought what you got with the Three Lions was bad…» Reuben was the first to speak. He played for her in the National team for the last three years; he had some ideas of how it was. «I guess I saw nothing, right? - «I can show you a hundred emails, all in the last two days, from media plus the number of calls I got… not to mention the ones I didn’t get since I shut down my phone…» answered Penny. - «The bastards just can’t get over the fact you’re a woman …» said Leon. He hated the media, maybe more than Penny could. The loathing came from the time gossip papers put pictures of him and his girlfriend having sex on a private beach five years ago… For him, Penny was the boss that make him work hard but who also offered him all the opportunities to become who he was today. She was a beacon for him and he felt like he needed to pay a bit back of all she gave him. «What can I do to make those f**** leave you alone? Tell me, I’ll do it!» Jon almost laughed. - «Leon, some things, we can’t avoid. What we absolutely need though, is to avoid what can be avoided, like with the players. - I’m too weak to be able to bottle it all up…» said Penny shyly and looking to the floor. She was really ashamed now. «I know all of you, the players, and the staff…» Her eyes went up to Tim and Andy. «… are impacted because of my lack of fortitude in front of…» - «You have no right to say that!» Diego said with an aggressive tone, while getting up angrily. «You are the strongest person I ever met!» Penny was taken aback by the comment… and the anger it was made with. - «Diego, I am weak» she said calmly, to try to calm him down. «If I wasn’t, I would be able to, at least, not has this have an impact on all of you… - You are our boss» said Domingo calmly, with his usual composure. «… and everything impacts us all if it impacts you, period. That being said, I agree with Diego. You’ve been a symbol of strength all the time I played for you. Sometimes, I can’t even imagine how you went through all that crap...» The meeting with the players and the key staffs lasted for about thirty minutes. It was Cenyr that got the last words: «Don’t worry about the players, I… no… we, will take care of them…» he said as he was looking at the players around him. All nodded in agreement. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 14, 2019 Author Share Posted April 14, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Tuesday 23 November 2038, 09h00 Cynthia was spending her morning with her staffs and the analysts; the group had to come up with a system to play against Arsenal before lunch because this afternoon, she would be doing interviews. Since the beginning of the season, she had put in place a decent 4-2-3-1, that was rather defensive and could give some problems on counter attacks. They all agreed about one thing: the Gunners were pacey and this would be troublesome. Since her own central defenders were kind of slow, there was no way she could play an offside trap; they never could catch up with them if they would beat it. Since the beginning of the season, Stiles’ team had favoured a rapidly paced game, often going on the wings, stretching play and creating space on the other side of the pitch at the same time. Not to mention the fact that they were undefeated since the beginning of the season; they were pumped for sure! «I don’t think Penny will play all out, she almost never does anyway» said Rudy (Heylen). George (Mainlka), the Chief Analyst, acquiesced. - «They played a balanced system so far. Never being really aggressive except when opportunities were presenting themselves, always being cautious without the ball and taking few risks on offensive transitions… - It’s not in her DNA anyway. She has a defensive stance; this is her default mode. Nonetheless, if there is one thing I discovered with her, it’s how she manages risk». He pointed at the screen. «Look here; see the two central midfielders dropping a few footsteps... But they haven’t lost possession yet, there is uncertainty because of the battle in front but it’s not lost yet… still, the central-mids are already dropping a few yards… Muca, we know he’s the DLP so, it’s predicable but Pearce? He's an AP... Penny always have someone who is an AP… but he still back a bit… - So you think she won’t give us a lot of space by staying a bit on their heels?» asked Cynthia. - « Since the beginning, we see how she compresses the lines by having all drop fast to regroup and pressing almost exclusively in their half… She leaves little space because of that in the first place. With the importance of the game she’ll probably be more… - Importance?» interrupted George . «You’re joking right? We’re barely out of the relegation zone and she’s at the top of table!» Cynthia took her phone out and started manipulating it. After a few seconds, she handed her device to George. On the screen was a meme, with pictures of Stiles and herself, titled “The Battle of the Boobs!” - «This is one of the least offensive memes friends sent me. It’s not about the table; it’s about the two girls! It’s about what has never happened before in professional football…» said Cynthia. She was having trouble believing that he didn’t realize that. Rudy once told her that George was the kind to focus only on the games themselves, never on what was surrounding them, but still… - « What’s the big deal? - You should tell them! And to all the media who wants interviews on that very subject…» answered Rudy. He never really liked George on a personal level but he still was a damn good analyst… Once the meeting was over, and that George had left, Cynthia told Rudy: «Thanks for taking the extra work Rudy…» He gave her a gentle, comforting smile. - «No sweat Cynthia!» Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 15, 2019 Author Share Posted April 15, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Tuesday 23 November 2038, 14h00 After shutting down the PR peoples one time too many, Penny was called for a meet with Kim Franssen, one of the two Managing Directors of the club. She felt it wouldn’t be a fun talk. The Belgian woman got up from behind her desk and came to greet Penny at the door. She was a brown haired woman, in her mid-forties, and was almost as tall as Penny with a solid 5”9’ without heels. «Thanks for coming Penny» she said while shaking her hand. - «You asked to see me ma’am? - Yes, come…» she said while inviting Penny to one of the small couch. Kim was like Penny in one way; she’s not someone who likes to beat around a bush for long. «I was wondering if there was something wrong… - Like what?» said Penny, wanting to feel the water. - «We know you always did your duties with the media, which are part of your contract anyway... It’s just that now… we feel there is something else…» Penny was feeling like a kid getting caught for breaking a window. She decided to go straight at it. - «I hate the press, I hate the attention and I hate when I’m told I am something I don’t think I am… or want to be!» she said, rather aggressively. Without a word, the Managing Director got up, went to her desk and took a picture that was sitting on the window ledge behind it. She came back to Penny and gave her the picture. At the same time, she opened the telly on the wall and a still frame of an old interview from Penny was displayed. With another button pressed, the recording started playing. “I don’t care about what peoples can say about me being a woman. I only care about what I can do as a manager…” Kim shut the telly and smiled at Penny: «The internet is still a bitch huh? That was one of your first interviews as Aston Villa manager by the way… It happened a few years after the picture I gave you was taken…» The picture showed a young Kim Franssen, all smile, with a diploma in her hands and probably her parents at her side. The exec continued talking. «… when you said that, I was twenty nine. I was working with the group that now own this club, here. I was happy because I was doing exactly what I wanted to do: business management in a sport related business group. Oh, I only was a low level manager, but I didn’t care. Then, I saw a headline about your nomination at Aston Villa. I was in awe! You looked so young, so beautiful with that ponytail but also, with your physical limitation, you were slapping everybody twice with your determination! “The best should be able to play against the best, and I think I am good enough to play against them!” you said in that interview…» Kim took some time before continuing; Penny saw that she was becoming a little emotional… «Three months later, a mid-level position opened. My husband at the time couldn’t believe it, but I applied…» She got up again and went to her desk, took her purse and came back. This time, instead of sitting on the other couch, she went to sit down on Penny’s left side. She opened-up her purse, rummaged through it and got her wallet out. She dropped the purse on the floor and opened-up the wallet. Where there usually was the driver’s license, behind the always cheap plastic window, Penny saw an old, and scratched, plastic card with a quote written on it: “The best should be able to play against the best, and I think I am good enough to play against them!” Penny couldn’t believe it… Kim let the reality sink in for a few seconds before talking again. «I went to the interview with this in my wallet and looked at it just before going in… Whether you like it or not, I became ambitious because of you. I thought I had the right to be ambitious now because you said I could. Whether you like it or not, I want to thank you for being what you are: a symbol for me, something else for someone else but, inevitably, the woman who made history in professional football…» Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 15, 2019 Author Share Posted April 15, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Tuesday 23 November 2038, 14h00 Cynthia O’Flaherty arrived with spring in her steps. It was the time for one of the biggest interviews, it would also be the first time she would be doing a one-on-one with the biggest sports channel in Europe, and she was excited. She went through make-up with ease; she liked being beautified. She even smiled when she noticed that some of her sparse freckles would be showing… The reporter was a young woman named Claire. «Hello Mrs. O’Flaherty, thank you for coming! - There are no such things in here! I’m Cynthia and I’m happy to meet you!» she answered while shaking Claire’s hand. «I hope you’ll get my good side on the camera!» Cynthia added while laughing. Claire smiled. - «We thought to begin by talking about your arrival here, at Aston Villa, then the beginning of the season and to finish by talking about that big game Saturday…» said Claire. - «Shoot!!!» shot back Cynthia while a crew was attaching her microphone. Once both women were sat down, the cameramen gave thumbs-up; the show could begin. The interview was planned to last thirty minutes and she flew by them. Yes, the place was awesome and the training facilities were all she could have been dreaming of. The beginning of the season wasn’t the easiest but things were settling down nicely nonetheless. The points weren’t as numerous as they could have hoped but there were multiple signs in the last games that things would surely get better soon; the win against Wolves last Friday showed the players that they could do it. Yes, she always knew that the fight would be hard but she like the challenge! Claire then arrived at the core of it all; the historical game next Saturday. «Are you nervous at the idea of going head to head with Penny Stiles? - Nervous, a bit for sure, but not that much. - You ever thought you would play against her one day? - Well, I actually was scared I wouldn’t when she announced she would go with the English National Team before I had the chance to promote Leeds to the Premiere League!!!» Cynthia said before starting to laugh, throwing her head backward in the process. - «Is she an inspiration to you, as a manager?» Cynthia took some seconds to think before speaking. - «She plowed the field for me and for others, which is an accomplishment in itself… Not to mention that what she achieved once she got here, was done by very few managers, period… I can say that when I applied for the job at Leeds, I certainly thought it possible I could do it because she has done before me! - So you are saying she is instrumental in you being in the Premiere League? - For sure! Not only she told me, not personally mind you, but you know what I mean, that yes, I can access the big leagues. I loved it in Birmingham WFC but I wanted more… and because of Penny Stiles, I knew I was able to get it. - Some were surprised, of you jumping ship from Leeds to come here, where she made history… - I was called for the interview. I knew what it meant. It was a tough decision but Villa as such a big reputation, especially because of what she did here… I just couldn’t say no, you know… I just hope I will be worthy of all the work she did here and help getting the club back where she brought it during her reign. It’s a tough challenge, especially when you think about everything the “Statued Queen” achieved … but I’m up for it!» Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 17, 2019 Author Share Posted April 17, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Wednesday 24 November 2038, 07h00 Penny arrived in the cafeteria just to see that the kitchen staffs were already at work. She smiled to them and they responded in kind. «Can we make you anything Penny?» One asked. - «Eggs and bacon… if it could be possible… Maybe some ricotta cheese with that? - Absolutely Penny. Give us a few minutes. - Just call me in my office when it will be ready, there’s no hurry… - Non-sense! We’ll bring it to you upstairs! You have enough to do, it’s the least we can do …» Penny thanked them and went upstairs. She still wasn’t accustomed to such service from peoples she barely knew but, it was true she had a lot to do. Once in her office, she booted her computer while rummaging into her purse for her job phone. It took her a few seconds to realize she didn’t have it anymore. The meeting with Kim Franssen yesterday lasted for forty minutes and lots came out of it. After the shock of the revelation her boss made to her, some decisions were taken. First, the job phone was “out of service” until next Monday. All the called were forwarded to the PR department who would filter them and pass on the messages worthy of being transmitted to her. Second, in the same breath, all the emails sent to Penny would be filtered by a secretary that would have the task to thin out the flow of messages until next week too. Finally, she would only have one interview to do, other than the regular game’s press conference. The interview would be with Arsenal TV and was planned for this afternoon, on the pitch, during Tactical training. The question of the historicity of the game would need to be talked about, of course, but Kim promised that the format would need to be forwarded to her office for approval beforehand. As she was checking her schedule for the day, there was a knock on the door; it was one of the kitchen staff coming with her breakfast. She started to roll the cart into Penny’s office and went straight to the meeting table. «There it is Penny, your breakfast is ready! We didn’t have ricotta cheese so; we put cottage cheese instead… - It’s perfect!» answered Penny with a smile while getting up. - «Penny, I, we, want to tell you that you don’t have to be shy with us, in the cafeteria, ok? If there is anything we can do to ease your life a little, or give you a little ray of sunshine with preferred items… Do not hesitate, ok?» The woman had such a comforting smile while she was talking… - «I can’t think of anything, really…» said Penny in a subdued voice. - «Anyhow, if ricotta cheese is what you like, we’ll make sure to never be short of it now!» she added with a smile. «Remember, don’t bother with the plates, we’ll come pick them up later!» and she left. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 18, 2019 Author Share Posted April 18, 2019 Birmingham, Wednesday 24 November 2038, 07h00 «How’s my favorite little princess this morning?» asked Cynthia O’Flaherty to Amanda when she entered the room to wake her up. She got a smile and a hug in response. The mother reciprocated. «Now come eat your breakfast! We have coloured cereals for you…» she said before exiting the room. As she was arriving in the kitchen, she saw that her daughter already was at the table. «Good morning, Désiré my oldest princess» she said to her while coming from behind to give her a hug. - «I don’t want good cereals; I want the sugar ones today… - It’s Wednesday. You know you can have them today…» There were strict rules when things were coming down to eating. One of them was that the “full sugar” cereals were possible only twice a week: Wednesday and Saturday. The rest of the time, it was healthy ones, like muesli. Cynthia started to pour the cereals in the bowls when the last kid showed up with his regular licks. «Come on Eric you sleepy head!» The young boy smiled and came to sit by her older half-sister’s side. When Cynthia was putting the bowls on the table, she saw Brad arrive with Amanda in his arm. The woman smiled at her husband while laughing inside, thinking of his big fingers trying to make the braid she asked for… He sat Amanda at the table and went to the wife: «Still that smirk I see… You doubt my talents you ginger demon!» Cynthia started to laugh. She gave him a hug and then focused on the next steps of breakfast. As she entered her office a little over an hour later, she found a short written note from Jessy Hamilton, the Head of PR: “Good one-on-one!” Cynthia was happy to see that they liked it because, well, first, it was part of the job she was paid for but also, she just liked the experience! There still were three interviews to do this week, outside of the game’s regular press conference and this afternoon was the biggest one since it would be for the club’s web site. The big advantage was that she got the entire line of questions for that one. It would be a one-on-one too but it would be more casual than the one she got yesterday. When she exited her office, to go to pitch number one, where the defence was working, she looked at the mural once again. Yes, there was four managers on that wall, all with trophies in their hands, but she still only saw Stiles… She liked what she saw during training yesterday. Most of all, she liked the way the players were reacting to the pressure. All of them knew that there was a buzz around the next game but all seemed to not care about it at all. As she was walking back to her office, she got stopped by Rudy (Heylen). He wanted to lunch with her, in private; it wasn’t possible. «Tomorrow morning for breakfast would suit you?» He agreed graciously. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 19, 2019 Author Share Posted April 19, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Wednesday 24 November 2038, 14h30 Penny was perched on her scaffold at pitch number four. The squad still was split in two; the planned starting XI was all together while the rest were the opposition. The interview for Arsenal TV was arranged in three separate segments. They started by walking around the pitch, talking about the fluffy stuff like how it was to be back in London, how she was liking the club and if she liked the experience with the National team. So, in short, it was all the unthreatening stuff that would also present her to the fans, if they didn’t know who she was in the first place. Then, as Kim Franssen as written, it was “time to cool down”. She would conduct part of the training, as she was supposed to do if it wasn’t for that crap. Some footage would be shot, showing her “in action”. Finally, it would be the serious part: the big incoming match against Villa but for now, it was the training. She blew her whistle twice and all the players stopped moving. «Why are you bolting forward?» she asked Damian (Zieba), her interior forward on the left side. «You’re supposed to go back when we lose possession. Look at where you are and look where Henrique (Canastro) is! He’s placed right between the place you left to bolt forward and the left back! You created a sea of space for him!» It was something she still had to drill in; losing possession meant only the front line would press if they could, nobody else. The rest were to regroup and cut passes forward and denying space… «To meet my old team will be something special, for sure» Penny said, walking with the interviewer and the two cameramen after the “cooling down” period. «I have some great memories from my time with Aston Villa. - Like the league trophies?» asked the interviewer. - «For sure, but memories are more about the atmosphere in the place; how it changed over time. The confidence that was building with each passing day, each success and misstep… - What was your reaction when you learned that Cynthia O’Flaherty was designated as their new manager?» Penny took some time to answer; it was coming… - «She did a great job with Leeds. Sure the road was hard but she managed to pull it off; Championship is a tough competition. - You ever thought you would have to play against her team, whatever the team? - I always thought that when I would come back to a regular club, I’d be facing her one day. I just never thought it would be with her at the helm of my old team!» She tried to smile but she knew it wasn’t a smile… at all… - What do you think of her? Have you ever met her before? - I met her once, at an award thing at the National Training Center. She’s very energetic and she seems to be very intelligent. With the Whites, she certainly showed that she can achieve great things for sure. The match should be interesting!» Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 20, 2019 Author Share Posted April 20, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Wednesday 24 November 2038, 14h30 «Do you find it intimidating to go against a manager that got so much success with the club you are now managing?» asked the woman interviewing Cynthia in her office while both were looking at the mural with Penny Stiles on it. - «Who wouldn’t? She did so much here… and in football in general! Heck! She won what… four Premiere League trophies here? A bunch of FA Cups and Champions League trophies too! - Have you ever met her? - Once!» Cynthia smiled genuinely as she remembered meeting her. «It was at St George’s Park for an event. - What was your first thought? - She’s so tall!!!» and she laughed, throwing her head backward, like every time she finds something particularly funny. - «Really? - Yes! She’s almost six feet tall! I’m barely above five feet! I know…» she said while lifting both her hands in front of herself. «…At five two, everybody seems tall! But she’s a woman and she’s tall!» she said, laughing once more in her characteristic way. - Were you intimidated? - Naw… but I was in awe though… It became so easy, well, easier, for women to be taken seriously now. All because of what she achieved, you have women like Dorothy Gibbins, Sandra Gifford and Sophie Sanders who are managing EFL level teams. Plus some more in the lower leagues… All of that, it’s because of Stiles and what she did! So, it was hard not to drool when I met her!» The laugh again. - And to have her watching you, daily, in your office?» Cynthia laughed once more. - «Rudy, my Assistant Manager, tells me they did the new mural in the same summer that she left. So, it’s not a personal message to me! In the end, I think it shows the impact she had here, in the club. The “Statued Queen” is considered to be an icon here, at Villa, and rightly so I’d say!» The interview shifted toward the match itself. - «Do you think the game will be a difficult one? - For sure! Arsenal is at the top of the table… and for good reasons! They even smashed Manchester City on their grounds on the opening day of the season! So yes, it will be hard but I think we have our chances. We are working very hard to do that anyway. - Have you changed something in your preparation because you will meet her? - Nope. Well… that’s not true. I had to, there is so many interviews to do!» and she laughed again… and for a long time too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark wilson27 Posted April 20, 2019 Share Posted April 20, 2019 Really enjoying this Rien, a damn good piece of work sir Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 21, 2019 Author Share Posted April 21, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Thursday 25 November 2038, 07h30 Penny entered her office grumbling. She just got one of those bad nights… She knew that bumping her ankle right before going to bed was a bad omen… She sat at her desk and started to work. Despite all that crap about the coming game, there still was the usual stuff she needed to go through. Later that morning, it was a scouting meeting but also, Niall (O’Connor), the Head Analyst wanted to have a word with her; he thought of something and he wanted her comments on his idea. Around ten, a knock on her door took her out of her work; it was Kim Franssen standing in the doorway: «Do you have a minute? - Sure ma’am» Penny answered as she was starting to get up and meet one of her boss. - «No, no, stay there, I’ll come…» said the Directing Manager. «I just wanted to tell you that I looked at the footage of yesterday's interview…» Penny was wondering if that was good or bad. «I liked what I saw! - I’m happy to hear it ma’am. - Honest, it was good. I personally liked the way you talked about Villa, the history and the memories you have from there, the respect you showed… Very classy. - Nothing but the truth ma’am. It’s always like that with me». The Managing Director smiled. - «It is why I enjoy having you here so much. Being real is something I like about you…» Penny was on the verge of reddening a bit but, luckily, the boss changed the subject. «I wanted to convey to you, a demand from the PR and from FA.» If she would have to care about reddening, it was gone now. Penny knew she wouldn’t like the next part of the talk. - «Which is? - The match will be televised, as you already know but they, we, would like you to be available for a photo op alongside Mrs. O’Flaherty». It took half a second for Penny to respond. - «I knew it would come. I only want it after the game. - Why not before? - Because I want it to be done on the pitch, in front of the crowd, with the players too…» Kim thought about that for a few seconds before speaking. - «Can’t be done Penny, the players will be all sweaty and their kits dirty… - I’m not talking about the players being in the pictures. I mean the players being the witnesses that all of this happened, for real… I’m sure the pictures will look better with fans in the background too!» Kim got up and went to shake Penny’s hand. - «All still on condition it is to FA’s liking but as far as the club is concerned; I yield to your idea and desire». Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 22, 2019 Author Share Posted April 22, 2019 @mark wilson27 - tks Bodymoor Heath, Thursday 25 November 2038, 07h30 Cynthia had to ask for a change of plan to Brad so she could be at the training grounds earlier. He was a tough negotiator; he asked for stuff in exchange… She still smiled in the car when thinking about it! The smiling didn’t change the fact that she had some trouble falling asleep last night, and it wasn’t because of Brad. Stress and nervousness was slowly creeping up; she knew… As she pulled in her parking spot, she saw that Rudy (Heylen) was already there, walking toward the main entrance. He waited for her right at the doors, smiling. Both of them started to walk straight for the cafeteria. The kitchen staff smiled to them when they noticed they were there. It was Rudy that talked: «Bring her the biggest breakfast she ever asked for! And for me, bring me the same but with more marmalade!» He made them a big smile and they laughed. He pointed to table that got the window giving a view of the number one pitch. «After you ma’am…» he said with an overdone ceremonious gesture. She laughed as she sat down. As soon as he was comfortable, someone from the kitchen brought them a pot of coffee and some pieces of pineapple. Both started to eat the fruit while adding sugar and milk to their coffee. «I saw the one-on-one interview you made; it was good! - Thanks. It was easy…» she answered. - «I wanted to talk to you a bit about her…» Cynthia frowned a little. «Penny Stiles, she’s a hell of a manager, I can tell you that, but there is something that she hates about her jobs; it’s the media… - I know that! Jessy told us! - Nope…» he said before taking a sip of coffee. «Whatever you know, or what Jessy said, it’s not half of it… I’ve been with her a long time, as you already know. I can tell you that this week? The week before the game? She is in the foulest mood right now… - Really? - Oh yes!» and he laughed. «Everything you said about her in the big interview? Well, it is exactly everything she hates… and I think that hating is too weak a word for that… loathing is probably more accurate…» A lady from the kitchen staff was bringing them the plates of food. Rudy was surprised to see the plates full like that! Three eggs, cheese, bacon and potatoes… He looked at her and she laughed… After thanking the woman, he continued. «Anyway, once that is said, she knows how to play the game. I know you a bit now, and I don’t think you said anything you didn’t think for real. Nonetheless, my guess would be to probably be a bit less… enthusiastic…» Cynthia looked at him and thought hard while chewing a piece of bacon. - «You think I am playing a mind game?» Rudy finished his toast before talking. - «I think so, yes, well... maybe. But if she does think it's the case, she’ll come at you in the same way… She might be in a foul mood, and it might have an impact, although probably limited since I know that the Villans who are playing for her will shield her good, but she also can play tough mind games too…» Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 22, 2019 Author Share Posted April 22, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Thursday 25 November 2038, 14h00 Jon (Stead) entered Penny’s office. She had been a tough cookie but she finally agreed for a meeting about next month’s training. It usually would have been next week but he was rather… insistent. As soon as he entered, he said: «Let’s go walk a bit; you haven’t got up that chair all day…» She looked at him with a mean eye but welcomed the suggestion nonetheless. She got up and she went to take her coat on the hook behind the door. Both went out and, following the usual path she was using when she needed fresh air, both went to the number ten pitch. Jon saw that her boss really was getting dragged down by all the bad energy surrounding the week. He knew that it was mainly created by herself and her loathing of the media frenzy, but it didn’t matter. If there was something that could be done, he needed to do it. This was precisely what he was doing. As the pair was walking, talking about next month’s training in very general term, they came close to the gym windows. Inside, he saw what he wanted to see: «I need to take a leak…» and he turned toward the door to go to the bathroom. She followed him through the door and when they arrived in the gym, she saw a group of girls wearing Arsenal shirts; the women’s team! They were touring the installations with Sue Chambers, the Facilities Manager. The players recognized Penny instantly! Gasps, shrieks, inaudible mumbling of awe… «Oh, here’s Penny Stiles, our manager with Jon Stead, her Assistant Manager! Talk about a surprise!» Jon smiled internally; he led her boss into an ambush, with the help of her ex-teammate… He saw all the girls getting their cell phones out to take pictures. Penny was smiling to the players. Sue added: «And yes, I played with her you know! She was younger than most of you though… but she was as tough then than as she is now!» The players laughed and Sue winked at Penny. For thirty minutes, Penny chatted with the players from the Arsenal WFC. She also took a bunch of pictures with them, signed autographs while talking about nothing in particular and especially, not about the next game... Sam knew he was skating on an ice that was paper thin but he thought that to see girls, like Penny, who doesn’t question themselves with the fact that they just love playing football, would help her. The “impromptu” meet became very confused when Leon (Smith), Reuben (Edge), Diego (Pearce) and Domingo (Ruiz) arrived in the gym. The four players’ arrival made the women’s team even more vocal! Sam had orchestrated that too. He knew that those four players, all superstars in the football world, never looked at Penny as a woman, only as their manager… Everything got even better when Diego, a former Villa Academy prospect who played six years for her at Aston Villa, was talking to a few girls to whom he was signing autographs. Probably to answer a question, he said, very loudly so that all could hear: «Never be a player for the boss! She’ll work you to death!» Everybody laughed… including Penny. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 24, 2019 Author Share Posted April 24, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Thursday 25 November 2038, 14h00 Aston Villa's main squad was in tactical training. Yellows were on the offensive and red were defending. Cynthia was right behind the offence and she blew her whistle twice. All the players stopped moving. «Joel (Okafor), if you see the winger commit himself by pressing on Anderson (Diaby) who is cutting inside, go take his place; you have free space there!» Joel took a look at the position of everybody and gave her an ok gesture. «Ok, retake your positions boys, we’ll start it again!» Cynthia was starting to get frustrated. It was the seventh time in the last fifteen exercises that the winger committed himself by pressing the interior forward that was cutting inside with the ball; Joel almost never reacted fast enough to use the newly liberated space. It was true that it was the first time she was using Anderson on the right as an interior forward but still, it’s not like Joel was a young player; he was a twenty-nine years old veteran! The practice lasted another hour before the players went into recovery. Rudy (Heylen), her Assistant Manager came to her. «I think Joel is too busy looking for a one-two opportunity instead of trying to move in the free space. Maybe ask our right back to push further up instead?» Cynthia shook her head. - «No, he’s not fast enough to come back if he’s more than ten yards inside their zone…» They walked and Cynthia started thinking out loud. «…Using an inside forward might not be the solution then. If Joel can’t react and use the space… - Anderson can play both feet; why not use him as an off-center playmaker? Since we are not using midfielders as playmakers specifically, we ask Joel to be a long shot taker instead of using him as a playmaker in an advance position… - Maybe it would be worth thinking about that… Since Joel can shoot from afar, it could be an alternative…» They both walk straight to Analysis to get a quick discussion with them. She knew that Anderson was primarily a playmaker in an advance position but apparently, he played quite a bit on the right side before but she never saw him play there yet. The work took over an hour. Both she and Rudy got to see footage showing Anderson playing there. They knew he was a good passer in short and medium range but the footing showed that he was pretty versatile and was able to sustain pressing. The change was done and they then went to her office to prepare some exercises for tomorrow morning with those changes in mind. Rudy would have to do them alone though because there was the regular pre-game press conference in the morning and then she had to meet the PR department for something relating to the game. There was no way to practice it in the afternoon; it was defensive corners training and since Arsenal already had scored four times from corners, there was no way she would skip the session… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 24, 2019 Author Share Posted April 24, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Friday 26 November 2038, 09h00 Penny was having a talk with the man in charge of logistics: she wanted the team to leave for the Emirates a bit earlier tomorrow. Once he left her office, she took her phone and called Kim Frenssen, the Managing Director: «Hi ma’am. - Hi Penny, what can I do for you» said the boss. - «I’m sorry to ask, but this morning, it’s the second time that reporters literally ambushed me at the entrance of the grounds. - Really? - Yes. Three days ago, when I left, there were three of them at the gate. I never got to see the guard. Today, it was the same thing…» Penny could hear the woman shuffling papers. - «Ok. Can you come to my office? I’ll call the Head of security to join us. - Sure ma’am. On my way...» and Penny hung up the phone. As she was walking toward her office, she came across Leon (Smith) and Endri (Muca) who were talking about reporters calling on them at the entrance of the road to the grounds. She went to them and asked about it. «About five cameras just at the entrance of the road, all with reporters and mics…» Penny told them to come with her. As she arrived at Franssen’s office, she saw the door open and that the Head of Security already inside. Kim was on the phone but made hand signs to tell Penny to come in. She asked, sotto voce, to the Head of security if he knew about the reporters at the beginning of the road while pointing at her players to confirm the info; he looked surprised and went just outside the office to have a chat with the gate’s guard, using his talkie. She told Leon and Endri to go. The meeting was short. The Head of security got a full spanking from the Managing Director when she learned the way that Penny was ambushed last Tuesday, at the gate, when she had to lower her car window to wave her card and leave the place; the gate goes up and down only with a magnetic card for both ins and outs. When he left, Penny also told her about the little modification for leaving the grounds fifteen minutes earlier; the boss was ok about that. When Penny finally could start working on her team briefing scheduled for this afternoon, she was in a better mood. Jon (Stead) joined her and both made sure all was ready to be delivered. They also took some time to talk about the offensive corners practice of this afternoon, right after the briefing. Jon noticed a few things and he thought they should be implemented before tomorrow’s game. She agreed. After the meeting, both of them went to pitch number three to see the offensive transition session that was ongoing. Tim (Bakens), the Offence coach was thorough and it was something she liked to discover in the man. He was rarely stopping the players during the action but, after each plays, he was going to the board and was giving multiple comments on the last performance. «I like what I see Jon» she told her Assistant Manager. He looked at her with a thin smile. - «I guess I’m in trouble then?» and he laughed a bit. She echoed the laughter. - «Naw… not yet anyway!» The laughter was lighthearted, she needed it. Today, the press review she received almost always started with the same headline, referring to her as the Statued Queen; she hated that nickname! They would surely use that during the pre-game press conference before lunch… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 26, 2019 Author Share Posted April 26, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Friday 26 November 2038, 09h00 Cynthia was hyped this morning but only because she received a full blown declaration of love from Amanda! It was a great balm since she had trouble sleeping again last night. For the first time since she was with Villa, she had to camouflage small baggies under her eyes… This morning, there were two things on the agenda. First, it was the pre-game briefing with the players and at 11h, the pre-game press conference would start. When she entered her office, she, again, looked at the mural, quickly passed over Ron Saunders and the other men to stare into Stiles eyes: «Tomorrow we meet ma’am…» she said before going to her desk. The briefing went well. The modification she and Rudy (Heylen) had thought of were well received by Joel (Okafor), her captain and main target of those changes, and the team was, at this moment, going to pitch number two to practice just that. Rudy was in charge since she had to go to the press conference. As she was getting ready to go to the press room, a knock on her door. «Ready for the show Cynthia?» asked Jessy (Hamilton), the Head PR woman. - « I am!» retorted Cynthia. She took her purse and her tablet and went to join Jessy at the door to walk together. After a few steps, Jessy talked again. - «Trouble sleeping I see…» Cynthia stopped walking and looked at the woman. Jessy did the same. - «My make-up still shows it?» she inquired, the was stress coming up. - «It’s more like the tone of your voice and your body language; all seems to drag a little». Cynthia was thunderstruck that she could have perceive anything; she didn’t feel there was a difference with any other day… Jessy continued. «It’s entirely normal ma’am. The pressure is as high as it can be. Just take a few deep breaths…» Cynthia listened and did so… «Now, just focus on the message, divert the “women” sunject by talking of the match itself: tactics, players, etc… Just focus on what we talked about two days ago. The woman is out of the equation after the first answer about that. Take the first one, answer it thoroughly and then, consider the case closed». Jessy was experienced and Cynthia listened attentively. Jessy took make-up and a small brush from her purse and started to do touch-ups on the baggies while saying to the manager to breathe deeply… The strategy she had developed with Jessy (and Rudy) was easy. Never stop spreading more and more about all Stiles has done but to talk about the woman part of Stiles only once. Just before entering the conference room, Jessy smiled at Cynthia who was calmer now; thanks to her. The very first question was about Stiles and her going head to head; she dived and hoped all would go the way she wanted… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 26, 2019 Author Share Posted April 26, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Friday 26 November 2038, 14h30 When Penny entered the press conference, she quickly saw that there was a bigger crowd than usual; about twenty reporters were standing up in the back. She smiled and proceeded to go sit down. She felt some sort of energy in the room she didn’t felt a lot so far; she hated that. Once she was all set, the PR girl started to read their piece, setting the rules. During that time, Penny scanned the room with more attention; the main difference was that there were pundits and “analysts” in the place mixed with the usual reporters. At least, she thought internally, the “fat pay check pundits” weren’t able to steal the seats from the real reporters… She recognized a lot of them pundits and "analysts" but one in particular caught her attention. The son of Peter Bosz was in the room, standing up in the back. “Well, it’ll be fun!” she thought. Since she was an established manager, after her eleven years stint with Villa and the three more with the Three Lions, Penny felt that she never really had to feign anything anymore with the press. She never liked those things and they all knew it by now. She never went down the Mourhino way of answering questions with a long repetitive string of «Nothing to say...» but she always was pretty cryptic and kept things short. In the later years though, something broke between her and them media peoples. About ten years ago, when she was at Villa, some unsavoury pictures from her daughter’s social media accounts surfaced on the internet and the media transmitted them and talked about the thing, profusely. It was at that time that she stopped feigning to be friendly with the press. Being who she is, she also didn’t waste time making separations and groups; all were the same bastards and all were treated the same way with one exception; the clubs' TV and news. Since Britanny was barely fifteen at the time, the whole thing ended up in court and some papers and journalists got smacked good but the damage was done. None got sent to prison and only light reparations were forced on them. The press conference was about halfway through the allotted time of forty-five minutes when a reporter came back at the “two women event” despite the fact she spent about fifteen minutes answering specifically about that since the beginning. She couldn’t hold it any longer: «Can’t you be more stupid? Or are you deaf?» A cold wind blew in the place. «Yes, there will be two women on the side lines, in the same match, as managers. Yes. So what? I still cannot understand your inability to get a grip on this? It’s been almost fifteen years since I arrived but still, you are acting like that? Just like Steinhaus, the German referee. She was a regular principal referee in the Bundesliga for over ten years when she got put on the list of referees in the World Cup, twelve years ago! Yet, you guys made that huge media storm over this! Grow up for…» This is where Penny decided to stop because, from the corner of her eye, she caught Bosz’s son laughing with one of his colleague in the back of the room. She took a deep breath and said, before getting up «…I think that in the end, what you can’t get a hold on to is that yes, women are here, and here to stay. Some will do bad, just like men, just like that idiot I replaced at Villa over fifteen years ago…» she eyed the son real good while saying the last part, «…and some will do good, like O’Flaherty and Gibbins…» This is when she got up and left. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 27, 2019 Author Share Posted April 27, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Friday 26 November 2038, 14h30 Cynthia was at pitch number two with Rudy (Heylen) to supervise the defensive corner training session. They modified their routines because the Gunners were the most dangerous in the league on corners but the new plan just wasn’t gelling into the players’ heads. She didn’t like what she was seeing. Rudy spent many, many minutes, correcting the players on the pitch. She didn’t say anything; that session was Rudy’s. What Arsenal was doing so well since the beginning of the season was the use of a lethal combination: two good long distance shooters while having excellent jumpers inside the box as well. The analysis showed that of their four goals, two came from distance and two came from jumpers and it’s not like they were playing for corners either since they only got an average of five per game. What she saw, in plain sight, was that her players lacked anticipation, in a major way. They used the ones with that particular trait to cover the top of the box but still, she saw that they couldn’t get in place fast enough… When the session ended, she took a walk with Rudy to talk about all she saw. What she was surprised with, from her Assistant Manager, was that instead of talking about the last training session, he talked to her about stress; he saw right through her. «I think it is catching up to you…» he said. She knew it was. The press conference had been a painful experience because the reporters kept coming back at the women thing and, for the first time; she felt like she knew what Stiles had to go through over the years… - «The press conference was an awful thing Rudy…» He smiled gently at her. - «Relentless bastards they were, huh? - Yeah, something like that… I tried to focus the answers on the match itself, on the players and the tactics and stuff but they still kept coming back at it… It was “The Battle of the Boobs” all over the place in there! - Did you walk out? - Naw, I couldn’t do it… I wanted to though, many times… - Well, I got a text from a friend saying that she did!» He showed her the text on his phone. Cynthia was caught off guard! - «Really?» Rudy laughed a little. - «Yep! She was in full Penny mode and she decided she couldn’t take it and just left after telling them they were a bunch of A-holes…» They walked for some time before Cynthia talked again. - «I think she is in another league than I am 'cause today, I almost did… and it only was the first time I was in that kinf of press conference… I don’t know how she managed to deal with that crap all those years…» Rudy stopped walking. - «She did like you do now Cynthia, she bit the bullet and got on with it. I will say this to you, even if it might sound condescending: I think you should grow a pair, just like she did, and move on… You are in the same boat now, you are stuck rowing with her in that murky, crappy, sea full of backward thinking idiots…» Cynthia was looking at him; her doubts in plain sight… - «Honestly Rudy, I wonder if I’m made strong enough to take all of this… It’s the first time, since I started in Championship, that I get these doubts but… - Don’t! It’s a waste of energy! Idiots and Neanderthals are as numerous as poison ivy in fields… It’s not worth trying to pick them one by one... Since you can’t spray all of them at the same time, just avoid the place and focus on your real job…» She took a deep breath. To admit to her doubts to someone who wasn’t real close yet? It was a painful experience for sure… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 28, 2019 Author Share Posted April 28, 2019 London Colney Training Grounds, Saturday 27 November 2038, 07h00 Penny got in her car and started to drive toward the training grounds. She didn’t sleep well last night and she felt… edgy. When she arrived at the crossroad to engage in the path to the grounds, she saw that there was a group of cameras waiting for her and the players. When she turned on the road going toward the gate, she saw that there now were security guards blocking the journalist from going any further. As she entered the main building, she saw the Head of security. He gave her a smile while listening to his talkie. She passed him and went straight to the cafeteria to get a coffee. As usual, the staffs were all smile and once she had her morning fuel in her hand, a nice strong Arabica dark roast she asked for a few weeks back, she proceeded toward her office. Once in, she opened her computer to check her emails. Since she didn’t have her job cell or her tablet, she needed to check them on the real thing. She already knew that she, leaving the press conference, was a very big deal that has been relayed, by every media, about two hundred times per media since yesterday… She still remembered the talk she got with Kim Franssen, the Managing Director, after the press conference. The PR girl also was convened. If the boss didn’t like the gesture, at least Penny got some kind of backing from PR when she said that it was a concentrated event of stupidity, voluntary stubbornness and/or lack of brains. When she presented the vid of the event, Kim had to finally accept that, yes, the media never even listened to any of the answers. It only was an exercise of having their own journalist asking the same question, over and over again… The final nail was put in the coffin of the meet when the PR girl said she wasn't surprised at all. This is when conveyed that the latest numbers showed close to one thousand hours of telly/video coverage in England alone, related to the coming match from last Monday to Thursday alone. Those numbers included TV shows, news outlets, vlogs and video channels plus the usual fans or football related sites. Twenty seven former Arsenal and Aston Villa players were interviewed just on that specific subject! The written coverage was about two million words in England while they got about one point five million words for the four main football countries in Europe. Even Kim was astounded by the numbers… Penny got off relatively easy; in her entire career, it was the very first time she ever left a media event like that. If she felt her boss understood, she was just happy the PR department have kept all that crap about numbers for themselves in the last week, by not sending her the daily review since the talk with Kim earlier this week. A knock on the door made her look away from the screen; it was Jon. «Hey Jon. - Hey Penny, slept well… or at least ok? - Like the last WC semi-final… crappy and too short» she sighed… - «Well, I can tell you, you are not alone, the wife even threw me out of the bed!» Penny laughed a little. - «Really? - Yep… Two hours of turning and turning without finding sleep was too much for her!» he said with a wide smile. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted April 30, 2019 Author Share Posted April 30, 2019 Bodymoor Heath, Saturday 27 November 2038, 07h00 Amanda was giving Cynthia a bear hug. The girl knew that today, she would go to London to see her mum be the boss in the big place and she was very, very happy about that. Brad had pressured Cynthia early in the season to make sure she would get tickets at the Emirates so all the family could come and see the event. When she asked who to talk to for getting the tickets, Cynthia was told that four tickets already were secured for her husband and the three children in the VIP box of the club; Aston Villa showed class even more. Train tickets, to travel with some of the club’s low executives, also were included so that all would be easier to coordinate. All Brad had to do was bring the children to the train station at ten o’clock. When Cynthia arrived in the kitchen, she saw that all were ready; all were wearing the Villans’ away kit. Brad smiled while coming to pick Amanda from his wife’s arms to put on her own official shirt. Her breakfast was already on the table; she only had a few minutes before leaving for Bodymoor Heath. The other children offered her smiles, hugs and kisses. The atmosphere was good and light at the kitchen table. Went she went to fetch her purse in the master bedroom, Brad put in place his little scheme. When she exited the room, she saw her husband, with the three kids, waiting for her at the door, all with candies for her bus ride in their hands. A huge shiver went down her spine… As she parked her car at the training grounds, it was fifteen past eight. She noticed that Villa TV already was doing a piece by the main door of the building. What was new for her was to go through a gauntlet of reporters with cameras at the entrance, just in front of the security gate. Nonethelss, when she passed by the club’s TV crew, she decided to say hello with a big smile. In the cafeteria, she saw that Rudy (Heylen) was already there with some of the coaches. She waved at them; he made a sign to come join them. «You ready for the big circus?» he asked when she arrived by the group. - «Could have hoped to sleep a little better but… yes, I am! - Trouble going to sleep? - Not really, it’s when I woke up, for the regular night trip to the bathroom, that proved difficult to go back to sleep…» All smiled at her. They all understood; almost all of them had trouble sleeping last night. When she entered her office, with Rudy in tow, she did as usual and looked at the mural. This time though, she stopped. She took a few seconds to look at Stiles, in her eternal winning pose… «I’m coming…» she said with a determined voice… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted May 1, 2019 Author Share Posted May 1, 2019 Emirates Stadium, Saturday 27 November 2038, 13H05 When the bus entered the underground parking lot at the Emirates, Penny was just happy to be inside her own territory. No one complained about leaving the training grounds fifteen minutes earlier than usual. Leon (Smith) and Diego (Pearce) even gathered the squad for a little stint. Both knew her well and thought that a good laugh would be beneficial so, they made every teammate wear studded slave collars with a leash. When she met the squad in the vestibule of the main building, she saw all of them there, standing at attention, while presenting their leash to her. She started to laugh… Leon came to her and said: «We’re all ready boss… Which one do you want today?» Cenyr and Dominguo (Luis) each presented a whip to her: one looking like Indiana Jones’ while the other was a genuine army martinet! Hilarity ensued! The ride toward the Emirates was calm; the players were slowly going into their zone; just like the staffs. Jon was sitting with Penny in front. «The boys are all good Penny». She looked at him. - «How was this morning’s warm-up? - All went well. I can tell you that even the fitness coaches were impressed. - Really?» He looked at her, debating for a few instants whether he should talk about it… - «Yes. All know the stakes of today’s game and also the pressure around the game itself. I can tell you that Cenyr and Reuben (Edge) made sure that all knew about it». Penny was surprised. - «You’re telling me that the captains made a squad meeting to talk about all of this? - Yep! One after the little meet earlier this week and one this morning at warm-up…» When she was getting out of the bus, she noticed the security guard waiting, apparently for her because as soon as she was out, he came to her: «Ma’am, since there already are a lot of camera crews in the corridor, I’ve been told to come offer you an alternate route to the dressing room. This should minimize the risk of bumping into them». She weighted the offer for half a second. - «Thanks, but I’ll take the usual path - Ok ma’am. You want me to escort you? - Nope. Thanks...» she said before taking her backpack from the bus crew that was getting all the bags from the storage space. As she entered the main corridor leading to the dressing room, she didn’t bat an eye to the cameras and reporters. There were some asking, screaming really, questions but she just continued to walk toward the dressing as if they weren’t there… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted May 2, 2019 Author Share Posted May 2, 2019 Emirates Stadium, Saturday 27 November 2038, 13H25 The bus left Bodymoor Heath at 11h15. All the players still were digesting their lunch. The mood was very positive. Sitting in front, Cynthia and Rudy (Heylen) were talking about the coming match. The trip was just about two hours long and she was slowly feeling the pressure starting to slowly, but surely, strangle her... She decided to get her phone out and text Brad, to say hello, asking how the was the train trip and trying to get some needed distraction. After a few seconds, she got a video call with all the children making faces and joking while talking. They also were waving Villa flags. «Where did you get those?» she asked. It was Désiré that answered. - «The people from the club said that they were mandatory!» All laughed! When she hung up, she saw Rudy smiling. «They’re cute at that age… Mine are way old now… Just not enough to have kids yet!» He smiled while she laughed; it was what she needed. The bus was now pulling into the underground parking at the Emirates Stadium. It was another football grounds where she was setting foot for the first time. Cynthia, as a matter of habit, took a picture just as she was getting out the bus. Since she arrived with Leeds, she was documenting every single stadium she was managing a match by taking a picture while exiting the bus; it was her personal diary, in some sort of way. Brad made jokes about the fact that all the pictures were mainly showing underground parking zones but, for her, it was a way of saying: «This is where I entered the place!». Someone from security came to her: «Hello ma’am. I’ve been instructed to offer you to go at the dressing room via an indirect route that would keep you from meeting the media». She was surprized by the offer. - «What? You mean that they already are there, in the corridors? - Not all but a lot, including your team’s camera crew. A lot of them are making live comments before the match itself». She turned toward Rudy. - «You think she would have taken the offer?» The assistant manager didn’t hesitate. - «I’m sure she’d say no. Despite how tempting the offer is… My guess is if she smiled to them, it was a way to give them the finger. If she was her usual marble face, she probably was just telling them they weren't worht the effort of smiling...» Cynthia turned toward the security guard before speaking. - «Thanks, but no thanks…» The man smiled. - «Ok ma’am. Just be advised that there are a lot of peoples in there…» Rudy smiled behind Cynthia. - «Come on “shorty!”» She laughed at the quip! Rudy took his bag, shouldered Cynthia’s, and led the way toward the Visitor’s dressing room; he knew the way… Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rien102 Posted May 2, 2019 Author Share Posted May 2, 2019 Emirates Stadium dressing rooms’ corridor, Saturday 27 November 2038, 13H58 Just before the players’ warm-up, there was the meeting with the referees to attend to. When Penny emerged from the Gunners dressing room, she saw Cynthia exiting the Visitors'. A multitude of cameras started capturing the moment. Eleven news and telly crews were there plus Arsenal TV and Villa’s. About fifty photographers, from all over Europe, began their own waltz; flashes everywhere and hundreds of clicks in just a few seconds. Cenyr and Reuben (Edge), the Gunners captains arrived in the back of Penny and stayed there. She stayed immobile, looking at Cynthia at the other end of the corridor. The referees’ chambers were right in front of the Gunners dressing room; she wasn’t the one who needed to walk the most. Cynthia’s team captains, Joel Okafor and Mark Bradley, arrived behind her as well. The three Villans were smiling. The manager told her men: «Let’s go meet them…» The small group started to walk toward Stiles and her captains. The photographers and camera crews were following them, filming and clicking away, while some reporters were shouting questions that nobody was answering. Cenyr, the Arsenal captain murmured to Penny: «Do we go meet them boss? - «No, they can walk. The Emirates?…» Penny paused for a second before continuing. «…this is my place…» The End Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark wilson27 Posted May 3, 2019 Share Posted May 3, 2019 I've said it before Rien, an excellent piece of work. Hopefully we'll see another story coming soon Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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