sherm Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 The Dundee Herald Seven Days of Misery... That is the only way to describe the last week of George 'Jocky' Scott's management career. The man who took Dundee United from relegation candidates to perennial title contenders in the space of four years, and the man who has been heralded as a legend in these parts, is now being called a buffoon, an imbecile, and tactically inept Why? That could be the question, and the reason why is simple. In the last seven days, Scott has seen three trophies ripped cruelly from his grasp. The first was the League Title. Having done the hard work, beaten both Rangers and Celtic twice, all his side had to do was to go to relegated St. Johnstone and avoid defeat. Going 1-0 up, everything looked rosy, but two late goals from the home side in the final 5 minutes sent shockwaves through the town, Celtic snatching the title by a single point. Then, it was followed up by the UEFA Cup Final. On the way to the final they had defeated Juventus, Porto, Standard Liege and Real Madrid, but they were taught a lesson in the final by a stunning performance from Bayern Munich, going for their own treble, and Scott watched his weary troops suffer a heavy 4-1 loss The strain was beginning to tell, and just three days after the UEFA Cup heartbreak, they faced Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final. It was trophy that they had to win, for their own sanity aswell as their manager. A comfortable first 75 minutes, and a 1-0 lead was in tact, and they looked safe. However, the curse seemed to strike again, a harmless shot hitting a Dundee United defender, sending the game into extra time. Chances came and went, Aberdeen motivated by that stroke of luck, but neither side could manage it - so it came down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Both sides scored their first four, before the inevitable happened. A Dundee United miss. Aberdeen took advantage, won the game - and Jocky Scott had gone from delight to despair. That day, he announced his decision to resign from the club, a decision that was of no surprise to anybody, and it remains to be seen what will happen to the former Tannadice hero... -- That was four years ago, and it still haunted Jocky Scott to this day. He had the newspaper article, as a reminder of what he lost. He was on the verge of a glorious and thrilling treble, before suffering a fate no manager had before. He saw all three trophies ripped from his grasp, he resigned from his job - and he hasn't worked since. Applications, even to Second Division clubs, but nothing. Dedicated to his job, he had never married, and now here he was, a 39 year old dependant on drink and trips to his local pub. It was in there, his favourite Frog and Parrot, that he nursed a whisky, turning the article over and over in his hand. He hadn't deserved to have that happen to him, but the cruel hand of fate had dealt it to him. Now he was used to sitting alone, propping up the bar top, so he was surprised when a young looking gentleman came and sat next to him. He chose to ignore it, so was even more surprised when the younger chap spoke to him "Mind if I sit here?" Jocky nonchanantly waved the man down, but carried on reading the article none the less "Andrew Holt" Jocky took the mans hand, somewhat reluctantly, before grunting his name back to him "Jocky Scott" "Nice to meet you Jocky. Have you lived here long?" "Aye, too bloody long lad" "I see. Well I'm here on business till the morning" "Oh aye? What's that then?" "I was hoping to hire a manager for my football team, but the gentleman I arranged to meet never showed" Here was a bit of luck - Jocky couldn't help but smile at the man next to him "Must be your lucky day laddie. Just so happens I'm a football manager" "Really? Who do you work for?" "Well I'm currently between clubs at the minute, but I'm more than capable - you might remember me..." And he handed the article to the man "...I used to be quite good once" And that was how Jocky Scott found himself on the way to England in June 2001 -- Authors Note ; Game played on CM01/02, English and Scottish Leagues loaded. Version is 3.9.68, which is, I believe, updated twice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 It didn't take Jocky long to find out that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Having scoured a few A-Z's and finally found where Northwich was, and discovered on the internet that the Northwich Victoria team were, to be polite, not that good, he was then told that he had no money to work with, and was likely not to get all that much in the near future. The club was over £700,000 in the red, and attracting players would be bloody difficult. No wonder the other fellow hadn't turned up... He also didn't have an assistant manager, and after interviewing several candidates, still was none the wiser. The people he interviewed just weren't up to it, but it was when he signed French born defender Jean-Marc Adjovi-Boco that he was informed the big man was also a fully qualified coach - so with desperation setting in, he offered a two year deal as player/assistant manager. Fortunately for Jocky, he took it, and one gap was filled in. Boco was pretty quiet, well-spoken and spoke pretty good English when he did, but many of his comments were well thought out and his input was exactly what a manager needed from his right hand man Another disturbing piece of news was that no pre-season games had been arranged. Apparently nobody wants to take their team to a Conference side for the summer, so the players fitness was going to have to be resolved in 11-a-side games against the youth an reserve sides. Following the arrival of Boco, three more players came into the setup. Most notable was promising young Portuguese striker Joao Paiva, who looked more than capable of scoring goals at this level. 19 year old full back Marek Szmid also joined the fray, and though he wasn't the greatest player in the world, he was certainly more than adequate for the level Jocky was managing. There was also additional cover added into the midfield, as former Burnley trainee Tony Bowden signed a three year deal. He favoured central midfield but could slot in behind the lone striker if needed to With an assistant in place, there was room for two more coaches, Englishmen Peter Butler and Julian Darby. Butler was also given a player role too, as midfield cover was a little light, but his main capacity was as a first team coach. Another striker joined the club too, as Spaniard Adolfo penned a two year deal. He had pace, and could pick a pass out well, but a goalscoring record of 7 goals in 43 games didn't bode well for a prolific season - although he was playing at a worse level now. Danish defender Bjarne Pilmark also signed a deal, the 28 year old bringing with him a wealth of experience. The Dane was strong and quick, and it would take a good winger to get past him on the left hand side. The final two players to join Jocky at The Drill Field were 16 year old Nigerian (although he had an Italian passport) Martins, who was a good prospect for the future, and goalkeeper Damian Williamson, who would provide a decent back-up to Paul Gibson between the sticks. The squad had some depth to it at least, although whether they would perform well enough to reach the board's expectations of a 'decent mid-table finish' remained to be seen -- "Right then lads. It's not long till the start of the season, just wanted to gather your thoughts on the rest of the Division, the players and our chances this year. Who wants to go first?" Peter Butler raised his hand tentatively "Well I think we can finish in the top half. I don't see us challenging though, and with just one promotion place, Fulwood have to be the favourites" "I agree. They've spent nearly £9 million, which is an obscene amount for a Conference side. I think we are a tad short at the back though, we need one more centre back at least, which I'm still working on. Jean, any thoughts?" Jocky had looked to his assistant, who sat with his hands folded, looking serious "I think we should go one upfront, and drop one of the strikers into the hole. I think the likes of Blundell and Joao Paive play better up there alone, and Adolfo can fit in behind them" For three hours, the five men sat and talked, before finally departing at almost ten o'clock. They had agreed to a rest day the next day, before their Conference campaign opened on the Saturday - that would be the big test for the team, and for Jocky Scott. He hadn't sat in a dugout for four years, and it was an occasion he was looking too - although he did have butterflies the size of eagles in his stomach... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 14, 2009 Author Share Posted November 14, 2009 Conference Game #1 Northwich Victoria vs Southport Robson © ; Szmid, Pilmark, Jones, Adjovi-Boco ; Meaker, Garvey, Bowden, Brownrigg, Landers ; Joao Paiva It was important for Jocky to get off to a good start, and he had drummed that into his side on the dressing room. They obviously got the message, as they went ahead after just four minutes, Andrew Brownrigg combining with Marek Szmid, who hit a low cross that found it's way to John Meaker, who fired hard and low into the bottom corner. The home side dominated the game, testing the Southport 'keeper on several occasions, including from the head of Joao Paiva and the left foot of Steve Garvey, but it wasn't until just before the half hour mark that it looked more assured. Tony Bowden won a free-kick on the edge of the 'D', and up stepped Marek Szmid, who curled it home into the top corner with aplomb. The youngster had been terrific through the game, and deserved his goal, but it was Marcus Jones who was facing a roasting at half time, his pass falling short and allowing Neil Grayston in to slide into the goal and give his side a hope before half time The visitors were buoyed by that goal, and Paul Gibson was called upon several times to make saves, including one unbelievable stop from point blank range, but it was two substitutes who made an impact. Adolfo and Mark Devlin had been brought on for Joao Paiva and Tony Bowden, and they combined well to slot the ball into the path of the marauding Andy Brownrigg, who rounded the 'keeper and slotted into the empty net. As it happened, that goal was just enough to secure the points, but Gibson had to be called into action again before the end, saving a header with his legs before it was cleared by Bjarne Pilmark, but a 3-1 win was an ideal start Northwich Vics 3-1 Southport (Meaker 4 ; Szmid 28 ; Grayston 42 ; Brownrigg 57) There was little time for restbite before the next game, as they came thick and fast at this level, but training injuries to Andrew Brownrigg and Bjarne Pilmark meant that Mark Devlin and Mark Barnard came into the team for the next game, and Adolfo started in place of Michael Landers behind Joao Paiva -- Conference Game #2 Northwich Victoria vs Yeovil Robson © ; Szmid, Barnard, Jones, Adjovi-Boco ; Meaker, Garvey, Bowden, Devlin, Adolfo ; Joao Paiva Yeovil, despite not being a well renowned team, were one of the favourites for the promotion fight, with some skilful players and experience and youth blended in together, but it certainly worked for them, and they showed Jocky and his side just what to expect, dominating the first ten minutes, and taking the lead through an Ian Alford header, which left Paul Gibson no chance. The first half was of a similar nature, Gibson making three saves, and keeping his side in the game, which, as it turned out, was a blessing, as five minutes before half time, the game's perspective changed. A long ball from Steve Garvey fell to the feet of Adolfo, who skipped in between his men before being brought down by Jon Sheffield. It was a clear goalscoring opportunity, a red card and a penalty, which was duly converted by Marek Szmid, and it sent Jocky's side in to the break full of confidence This was a confidence that oozed out of the team in the second period, and Yeovil just couldn't get into the game. However, they were still level after an hour, thanks mainly to their heroic defending and some shocking finishing. That all changed on 65 minutes though, as Mark Devlin found himself free 8 yards out, and fired home on the half volley to put his side in front. It should have been 3-1 right at the end, Adolfo missing a shocker of a chance, but three more points came via the 2-1 win, and Jocky continued his perfect start Northwich Vics 2-1 Yeovil (Alford 9 ; Sheffield s/o 40 ; Szmid pen 41 ; Devlin 65) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 Conference Game #3 Hayes vs Northwich Victoria Gibson © ; Szmid, Barnard, Jones, Adjovi-Boco ; Meaker, Garvey, Bowden, Brownrigg, Landers ; Joao Paiva The home side came for a point in this game, that was obvious from the start, as they crowded out the Northwich attackers, with Joao Paiva and Michael Landers unable to get any sort of move going. It was Andy Brownrigg who dominated the half, as he cut out everything Hayes tried on the counter, dropping back into almost a third central defender role, but it was necessary for the players to avoid conceding a silly goal. Jocky knew that his goalkeeper was a reliable source, but it didn't look as if he was going to be called into much action. The main action in the half saw the only goal come two minutes from half time, and what a goal it turned out to be. Marek Szmid combining well with Meaker, overlapping his winger, befoe whipping a cross into the box. It was cleared with a header, but only to Joao Paiva on the edge of the box, who struck a sweet volley into the top corner which left the 'keeper with no chance The second half was dominated by Jocky's side, and they should, and probably could have scored more goals. Substitute Gregg Blundell missed two clear cut chances, both times dragging his shot wide, before Tony Bowden forced a top notch save from the Hayes 'keeper. Jean Adjovi-Boco had a header cleared off the line, and Michael Landers could have scored, but referee Stephen Jones blew the whistle to signal a 1-0 victory and a third win on the bounce Hayes 0-1 Northwich Vics (Joao Paiva 43) -- It had been a perfect start to Jocky's managerial return, but he had a few problems to contend with, meaning it wasn't all plain sailing. He still felt he was a centre back short, with just three options, and his worst fears were confirmed when Marcus Jones picked up a niggle, meaning Steve Walsh took his place in the side. Andy Brownrigg's stop start season continued as he was replaced by Wayne Linnett, who became the youngest player to pull on a Northwich shirt. A late niggle for Joao Paiva saw Adolfo make his first start for the club too Conference Game #4 Forest Green vs Northwich Victoria Gibson © ; Szmid, Pilmark, Walsh, Adjovi-Boco ; Meaker, Garvey, Linnett, Bowden, Landers ; Adolfo This was the best performance of the season so far, as Jocky watched his side take the home team apart in the first 45 minutes, although how they were only 2-0 ahead was a mystery, it could quite conceivably have been 5 or 6. Adolfo showed his quick feet off to the defenders, twice testing the 'keeper in the opening ten minutes, and it was the Spaniard who had the final say in the goal, a gorgeous through ball for the advancing Tony Bowden, who deftly dinked the ball over the 'keeper and sent his side in front. Bowden was thoroughly enjoying his role in Jocky's side, and the youngster had a hand in the second goal, as he combined well with Bjarne Pilmark, who crossed it for Adolfo, who used his strength to hold off his man, flick it into Michael Landers' path, and the midfielder slammed home the ball The second half was much the same story, the midfield and forward line of Northwich just swarming all over the home side, but amazingly, it became 2-1 rather than anything else. Steve Walsh showed his lack of match practice, a mis-communication between himself and Pilmark allowing Keith Turley to nick the ball away from him and slip the ball home. Other than that though, there was nothing doing, and the rest of the chances came from Northwich players, including Meaker, Adolfo and a header from Steve Walsh, but the third goal came in the second minute of injury time, a long ball finding Meaker, who slipped the ball to Tony Bowden, and the midfielder curled the ball home to seal the points and keep up his side's 100% record Forest Green 1-3 Northwich Vics (Bowden 17,90+2 ; Landers 32 ; Turley 56) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 Andrew Holt had been missing for a few days, Jocky having not seen his chairman around the club, but that must be something everybody else was used to, as nobody batted an eyelid. He had however, found a few disturbing facts out about Holt and his consortium, facts which worried him slightly. The last football club they had been in charge of was also a Conference club, and it was Ellesmere Port outfit Vauxhall Motors. However, in the space of two years, they had sold all their best players, used that money for personal gain, and left the club almost £3 million in the red. Now they were feeling the effects of that - Jocky was in desperate need of the job he was in at the moment, and couldn't afford that to happen at Drill Field. He set out with a series of tests in mind for the new chairman Conference Game #5 Northwich Victoria vs Doncaster Gibson © ; Szmid, Barnard, Adjovi-Boco, Jones ; Linnett, Garvey, Bowden, Landers, Blundell ; Joao Paiva Gregg Blundell came in for his first start of the season, as he slotted in behind Joao Paiva, and the Portuguese striker had looked more prolific with each passing weel, scoring goals for fun in training. Jocky had noticed this, but he also knew that a tough test awaited them, as expected challengers Doncaster lay in wait. It was a tight first half, with both goalkeepers called into action, but Paul Gibson was the busier, having to make some good saves, and one in particular from Justin Jackson, denying the League's top marksman from close range. Northwich's best chance fell to Blundell, a header that rattled the crossbar, but 0-0 was a fair enough score at the interval Changes were required, and a surprising one came, as Marek Szmid moved to the right wing, with Wayne Linnett replaced by Bjarne Pilmark. It was amazing how much of a difference the big Dane made, cutting out several moves down the left, and it was his pass that started the counter attack for the goal. He laid off Szmid, who ran at his man, befor a lovely one two with Bowden, a low cross from the young Englishman found Joao Paiva, who finished neatly from six yards out. Still both sides attacked, Szmid himself having a chance, before having to defend up the other end, but the pressing from Doncaster made no difference and Jocky saw his side claim their 15th of a possible 15 points Northwich Vics 1-0 Doncaster (Joao Paiva 63) -- On the evening before the Stalybridge trip, Jocky was finishing up his notes when he heard a commotion out in the corridor. He stayed in his office, but edged closer to the door to make out what was being said "I thought you said the team weren't going to do well? How can we get them to fold if you don't get them relegated?" It was then that the voice of Andrew Holt came funnelling through to Jocky "I thought Scott would send them under. He did it in Scotland" "Well we need the area of the ground for more flats and a casino - the sooner you have more, shall we say, 'financial trouble', the quicker you can fold" Jocky was shocked. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. The chairman and whoever he was working with, were trying to send the club under. That night, he just couldn't comprehend why Conference Game #6 Stalybridge Celtic vs Northwich Victoria Gibson © ; Pilmark, Barnard, Jones, Walsh ; Szmid, Linnett, Bowden, Brownrigg, Landers ; Blundell Jocky had pushed what he knew to the back of his mind so as to focus all his attention on the team's trip to Manchester. Joao Paiva had provided an injury concern, but with the size of the Stalybridge defence, it seemed a better option to go for Gregg Blundell upfront due to his better aerial prowess and his sheer size. It proved to be the right option, as he caused all sorts of problems for the defenders, setting up several chances for Michael Landers, among others, but the 'keeper was rarely tested. That was, up until the 35th minute, when Landers found himself brought down inside the area, and Marek Szmid coolly slotted home the penalty. The goal was enough to keep the team's heads up, but in the second half, it was a dominant enough performance, there just weren't enough chances created. Blundell used all his power and strength to hold the ball up, and his excellent display was rewarded just before the hour mark, Wayne Linnett curling a free-kick into the box onto Blundell's head, and his perfectly directed header sealing the points for his side with a comfortable win, and a game in which they were rarely troubled Stalybridge 0-2 Northwich Vics (Szmid pen 35 ; Blundell 58) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 16, 2009 Author Share Posted November 16, 2009 Jocky was delighted with his side's start to the season, and he couldn't have dreamed of a start to the season like they'd had. Three clean sheets, twelve goals, and eighteen points. However, he was unsure as to whether the challenge would be sustained. His squad wasn't exactly the biggest in the division, and with just one promotion place, it looked like Fulwood or Doncaster (even though his side had beaten them) were the favourites Conference Game #7 Northwich Victoria vs Morecambe Gibson © ; Szmid, Barnard, Adjovi-Boco, Jones ; Pilmark, Garvey, Bowden, Brownrigg, Landers ; Joao Paiva This was, over the 90 minutes, a poor game, and the worst performance Jocky saw his side give. In front of the less than half full Drill Field, with 1,100 people turning up to watch, Paul Gibson was called into action three times early on, twice saving from point blank range, and once from a long range effort, and despite the away side's domination, it was, unbelievably, the Vics that took the lead. Pilmark carried it down the right hand side, before cutting inside and playing a lovely ball for Joao Paiva. The Portuguese striker nipped into the box and was brought down by a mis-timed challenge, and the penalty, for the second game in a row, was slotted in by Marek Szmid. The first half had seen seven chances, five of them to the visitors, and to try and stop the rot, Jocky replaced Michael Landers with Mark Devlin, dropping Brownrigg into the holding role. Gregg Blundell came on to provide the long ball option, and this tactical change worked well, as Morecambe struggled to cope. Brownrigg was excellent, cutting out pass after pass, but Blundell worked hard up top. He should have scored too, a deft chip from twenty yards beating the 'keeper but coming back off the bar, and a disallowed goal, apparently for a push, although it seemed a little harsh, but it didn't matter, and Jocky watched his side hold out to claim maximum points Northwich Vics 1-0 Morecambe (Szmid pen 10) -- "Hello Andrew. I was just wondering if you could release a few more funds for a wage increase?" "..." "Oh. That's a body blow. I'll have to change my targets then" "..." "No no, nothing like that. I just need a little cover that's all" "..." The phone was slammed down, rage forming in Jocky's face. He had not needed funds going into the club, but he wanted to test the chairman's water, see if he was willing to back him. Apparently, some problem with the investors, and he was unable to release anything until the end of the season. It appeared that what he had overheard seemed more and more likely. That said, he made a phonecall to an old friend... There was a new addition to the coaching staff for the trip to the seaside, as Jim Bentley joined Jocky and the team. He was a coach, but due to John Adjovi-Boco's playing commitments, he would take up a tempoarary advisory role as Jocky's assistant, and would sit next to his boss in the dugout for the next game. Brownrigg suffered yet another knock, meaning Devlin came into the side, and Meaker was back in for Pilmark, but otherwise, the team that beat Morecambe was unchanged Conference Game #8 Scarborough vs Northwich Victoria Gibson © ; Szmid, Barnard, Adjovi-Boco, Jones ; Meaker, Garvey, Devlin, Bowden, Landers ; Joao Paiva It was a flying start to the game from Northwich, Joao Paiva running at Chris Burt twice in the opening minute, and the centre back was all over the show. It tool just 201 seconds to open the scoring, a mis-guided pass in midfield finding Devlin, who took it himself, beat three men and guided the ball through the goalkeepers legs for a 1-0 lead. They pushed and pushed, testing debutant 'keeper Henry Trigg several times, but all credit to the youngster, he kept them at bay. Joao Paiva should have had at least two, missing from six yards, then from even closer, but the most glaring miss was Michael Landers', when all he had to do was guide it home, he put the ball over the crossbar. He was able to smile about it, but had his side not won the game, he certainly wouldn't have been It had been an early goal in the first half that set the tone, and a goal within four minutes of the second half sealed the game for Jocky's side, this time Devlin turning provider, combining well with half time substitute Adolfo to slide in Bowden for his third goal of the season. He was really enjoying his marauding role from midfield, and he could have had another, except for an exceptional block by the defender, but none-the-less, a 2-0 win made it 24 points out of 24 and kept them top of the table Scarborough 0-2 Northwich Vics (Devlin 3 ; Bowden 49) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 16, 2009 Author Share Posted November 16, 2009 "Jim, you're a bit of a computer whizz right?" "You don't even need to ask me that do you?" "I know...anyway, I need you to do me a huge favour, one that could test our friendship" "Go on..." "Being on the coaching staff is a cover up, you know that. I need you to keep a detailed log on the chairman for me. That means following him" "Right. Why?" "I really can't tell you that right now, but I will..." Jim Bentley pondered for a moment, before a grin curled over his lips "Have I ever let you down..." ... Conference Game #9 Northwich Victoria vs Chester Gibson © ; Pilmark, Barnard, Jones, Walsh ; Meaker, Linnett, Bowden, Devlin, Landers ; Blundell Changes were made for the visit of Chester, with Szmid, Adjovi-Boco, Garvey and Joao Paiva all unfit enough to take there place on the field. Gregg Blundell started upfront, while Wayne Linnett took over Steve Garvey on the left hand side. As it was, it was Linnett who stole the show, the youngster putting in a magnificent man of the match performance which defied his 16 years. He ran the poor Chester full back ragged, and it was his pass that led to the first goal, as Mark Barnard overlapped, pulled the ball back and allowed the on-form Tony Bowden to slot the ball home. Bowden was combining well with Linnett, and it was those two again that allowed Jocky's side a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break, Linnett playing a lovely one two with Bowden, sliding in Mike Landers, and the 17 year old firing hard and low into the corner The half time team talk had been 'more of the same', and the team gave that, as they dominated the half, just as they did in the opening 45 minutes. Gregg Blundell saw a couple of his efforts saved, while Bowden and Landers could both have added to their tallies. However, it wasn't until the fifth minute of stoppage time that a third was added, substitute Adolfo seeing his shot parried, into the path of Landers who grabbed his second of the game and sealed an emphatic win Northwich Vics 3-0 Chester (Bowden 26 ; Landers 41,90+5) -- The Non-League Paper Jocky-ing to The Top... If, three weeks ago, we would have dreamed of writing this article and talking about a team with a 100% record in the Conference, I bet less than ten of 100 people would have picked Northwich Victoria. In fact, I bet even the most die-hard Northwich fan would have laughed... The fact is, that is how we stand. Nine games into the season, and the Vics have a 4 point lead over second place Fulwood, and have won all nine of their League games this season. Even more remarkable, for a side who shipped over 50 goals last season, they've kept clean sheets in six of those games, conceding just three goals. It has been an unbelievable start, one which new manager Jocky Scott couldn't have ever, in his wildest dreams, imagined. However, despite their great form on the pitch, there are several other worries off the pitch to contend with Club chairman Andrew Holt is quoted as saying the club 'has less than 12 months..." and that even if promotion is achieved, they won't be able to fulfil their dream. This is a situation that is very worrying to the fans, and unless a consortium of some sort helps the Drill Field outfit out, we could be looking at next years Conference without the charismatic Scotsman and his side... Jocky Scott was furious. He stormed into his chairman's office with the article in his hand, and was greeted by the sight of his chairman in deep discussions with another man. That didn't deter him though "Andrew, what the **** is this?" He slammed the article down on the desk, but his chairman seemed lost for words "Jocky, erm...well, I..." "Andrew, this is ********. Why aren't you doing your best to help the club instead of admitting defeat?" "It's not like that..." "You know what, you're a gutless, cowardly..." Before he could finish the sentence, a big hand swiped across his face, knocking Jocky into a chair "Silence. This is enough" The man had a twang of an Eastern European accent, and Jocky recognised it instantly "Would somebody kindly explain what the **** is going on?" With that, both men left, leaving Jocky in the office alone and frustrated Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 Over the next two days, Jocky had tried constantly to get into his chairman's office, but for whatever reason, he was always busy, or occupied. This got up Jocky's nose, and in the end, he took matters into his own hands He burst in through the chairman's door, anger rising up in his face "Andrew, I need a word!" "Not right now Jocky..." "Bollocks. Sit down" There was some hesitation, but that soon subsided when Jocky bellowed in his direction "NOW!!" Andrew Holt sat opposite his manager, almost scared to death "Now, what's going on with you and that other guy?" "What other...?" "Don't ******** me. Man to man, I want to know. Who is he?" "OK, fine. I'll explain everything. You won't like it though" "Funnily enough I guessed that" The chairman dug a contract out of his desk drawer, handing it to Jocky before beginning his explanation "His name's Oleg Kalinsky. He's an Uzbekistanian, vicious bastard too when he wants to be" "In what way?" "He's wanted in Eastern Europe for 9 counts of murder, aswell as extortion and robbery. They can't touch him when he's over here" "OK - so what do you have to do with all this?" "Well I borrowed some money, to keep my business afloat, but he screwed me over, bought me out, and threatened to kill me, my wife and my son unless I worked for him" "I see. What's his interest in Northwich? And why hire me?" At last, a smile creeped over his chairman's face "You really don't remember do you?" A bemused look had come across Jocky's tough face "Remember what?" "About seven years ago, you began a relationship with a lady called, I think, Diana?" "Wha...How the hell do you know that?" "Oh come on...it was Oleg's ex wife" "****! So he want's to ruin me, and Northwich is just a part of the plan?" "Very good Jocky, you catch on quick" "Don't get sarcastic. I think you're going to help me Andrew. No isn't an option, you WILL help me" -- Conference Game #10 Leigh RMI vs Northwich Victoria Gibson © ; Szmid, Barnard, Walsh, Jones ; Meaker, Garvey, Bowden, Butler, Landers ; Joao Paiva Having discovered the true extent of the problem, and convinced the chairman to play a double bluff, joining him in his plan, Jocky had decided to get his head down and concentrate on the footballing side of things. Oleg Kalinsky could wait. The trip to Leigh RMI would prove to be a simple matter, at least after the first 15 minutes. Paul Gibson was forced to make a couple of saves, but Northwich were struggling to get themselves into the home side's half. However, one mistake from a midfielder allowed Michael Landers in, and he slotted the ball for Portuguese striker Joao Paiva, who rounded the 'keeper and slotted into the empty net. That was the signal for the the away side to dominate, and just a little over ten minutes later, it was two, Tony Bowden continuing his improving form and firing home low and hard from the edge of the box The second half was a little more easier, with Leigh trying to get into the game, but Northwich were comfortable, and they probably should have had more than the two they did. Chances came and went to Paiva, Bowden and Blundell, but it wasn't to be and Jocky had to settle for his side sealing a 2-0 win Leigh RMI 0-2 Northwich Vics (Joao Paiva 18 ; Bowden 29) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherm Posted November 24, 2009 Author Share Posted November 24, 2009 The centre back problem that had affected the side for ten games looked like it was about to be solved, as Torquay defender Steve Woods agreed a loan move until the end of the season. He was a big strong lad, and Jocky knew that he would be a crucial addition to the squad. However, his registration didn't come through in time, and he had to sit in the stands for his new side's next game Conference Game #11 Northwich Victoria vs Barnet Gibson © ; Szmid, Barnard, Adjovi-Boco, Jones ; Meaker, Garvey, Linnett, Bowden, Adolfo ; Joao Paiva Barnet had started the season well, just not as well as Jocky's Northwich side. However, they couldn't ever have imagined how the home side started the game. Young Portuguese striker Joao Paiva was like a house on fire, and within the opening 11 minutes, he had grabbed his 4th and 5th goals of the season, and given his side a 2-0 lead. The first came after just 76 seconds, a lovely ball from Steve Garvey finding the striker, who took it down on his chest and fired a left foot shot into the roof of the net. The second was a little more classy, as Adolfo combined with Marcus Jones, before the Spaniard slipped through the ball for Paiva, who rounded the Barnet 'keeper Lee Harrison, and slid the ball into the unguarded goal. It was a dominant first half performance, but to only be 2-0 up at half time was not good, as they could have had three or four more This indecision was paid for just seven minutes into the second half, a long clearance from Mark Arber finding Mark Gower, who rammed home past Paul Gibson, the first goal the goalkeeper had conceded in over 800 minutes of football. However, it made very little difference, because after that, Jocky saw his side control the flow of the game. Chances came and went, Adolfo and Blundell (on for Joao Paiva) missing sitters, and Gibson having to keep his side's 100% record with a late save from a Mark Arber header, but they held on for an 11th successive win, a Northwich club record that could take some beating Northwich Vics 2-1 Barnet (Joao Paiva 2,11 ; Gower 52) --- Oleg Kalinsky paced up and down, getting more agitated by the minute. He had a plan, and had been sure it would work, but the fact that it was starting to fall apart at the seams had really got to him. He wasn't used to failure, and especially when it came to people like Jocky Scott, people who he despised. He picked up the phone and dialled a number he knew would be the one to get rid of his problem "Yannick? It's Oleg" "..." "Very well thankyou, yourself?" "..." "Good. Listen, I need a favour..." "..." "Not quite. I have a problem, and I need him warned" "..." "No, don't kill him. Just use your, shall we say, special techniques, to show him I mean business" "..." "I'll fax you all the information, and you can take it from there" "..." "Yannick, you are a saint. Let me know how it goes" --- Steve Woods, having watched his new side net an 11th successive win, was keen to get into action, and it also allowed Jean-Marc Adjovi-Boco to sit alongside Jocky on the bench and fulfill his management duties, something he hadn't yet managed to do this season, while a couple of late injuries to strikers saw young Martins come into the squad, while Michael Landers made a return, and Bjarne Pilmark made a first start for four games Conference Game #12 Canvey Island vs Northwich Victoria Gibson © ; Szmid, Pilmark, Woods, Jones ; Meaker, Garvey, Bowden, Brownrigg, Landers ; Joao Paiva The home side had, for whatever reason, decided that they weren't going to win the game, and set up in a deep lying 4-5-1 and played for the draw. This meant that the likes of Tony Bowden, Joao Paiva and Michael Landers were unable to get into the match. The best chance fell to Tony Bowden, but it was in the 44th minute, as Landers fed the ball through and Bowden marauded, but the Canvey 'keeper smothered him away well The second half was a different story, with Jocky's side dominating, and they had to wait until an hour into the game to score the opener, and it was substitute Adjovi-Boco, who replaced Marcus Jones, who rose highest to head home Steve Garvey's cross. This led to the Canvey players dropping their heads, and within 5 minutes they were 2-0 behind, Bowden and Joao Paiva combining well to allow the midfielder to slide the ball into the far corner. Paiva came off after 75 minutes when fatigue set in, but his replacement, Martins, still caused problems, and seven minutes from time, he finished it off, using his pace to beat his defender before a delicate chip over the 'keeper to secure a 3-0 win Canvey Island 0-3 Northwich Vics (Adjovi-Boco 60 ; Bowden 64 ; Martins 83) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
The RingMaster Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 I remeber Boco when he played up here with Hibs. Dead ringer for Ruud Gullit (....in hairstyle only...) I must confess to a little confusion due to the fact your protagonist shares a name with another Dundonian football manager legend. Now that i'm over that i'm enjoying this - i'll be reading along Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted November 25, 2009 Share Posted November 25, 2009 Jimmy Boco's a legend. Played for Hibs in the season they got relegated Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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