The rise of an English manager

I'm sorry about the amount of text at the beginning I wanted to create a backstory. Please leave feedback and most importantly enjoy. Thank you.

The beginning...
It’s the final game of the season; we are second in the league but only by 1 point. We are in the final 5 minutes of the game against top of the league we only need one more goal, the score at the moment is 4-4. It has been a great game end to end with the opposition having the better of the chances. Our energetic left-winger gets hold of the ball runs directly at the full-back, steps over the ball with his left and then his right, he spots the defender has placed too much pressure on his back foot. That was it; young Alex took the ball to the left of the defender and ran down the touchline drilled a cross in to box to our striker who guided the ball to the far post 5-4! With the 3 remaining minutes the opposition pressed but our passing was too quick for them. The whistle went we were finally champions of the Tameside u11’s league. We were awarded the cup by the Stockport County chairman.

A meeting of opportunity...

Later that evening, after we held our annual awards ceremony where prestigious awards such as the ‘Most energetic player of the year’ and obviously the ‘Best celebration’ were handed out to the players. It was a great evening the parents and the sponsors enjoyed the event. Ryan McKnight (Stockport County chairman) had also attended and had taken the time to speak to me about my coaching techniques and philosophies on football.

McKnight: Where are you in your development as a coach?

Me: I have most of the FA and UEFA qualifications; I am just missing my Pro license.

McKnight: So you want to go in to professional football do you? I may have an opportunity coming up which may be of interest to you. As you know Stockport County has had a terrible time of late and we have recently found ourselves struggling in the Blue Square Premier. We are looking to rebuilding the club and our current manager has put a big emphasis on investing in the youth teams. After what I have seen today and the high standard of football you have these kids playing, I would like to offer you the role of, head of youth development.
Me: Erm…

McKnight: Well?

Me: I would love to accept the offer but what about the kids here?

McKnight: For this age group we currently only have a limited number of places. If you wish I will come back in a fortnight and allow you to assess the players I will allow you to bring in 4 on a trial run of a month.

Me: That’s very kind, thank you Mr McKnight. Please enjoy the rest of your evening.

Phone Call…

A month had passed I had decided I wanted the opportunity to coach at Stockport but no one had contacted me regarding the role. I knew it was too good to be true! It was late in the evening and the phone started to manoeuvre around the small coffee table in the front room.

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Me: Hello?

McKnight: Ahhh! Mr Brookes, sorry if I woke you but I am calling regarding the conversation we had over a month ago.

Me: Good evening Mr McKnight. I thought you had forgotten about me to be honest with you.
McKnight: No, no not at all. I am sure you have recently heard the news. We have decided to part ways with the manager after recently being relegated to the newly named ‘Skrill North’ division.

Me: Oh (sigh) I take it you are no longer pressing ahead with the plans of taking me on as a youth coach.

McKnight: No sorry. Your enthusiasm for the game was fascinating and I think you can go a long way in football that is why we are offering you the position of head coach. We feel you can take the club in a new direction. Will you accept?

Me: Wow… I wasn’t expecting that. Yes I would love to take on the opportunity.
McKnight: That is great Lewis. Please come in tomorrow and we can get the contract signed. Enjoy the rest of your evening because you’re not going to get many more as free as today from now on.