Godfather Of Champions

Chapter 443: Go Watch the Game Live

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

For Nottingham Forest’s final two rounds of the league tournament, Twain used an approach of making the lineup an equal mix of the main force and substitutes to cope. On the one hand, that could keep the players’ conditions in a competitive state; on the other hand, they needed to be careful not to have any injuries. Meanwhile, they also must win the games.

In the game against Middlesbrough, Twain switched to Sun Jihai, Lennon, Commons, and the others for the rotation. George Wood did not have to play in the Champions League final, so he did not need a break. At the same time, due to the Champions League final, Twain let Albertini make an appearance in the final minutes of the game so that he could familiarize himself with the pace of the game and get back the feel of his body.

Twain was very satisfied with the score. The team won 2:1 against Middlesbrough.

Even though Manchester United had also won their game, the two teams were still one point apart. This one point seemed as impenetrable as a moat.

Next, in the final round of the league tournament, Nottingham Forest went north to challenge Sunderland.

Everything went as Twain had anticipated. Sunderland did not pose a threat to the high-spirited Forest team. They were taken down by 0:3.

Twain treated the game as a warm-up for the Champions League final to assess the players’ conditions and try out a new lineup. George Wood was not in the starting lineup. Twain sent out the combination of Albertini and Arteta in the midfield. Albertini leaned slightly towards defense and was often positioned in the backfield. He relied only on his long passes and diverting the balls to participate in offense. Arteta, on the other hand, was responsible for the specific organization of offense.

Twain wanted to see the effect of that midfield pairing.

As Sunderland was too weak, they were unable to put any pressure on those two men at all. Led by the two midfielders, the Forest team’s offensive rushed forward, ending Sunderland’s embarrassing Premier League journey with three goals.

In the last fifteen minutes of the game, Twain brought on George Wood to replace Albertini. He also replaced Chimbonda with Sun Jihai and Anelka with Eastwood. That was not a tactical adjustment. It was just another way to keep more players in shape.

At the end of the game, the 05-06 season’s English Premier League also came to an end.

And all the dust settled.

Chelsea defended their league title with their absolute advantage. Mourinho’s team was almost invincible this season. Their condition was excellent in every way, with the exception of one regret from the UEFA Champions League.

Nottingham Forest continued its excellent play from last season and took it to the next level to win second place in the league. After the end of the season, when the various experts reviewed the season, they had to mention them. Even when they recalled this season a few years later, no one could ignore the presence of Nottingham Forest. The re-emergence of the team had broken the inherent structure of the Premier League, with the traditionally top four teams turning into the top five. The topic that people were currently concerned with was, in the Premier League, would Nottingham Forest’s meteoric rise disappear without a trace like a meteor streaking across the sky, or would it continue to shine like a star and influence the future direction of the league?

No one knew the answer, not even Twain himself.

Naturally, few of his competitors would want to see the Forest team perform so well all the time.

The league’s third place was won by Ferguson’s Manchester United, whose condition had fluctuated so much these past two seasons. The team was at a pivotal moment in which the old guard was replaced with the new. The only consolation for Ferguson was the maturity of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. It was believed that as long as they continued to perform, the new Manchester United, represented by them, would return to the top in the future.

The Premier League’s fourth place belonged to Arsenal, who did not do well in the first half of the season and only began to work hard later. Wenger had hoped for a breakthrough in the Champions League, but unfortunately, they had lost to Nottingham Forest in the semi-final penalty shootout. They were eventually left empty-handed in both the Premier League and Champions League.

Liverpool was perhaps the biggest victim as a result of Nottingham Forest’s re-emergence. The original Premier League’s top four teams were Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. Those four teams basically monopolized the qualification to compete in the Champions League every season. However, with the Forest team’s emergence, the last Champions League winner, Liverpool, was squeezed out of the top four. They could only participate in the UEFA Europa Cup next season. Benítez’s life was going to be tough.

Coincidentally, it seemed that as the Forest team rose, Liverpool would be certain to suffer for it. In Brian Clough’s era, Nottingham Forest’s most brilliant period, they had beaten Liverpool thrice in a year. In the Premier League, the EFL Cup, and the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, Liverpool became the Forest team’s stepping stone to success. It was the Forest team that interrupted the Reds’ dream to dominate in the domestic leagues and European Champion Clubs’ Cup.

But at the same time, the decline of the Forest team was bound to be linked to Liverpool as well.?The Forest team broke Liverpool’s monopoly on the championships, and then Liverpool also pulled the Forest team down from the pedestal before they had time to sit comfortably. Their forty-two round unbeaten record in the league was ended by Liverpool.

The Liverpool team’s feelings for Nottingham Forest changed from their initial liking to fear and abhorrence later. The earliest Liverpool fans loved the Forest team because both teams had red jerseys and at that time, the Forest team’s playing style was somewhat similar to Liverpool’s. Then, Liverpool’s feelings towards the Forest team changed after the Forest team beat Liverpool and robbed them of their titles in the Premier League and European Champion Clubs’ Cup.

That was how the two teams got entangled together. In many cases, they could not be separated. Even a disaster like the Hillsborough Tragedy took place in a game between Liverpool and Forest.

With the origin of the Forest team and Liverpool temporarily put aside, the focus returned to the upcoming UEFA Champions League.

※※※

As soon as the league tournament was over, the Forest team shifted all of its work to focus on the Champions League final. That was the most important thing for the Forest team this season. Nothing could surpass the Champions League final’s place in people’s minds.

Evan Doughty had been very busy recently because many media outlets wanted to interview him, but he still took time out to get to the training ground and announce the bonus plan. As the Forest team advanced to the Champions League final, they had reaped a lot just from the television broadcast fee alone. Evan decided to take some of it to reward the squad.

As long as the team could win the Champions League, everyone would have a minimum bonus of ten thousand pounds. The main players would have thirty-thousand pounds. In addition, even if they did not get the Champions League title, everyone would still receive a five-to-ten thousand pound reward.

For the Forest team, which was not backed by a Russian oligarch, that award was considered quite generous. After all, the team was not wealthy yet.

After the plan was announced, it brought a big boost to the morale of the team. Who would not want to make more money?

The award certainly could not be compared with football clubs such as Chelsea and Real Madrid. But it was also a token of the club’s goodwill to show the club’s appreciation for the team.

For his part, Twain devoted all his energy to the training of the new tactics. Due to George Wood’s absence, the team must adjust the tactics which they had played for more than a season to allow for the partnership of Albertini and Arteta. In fact, that would allow a more aggressive style of play. In the final round of the league tournament, Twain had already experimented with Sunderland, but Sunderland was too weak to pose a threat to the Forest team’s defensive line. Therefore, Twain had no idea whether the new set of tactics could withstand Barcelona’s offense.

George Wood did not have to play in the final, but he still trained with the team, working just as hard and conscientiously as always. It could be said that he worked harder and more seriously than ever before.

The media thought that this was Wood venting his frustration with not being able to play in the final. Only Twain knew that it must have been what he had said to Wood that night at the pub taking effect.

You’ve only got a year, George.

But for Tony Twain now, he only had ten days.

※※※

Obviously, Twain currently could not put all his energy into preparing the team for battle. He had to busy himself with some other matters. For example, he had to send tickets to some old friends. Des Walker was the first important person in his coaching career to genuinely bring him into this circle and give him plenty of assistance. Once misunderstood by him, Ian Bowyer was an old man who turned out to faithfully support him.

He also could not forget Michael Bernard, who had already gone to America. He was his first friend here and the closest friend as well. Twain did not know how Michael had fared in his life in America, whether he was able to free himself from the grief and bereavement of the loss of his son in his middle-aged years, or whether he had changed his “never watch or get close to football again” vow. But he still had to mail him the ticket. This was his promise to Michael whether he came to watch it or not. He wanted Michael to know that he had never forgotten and had made it happen.

In addition, he went before Gavin’s grave and burned the tickets for him. He burnt two, one for him to go watch and the other one for him to keep as a memento.

There was one more important person: Shania.

“Shania, where are you going to be on May 17th?” Twain asked the young girl during their regular weekly call.

Shania moved her eyes and did not answer immediately. Instead, she asked, “What’s the matter, Uncle Tony?”

“Well, I would like you to go and watch my game.”

“I’ll be in Paris,” Shania said with a smile.

Her answer gave Twain a surprise. “Is that true? That’s fantastic! The final will be held in Paris. This is awesome! You will go, won’t you, Shania?”

Shania deliberately dragged her words, “Well, it depends on my schedule.”

Twain was a little disappointed to hear Shania’s remark.

“I lied! Of course, I will be there. I can push back my work to a later date. Uncle Tony, your Champions League final only happens once!”

Twain cleared his throat, “Hey, there will be more in the future!”

Shania’s giggle came from the other end of the line.

“Well, it’s a date then. We’ll see you in Paris, Shania.”

“See you then, Uncle Tony!”

※※※

Everything was on track. In the final few days, Twain requested for Wilford to be sealed off and not to receive any media. The team needed a quiet environment for their big effort. That decision naturally led to the media’s dissatisfaction, which Twain did not care about. The media was not the boss of him, and he was not obligated to serve them.

The day before the team left for Paris, the training still progressed as usual. Twain received a phone call from the gatekeeper, Ian MacDonald, at the sidelines of the training ground. “Tony, someone’s here to see you.”

“Ian, didn’t I say it before? Wilford is sealed for training. No one can come in. And I won’t receive any visitors!” Twain was a little nervous before the approaching battle, and the tone of his voice was inadvertently a little high.

“But...” The old gatekeeper hesitated a little.

“What’s the matter?” Following that, Twain heard a fuzzy voice coming from the other end of the line. Very soon, a distinct female voice spoke. “Mr. Twain, you’re not going to come see a friend?”

This voice sounded familiar, and Twain froze for a moment. “You?”

He knew who the visitor was.

Five minutes later, Twain hurried to the gate from the training ground and met this friend Clarice Gloria.

This fashionably-dressed and modern-looking lady looked completely different from her professional image when Twain had met her for the first time. She wore an attractive strappy top with a low neckline and a miniskirt with a pair of large sunglasses. She leaned against a red BMW sports car. Standing at the side near the entrance, the old gatekeeper Ian MacDonald looked a little awkward.

“Hello, Mr. Twain.” Gloria waved hello first.

“How are you? Miss Gloria, I didn’t expect to meet you for the third time in such a short period.” Twain walked up. “Are you here again for filming or something?” He looked at Gloria, who was almost unrecognizable, and was a little amazed.

“No, I came alone.” Gloria removed her sunglasses and spread her hands. “And I’m now an independent producer. I don’t work for UEFA.”

“Let’s go in and talk.” He signaled to MacDonald to open the gate.

He had not expected Gloria to shake her head and reject his invitation. “No, I just came by to give you something. I’ll go soon.”

Twain looked surprised.

“Aren’t you supposed to be busy right now? How can you be free to accompany me for tea and chat?” Gloria said, smiling as she looked down to take out a compact disc from her handbag. “The filming of that interview… It’s not the same as what you saw on TV. This is another version that hasn’t been aired. I’m leaving it to you as a memento. I hope you’ll like it.”

Twain took the disc and said politely, “Thank you for the gift, but you don’t have to be in such a hurry. There is always time for a short chat.”

“Can’t bear to let me go?” Gloria grinned and winked at Twain.

Twain did not know how to respond to such an open-minded and bold woman. He said somewhat awkwardly, “What can I say?”

Gloria laughed happily. “Oh, by the way, the trouble that you had the last time… Did you work it out? Did you see her?”

She was referring to that time in Italy.

“Yes, it worked out. She went to the stadium to watch the Forest team’s game against Inter Milan in the end.”

“Do you mind if I ask you who she is?”

Twain hesitated for a moment and nodded. “I don’t know if you know. She’s a model. Judy Shania Jordana.”

When Twain stated the name, Gloria was surprised. “Her!”

“You know her?”

“Don’t most of the media know her? She’s one of the most popular models this year. Everyone’s confident of her future in the runway.” After the brief introduction, Gloria looked at Twain with interest, “And to think you have such a good relationship with her… I really can’t figure you out, Mr. Twain.”

“Well, that’s a long story.” Twain did not feel comfortable enough to tell her that story.

Gloria nodded and smiled to show that she understood. She looked down at her watch and said, “It’s almost time, I’ve got to go. I’m sorry I can’t go to the stadium to watch your game, but I’d like to wish you good luck.”

“Thank you. Where are you going? You look like you’re in a hurry....”

“The United States.”

That answer was a real surprise to Twain.

When she saw Twain looking puzzled, Gloria simply explained. “Los Angeles, Hollywood. I’m heading there to discuss a film collaboration.”

“Aren’t you a television host?”

“I’m actually an independent producer. Hosting a tv show is just my hobby,” Gloria said with a proud smile as she put her sunglasses back on.

“Goodbye, Mr. Twain. Hopefully, the next time we meet, you’ll have become a European champion.” She opened her car door, got in, and then leaned out to wave to Twain.

“Thank you, and goodbye, Miss Gloria.” Twain stood at the gate and watched the red sports car leave.

When he turned around and saw the funny expression on MacDonald’s face, Twain realized that there was a third person there.

“Ian, she and I are not what you think we are.”

The old man had a good laugh. “I know, Tony. She’s just a friend.”

Twain knew the old man would not buy it, but he did not want to explain. It would only make matters worse.

He felt his coat pocket.

“Initially, I wanted to surprise you when the training was over. But now’s as good a time as any. Ian, you’re retiring after the Champions League final, aren’t you?”

Not knowing exactly what Twain was going to say, MacDonald just nodded. “Yes.”

“Look, I don’t have any present for you. Except this.” He took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to MacDonald. “Both Chairman Doughty and I would like to thank you for your loyal service to the club for the last fourteen years.”

MacDonald took the envelope and opened it to discover that there were three round-trip tickets from London to Paris on May 17th, as well as three tickets to the UEFA Champions League final.

“When we get to Paris, the accommodations and food are covered by the club.”

The hand that held the envelope trembled a little, and MacDonald said to Twain with a trembling voice, “You don’t have to do that. I’m happy enough that the team is able to play in the final again.”

Twain smiled, “Since you joined the club, it’s always been dark days for the team... an endless cycle of relegation to promotion and then promotion to relegation. I hope that you can at least see what you have always wanted to see before you leave. Thank you, Ian. Thank you for all that you’ve done for the team and the club for fourteen years.”

MacDonald looked down at tickets with the UEFA logo and said, “It’s me who should thank you, Tony. I’m just a gatekeeper.”

Twain patted him on the shoulder to show that he did not have to say any more. “You haven’t watched a game live at the stadium in a long time, right? Take your family and children with you and go watch the game live.”

Old Ian nodded firmly.