The Jackels Den
Camera's Flashing
Peter Ridsdale: "Good morning everyone. Thank you for coming, we have come here today to answer any questions about the clubs recent capture of a club hero Graham Alexander...."
I nod in acknowledgement as he mentions my name.
"... & now I would like to open up the floor for questions."
Reporter 1: "Graham... Graham, John Dawson : LEP, How does it feel to be back at the club that you surly call home?."
"Well.. obviously it is a HUGE honour to be back at PNE, obviously am well known around here ha-ha and that will help out as quiet afew of the lads I know from either playing with them or against them in recent years." I say grinning with joy.
Upon ending my first question there is a frantic scribbling and muttering until...
Reporter 2: "Oliver Peacock : ESPN Sport, Obviously we all know what a huge impact you had here as a player, Do you think you could do the same from the dug-out?"
"Hopefully yes!, I have been managed by some great and some bad managers over my long career, mix that with my first experience at Fleetwood and I feel I can have a impact and imprint a style all PNE fans feel we should be playing." I announce with a bit of passion in my voice.
Reporter 2: "Bad managers?, would you care to name who?"
"I don't think I should answer that question! next question?" I glance over at peter who is giving me evils.
Reporter 2: "Graham Here, Steve Ross : Evening Post, In your previous answer you mention a certain style of play?... would you care to expand on that?
"Well.. I have played a hell of a lot of games varying from League one - International level & I've come to believe that to have winning football you need a fluent squad capable of changing it up and keeping your opposition guessing your line up and game play, however I do try to encourage players to close down the opposition & try to then engage a counter attack." Whilst speaking I use my hands, signalling out different words I say.
Reporter 2: "So you like to play attacking football?"
"What am trying to say is there are certain time you can turn on the style and certain game you have to grind them out, especially in some of these lower league games."
Again there is another frantic flurry of note taking.
Reporter 3:
Joe Henry : Blackpool Gazette, What are your thoughts on Paul Ince stating that your appointment is a mistake and wont be able to command the dressing room.
I sit up slowly
"Well... maybe Paul should look in the mirror. I will certainly impose my own ideas straight away, where as Paul in recent times has lost half his squad & is desperately relaying on his son of all people."
The reporter looks shocked at my sharp response hows manages to chirp up:
Reporter 3:
So you will be carrying on the tradition of the Preston-Blackpool Rivalry?
"Certainly" I again answer sharply.
I try to take calm down a tad by have a sip of my water and whispering into Peters ear:
"who let him in!"
I turn back towards the crowd.
Reporter 4: Sarah Jackson ITV Sport: What are your thoughts on the current squad?, do you have a set team in mind or will you be looking at the transfer market?
"I believe the squad I have inherited is a very strong one... especially for this division. I know this team can push for promotion this year, Every player in this squad will have the chance to show what they can offer. After that... & only after that I will analyse where the team needs to be strengthened."
Peter Ridsdale: "Thank you that is all we have time for now!".. He grips my arm & again ushers me out of the room with the reporters chatting over on another.
I was swept down the back door of the building and down to the tunnel. I stopped for a moment and thought back at all the times I walked out onto this pitch as a player, I was suddenly hit with a flood of emotion ranging from sadness to nervousness.
After being snapped out of my daydream I heard myself being welcomed out onto the pitch.
"AND NOW WITH OUT FURTHER A DO PLEASE WELCOME YOUR NEW MANAGER GRAHAM ALEXANDER"
I proudly walked out onto the pitch to see a sea of fans cheering and chanting my name... I instantly started to clap them back and then was given a mic to address them.
[spoiler=Media Picture][/spoiler]
"Hi.. I want to thank you all for coming! it really is touching to know I have your support straight from the off, You all know I love this football club and I want to take this club back to back to his glory days... You are our 12th man.. Are you ready to stand up for US!..
The crowd erupts and again.. And all I can think is...
"IT'S TIME."