David Healy; Hardboiled [Northern Ireland LLM]

2014-05-01 18:30#172755 BartS : Johnston and the physio are ok but this Jennings guy is a disater. I'm not even talking about his skills but the wage! Sweet Jesus, who gave him that much and why? If I were you I would do the math and try to replace him. What year is it ingame?

I like the new logo - very up to date!

Grr, I just typed a long response out and the site logged me out and my response was lost.

Here is the situation with Jennings in a nutshell:

He will agree to a mutual termination but it will cost me £3,000. I have £800 for transfers and I think termination fees come from that budget. He is costing me £220 per week, so 3K is the equivalent of three months work.

Surprisingly, there are no other scouts available to realistically hire that are any better than Jennings at judging potential. All the ones with his same ability are asking the same wages but would be full time.

If I re-signed him for 1 year his salary would remain the same but he would move to full time status.

Any thoughts?

2014-05-02 10:01#172812 Arch Mon : He will agree to a mutual termination but it will cost me £3,000. I have £800 for transfers and I think termination fees come from that budget. He is costing me £220 per week, so 3K is the equivalent of three months work.

Surprisingly, there are no other scouts available to realistically hire that are any better than Jennings at judging potential. All the ones with his same ability are asking the same wages but would be full time.

If I re-signed him for 1 year his salary would remain the same but he would move to full time status.

Any thoughts?

If you release him, it does not come out of your transfer budget, but instead just your general finances. You do however, have to keep a close eye on your finances if you make a habit of releasing players, especially at that level.

I must say, I'm really enjoying these updates. It's something very different to the norm and it makes for a very interesting read! Keep up the good work

Yeah it's kind of expensive to kick out your stuff but, on the other hand, can you really afford the 12,5k per year for his services? I don't know your alternatives but at this point you could hire a 4/4 at the judging skills for <100£ (or maybe go without skouts?), save some money and probably be better off than with Jennings.

Keep it up with the updates, Archon. Jennings is awful, and so is the Physio (6?!?!) you should find a replacement quickly, and mutual terminate their contracts. Best of luck.

2014-05-02 15:02#172880 Pauker : Keep it up with the updates, Archon. Jennings is awful, and so is the Physio (6?!?!) you should find a replacement quickly, and mutual terminate their contracts. Best of luck.

Here is the odd thing about the Physio, Brian Strain. I wanted to drop him for the staff spot because there is a Physio rated 13 that I'd like to pick up. I looked into dropping him but when I go to his profile it says that he signed with Glebe. It gives the option to approach to sign and no option to terminate. However, he is still listed under my Staff section. Any thoughts? Maybe a bug?

2014-05-02 09:48#172839 BartS : Yeah it's kind of expensive to kick out your stuff but, on the other hand, can you really afford the 12,5k per year for his services? I don't know your alternatives but at this point you could hire a 4/4 at the judging skills for <100£ (or maybe go without skouts?), save some money and probably be better off than with Jennings.

I think you have convinced me. I will assess my finances and see if I can afford the termination fee. If so, I will cut ties.

2014-05-02 06:47#172832 edu1878 : If you release him, it does not come out of your transfer budget, but instead just your general finances. You do however, have to keep a close eye on your finances if you make a habit of releasing players, especially at that level.

Good to know, thanks!

2014-05-02 08:50#172838 Bantams : I must say, I'm really enjoying these updates. It's something very different to the norm and it makes for a very interesting read! Keep up the good work

Thank you for the comment Bantams, this encourages me to keep putting in the effort. By the end of the season I hope the result will be a complete entertaining storyline with a beginning, middle and end.

David Healy:

---

“Dee, I need to talk to you. I’m not sure I can do this all on my own. There is so much more to cover than I expected and there aren't enough hours in the day to have us ready for the season. We need to bring in an Assistant Manager. Any chance you would be up for the job?”

Dee Heron:

---

“If I wanted to be Manger or Assistant Manager that matter, you wouldn’t be here right now. The truth is my doctor says I need to slow down. Last year I had to have a stint put in my heart valve to keep it from collapsing. So, Frank suggested I be Head of Youth Development. Keep working with the kids. It’s the part of the job I love the most anyhow.

Managing a club is a high stress position, and being an Assistant Manager can be even more so. There is a lot of yelling involved. What you need is a tough disciplinarian on your side, an enforcer. Bad cop to your good cop. Someone who can take on some of your burden.”

David Healy:

---

“Perhaps someone like Johnston? He seems like a hard man.”

Dee Heron:

---

“Johnston is tough, but I’m not sure he is ready for management. He's a good denfensive coordinator but you need the whole package. He is a solid Right Back and can be a good ally to have in the locker room though, don't get me wrong.

Now, there is one man who would be perfect and he is available last I checked. We considered him for your job, in fact he was next on the list if you turned us down. Best thing is, he’s a son of Killyleagh.”

David Healy:

---

“You’re not talking about who I think you are, are you?”

Dee Heron:

---

“If you are thinking Terry Cochrane, then yes.”

David Healy:

---

"You think we could really get him?"

Dee Heron:

---

“It may be a long shot, but we got you didn’t we? Perhaps now that he sees how serious an organisation we are… It's a long way to Middlesbrough, but I like to do these things in person. How about we go first thing in the morning?”

David Healy:

---

"I'll give him a call tonight and arrange a meeting for tomorrow."

EXT. FERRY BOAT – DAY

Dee Heron:

---

“Only 7 more hours to Middlesbrough from the ferry at Larne.”

David Healy:

---

“Don’t mention Larne!”

Dee Heron:

---

“Why not?”

David Healy:

---

“Nevermind. Dee, I had an idea to get the most out of this road trip. What do you say we go to Glasgow and meet with Ally McCoist to see if Rangers may be interested in some sort of cooperative arrangement. I could also call Barry Ferguson. He is caretaker manager at Blackpool. We could try for the same with them. ”

Dee Heron:

---

“If you have relationships with them, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. That’s one of the reasons we brought you in, to leverage your contacts. At least we might be able to get a friendly out of it. The club could certainly use the cash flow. A big club like Blackpool or Rangers should pack them in.”

David Healy:

---

“I’ll give him a call.”

[ring ring… ring ring]

David Healy:

---

“Ally, it’s David.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“David who?”

David Healy:

---

“Healy. ”

Ally McCoist:

---

“David, yes, how are you mate? Did you get the bottle of Highland Park 18 I sent you?”

David Healy:

---

“Yes, thank you. Very kind of you but that’s not why I’m calling…”

Ally McCoist:

---

“So, to what do I owe this honour? Let me guess, you are coming out of retirement and want to play for Rangers again?”

David Healy:

---

“Not quite. Actually, I am making my first foray into management and was hoping we could set up a meeting on Sunday to discuss the future.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Sorry lad, can’t do it. Sunday is the Lord’s day. Only taking the piss lad, Sunday is fine. Besides, I have a big announcement coming up on Monday and I will let you in on it early if you promise not to leak anything to the press.”

David Healy:

---

“What is it?”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Can’t tell you now over the phone. The press has been bugging my calls and I’m pretty sure my mobile phone was hacked.”

David Healy:

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“Paranoid much Ally? See you at Ibrox at say 1 in the afternoon then?”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Perfect, I’ll pencil you in. See you then.”

Dee Heron:

---

“That sounds like it went well. Since you are on a roll, how about Blackpool?”

David Healy:

---

“I’ll call Barry.”

[ring ring… ring ring]

David Healy:

---

“Barry, hello, it’s David Healy.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“David, what’s up? ”

David Healy:

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“I heard Blackpool has a new manager. Jones, I think it was. Are you still caretaker? ”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“Yeah but unfortunately I don’t have the authority to do any signings if you are wanting to get on at Blackpool.”

David Healy:

---

“No, that’s not why I’m calling. I’m retired. Listen, I’ve made my first foray into management at a cracking little club with an academy that is a breeding ground for Northern Irish footballers. I thought we might be able to take you out for dinner Sunday night to explore if there is any way our clubs can work together. ”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“I don’t see why not. I can move some things around if you can make it here by 6.”

David Healy:

---

“Sounds good. See you then. ”

EXT. MIDDLESBROUGH – DAY
I spent a lot of time in the North of England during my days at Manchester, Leeds, and Preston and the drive is quite enjoyable. Especially since Dee is driving I can have a bit of a look around the countryside. It made me think of those early days and where along the way it all went pear shaped. We finally arrived at Terry’s home in Middlesbrough.

Terry Cochrane:

---

“David, Dee, welcome to Casa de Cochrane! Unexpected this. I haven’t seen you since I was back home for the unveiling of the mural.”

David Healy:

---

“Yes, that was something wasn’t it. ”

Terry Cochrane:

---

“Aye, I’ll remember it for a long time. You know, I’m not one to get worked up over the adulation of my home town but it makes you proud to be from such a place. We share that in common. Wonderful people, working class people… like myself of course. ”

Dee Heron:

---

“Of course. Well the town needs you now Terry. The mural poses the question, ‘who’s next?’ and David and I were hoping that you would help us on discovering the next famous son of Killyleagh.”

Terry Cochrane:

---

“Be a scout you mean? I don’t think I could, I have the Hartlepool Ladies to look after.”

David Healy:

---

“Actually, we’re hoping you might come on board as Assistant Manager. I have signed on with Killyleagh FC as Manager and we are going to make a serious push in the professional league this season. Our hope is to put a solid team together that will take us to the Premier League of Northern Ireland. ”

Terry Cochrane:

---

“I’ve always dreamed of coming home to stay and was close when I was managing Glenavon. When Glenavon let me go I was sure my managing days were done. Since then I have been knocking around here and there with the colour commentary gigs and now managing the Ladies side. If I were to come in to the club, you have to promise we will make a serious run for the top flight so I can beat those Glenavon bastards.”

Dee Heron:

---

“I assure you Terry, we are very serious indeed. Beating clubs in the Top Flight is definitely in our plans.”

David Healy:

---

“As is redemption.”

Dee Heron:

---

“However, success or failure would rest in the hands of you and David. The Board is taking a fairly laissez-faire approach, so long as you stick to your budgets. Whatever Hartlepool Ladies is paying you, we will top you up.”

David Healy:

---

“At least you would be leaving your current post during the offseason. Less disruptive that way.”

Terry Cochrane:

---

“Well, I will miss the girls and I’m sure they will be disappointed but the offer to build something from the ground up is too good to pass. You know I bleed Boro red and I hoped for years to get on the staff there but that dream has passed. The current management at Boro don’t know their arse from a hole in the ground, let alone anything of their club's history. There's no loyalty anymore. But Killyleagh keeps her history close to her bosom, and her loyalties closer, doesn’t she? I can see that and I am honoured you have come for me. Where do I sign?”

YES! A new assistant manager, potential link ups with good clubs (reputation wise)! You should be getting some good players!

EXT. BLACKPOOL - DAY
Blackpool. These iconic seaside communities that dot the coast of England all seem so similar. These days, Britons prefer the exotic allure of Cyprus to the grey beaches and dark tides.So, towns like Blackpool sit stagnant, with their sparse boardwalks and empty Ferris wheels, clinging to their former glory.

INT. COTTAGE PUB FISH & CHIPS - DAY

David Healy:

---

“These are some of the best chips I've had.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“Looks like you've tasted quite a few recently. You've gone a bit pear shaped David.”

David Healy:

---

“I hope to get back to training once my ankle heals.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“Sorry mate, just taking the piss. So, you wanted to discuss an arrangement with Blackpool?”

David Healy:

---

“Yes, the situation is this: Our club, Killyleagh, is moving from the Amateur division to Pro status in the Belfast Telegraph 2.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“And what's the Belfast Telegraph 2?”

David Healy:

---

“The Northern Irish League.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“Got it, so what's in this for Blackpool?”

David Healy:

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“It just so happens that Killyleagh has a very well established academy with a 50 plus year history. A wealth of talent comes through the youth system every year and now we are investing even more in coaching, scouting, and youth recruitment than ever before. Dee here is in charge of youth development.”

Dee Heron:

---

“I can guarntee that within 3 years we will be turning out the best young footballers Northern Ireland has to offer.”

David Healy:

---

“There it is. So, the arrangment we are seeking would be for Killyleagh to be a feeder club to Blackpool, and in exchange, Blackpool as the parent club would provide loan players for development and first team experience, play friendlies, and other means of support.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“And what other means of support would that be?”

David Healy:

---

“Well, scouting, marketing, and financial assistance if possible.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“I see. Dee, would you mind getting us another round? I need to speak privately with David.”

Dee Heron:

---

“Anything you have to say to him...” [David glares at Dee]

Barry Ferguson:

---

“Here's a 20.”

Dee Heron:

---

“Back in 2 minutes.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“David, what the hell are you doing with a small time outfit like this?”

David Healy:

---

“First, don't ever disrespect Dee like that again! That man is like a father to me. Second, Killyleagh is where I grew up and I saw it as an opportunity to get a foot in the door toward management. Sorry you don't approve.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“What is it that you want to do, long term?”

David Healy:

---

“My goal is to get on as manager of the Northern Ireland National Team.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“To do that you need experience and exposure on a bigger stage. The Irish FA isn't going to bring you in from the wilderness of some Belfast backwater.”

David Healy:

---

“What are you suggesting then?”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“Come work for us at Blackpool. We already have a great core of Rangers Alumni like you, you you would fit right in. Plus, we are in need of attacking coach with technical ability. We can give you 2,000 pound per week plus promotion bonus. Just think of your credibility when you are coaching in the British Premier League if we get promoted next season.”

David Healy:

---

“I appreciate the offer and if this was 2 weeks ago I would have probably jumped at the opportunity but...”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“But what?”

David Healy:

---

“Here comes Dee with the pints. Look I'll think about it. But in the meanwhile, give Killyleagh this break they need won't you? You won't be sorry.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“I'll do it for you David. As a sign of good faith. So long as you give my offer serious consideration.”

Dee Heron:

---

“Down to brass tacks already are we lads? What is the offer we are seriously considering then?”

David Healy:

---

“Barry was just saying that Blackpool is on board, in principle, with giving Killyleagh a head start. Weren't you Barry? Repeat the offer so Dee is up to speed.”

Barry Ferguson:

---

“Yes, the offer. As I was telling David, Blackpool can provide 20K pound per year in financial assistance plus we are willing to play an away friendly at Killyleagh. That being said we can't promise the team will consist of any of our stars in the Starting XI. More likely our reserve side. In addition, we can provide loan deals as well as synergised marketing campaigns. In exchange, Killyleagh will exchange scouting knowledge, especially of Northern Ireland, and provide a first look at youth players coming out of your academy. What do you say?”

Dee Heron:

---

“I hope he said yes!”

David Healy:

---

“Yes! We agree.”

Congratulations on the deal with Blackpool, they should be a solid partner for Killyleagh. Hopefully this will allow David to bring in some quality players!

Some nice edits there in the previous update, pretty original! As for the Blackpool link, it seems great for you!

2014-05-07 21:42#173800 Pauker : YES! A new assistant manager, potential link ups with good clubs (reputation wise)! You should be getting some good players!

I hope we get some good players out of it. At least short term we can get a quick cash infusion with some friendlies. Excited about the new Assistant Manager. I will post his profile shortly.

2014-05-14 07:28#174674 BartS : Congratulations on the deal with Blackpool, they should be a solid partner for Killyleagh. Hopefully this will allow David to bring in some quality players!

Yes, I think Blackpool will be a good partner long term. Still, it may be difficult to get their players to agree to loan or transfer to such a low reputation club though.

2014-05-15 00:15#174817 Pauker : Some nice edits there in the previous update, pretty original! As for the Blackpool link, it seems great for you!

Thanks again. Trying my best to make an original story. I do a lot of edits before I start a game to keep things interesting. There are more surprises to come so keep following. The Blackpool arrangement should be beneficial on many levels.

EXT. GLASGOW – DAY
Glasgow. A city divided by religion. The religion of football. Green Hoops have been fighting Light Blues for over a century. In Rangers' zeal to get one-up on their rivals, they had gotten themselves into a dire financial predicament. I was one of the victims of their poor financial stewardship. But time to put that behind me. I come calling to cash in my last poker chip, and it isn't payable in the form of single malt Scotch - as good as that may be.

INT. IBROX, RANGERS CLUBHOUSE – DAY

Ally McCoist:

---

“David, welcome home!”

David Healy:

---

“Thanks Ally. Good to be back at Ibrox. This is my associate, Dee Heron. He's a big fan. Dee, I'm sure Ally needs no introduction.”

Dee Heron:

---

“It's an honour.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Pleasure. Any friend of David's is alright with me. Now, unfortunately time is tight as I am currently operating with a skeleton crew of coaches and staff. Let's get down to business.”

David Healy:

---

“Fine by me.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“First, we have a shocker of an announcement tomorrow that is going to rock the football world! Now, this doesn't leave this room, and David has vouched for you Dee.”

David Healy:

---

“Absolutely, you can trust us, and I'd trust Dee with my life.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Alright, here it is then. Rangers are leaving the Scottish FA. Next season we will finally be joining the English FA.”

David Healy:

---

“My God, how did this come about? Why?!”

Ally McCoist:

---

“When the SPL clubs threw us under the bus, we swore they would never see another p of television or gate revenue from us.”

David Healy:

---

“Why did it take so long? Why wait all this time. If you had done this right away, I could still be with Rangers today?”

Ally McCoist:

---

“It wasn't that simple. When Rangers collapsed and the newco took over we were in constant turmoil at the organisational level. We have been working on this deal with the English FA for two years but we couldn't get our act together.
We originally, somewhat niavely, wanted to come in at the Premiership or at least Championship level but the other owners complained, and rightly so. The last two years have humbled our position on this and we have finally agreed to come into the FA like any other new club, in the Skrill. Thankfully, the FA has at least put us in the Skrill Premier League.”

David Healy:

---

“So what do the Scottish FA have to say about all this?”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Honestly, I could give a damn what they think, that's the point. In 5 years time I see Rangers in the English Premier League and we will be bigger than ever.”

David Healy:

---

“What about the Old Firm? Won't you miss it? The rush?”

Ally McCoist:

---

“That's the kicker. There had been rumblings for over a decade that the Old Firm had outgrown the SPL. Now, we have forced Celtic's hand. If all goes as planned, Celtic will be beating down the English FA's door, begging to join.”

David Healy:

---

“That would be brilliant!”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Indeed. Now that you are up to speed, what was it that you wanted to discuss?”

David Healy:

---

“That revelation will be a hard act to follow, but perhaps this is more timely than ever.
As you may or may not know, I have just started on as Manager of a lower league club in Northern Ireland called Killyleagh.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“My condolences, it was a promising career while it lasted.” [Dee looks agitated by this comment]

Dee Heron:

---

[defensive] “Killyleagh are known for turning out bright youth talent. David himself is a product of our youth system.”

David Healy:

---

“And Dee here is the main man behind the great strides that the club has made in that area.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“I have bad news for you gents. Another club has already beaten you to what I think you are going to ask. That was our other announcement, somewhat overshadowed by the first. The biggest club in Northern Ireland, Linfield, are our new farm team. The two clubs came to an agreement just this week and it was finalised yesterday.”

David Healy:

---

“Why didn't you mention that on the phone?”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Spies.” [David and Dee look at eachother, perplexed]

Dee Heron:

---

“If I may... Linfield are a very good side, as you say - the biggest in Northern Ireland. However, they will be looking to Rangers primarily to loan players for their First XI. What Linfield are lacking, Killyleagh has in spades... and that is youth development. Now, Rangers have a rather large and passionate following in Ulster. Surely a steady stream of talent from Northern Ireland would be a good thing for Rangers?"

David Healy:

---

“Exactly. What we can bring to the table is to double the size of your youth talent pool over night. We have excellent youth facilities and coaching and would even be able to take on surplus youth that you didn't have room for at Rangers Academy.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“I suppose one more affiliate in Northern Ireland wouldn't do us any harm. So, what would you want from Rangers?”

David Healy:

---

“What we are looking for is to work together on marketing our clubs, exchange scouting information, as well as host Rangers for a friendly each season.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“Sounds fair enough. I think we could make an additional stop-over after Windsor Park this preseason. We are always looking for a way to reach out to our fans across the sea so this would be good for both clubs. We can provide 20k per season to supliment your youth program so long as you keep us apprised of how your young prospects are developing. In addition, we may call on you to take in some of our youth surplus from time to time.”

David Healy:

---

“No problem there.”

Ally McCoist:

---

“I can't guarantee many loans as most of our players will want to get their first team experience at Linfield, but you never know.”

David Healy:

---

“Sounds like a deal!” [shakes on it]

I've just read this whole story from the beginning, and I have to say I've really enjoyed it. Your content is superb and I admire your presentation!