Note: This follows in the events of my story I had previously started 'Rescuing the Rojiblancos' (link here). It's not at all necessary to go back and read, but may give some indication of how I intend to progress this story. Enjoy!
My stint in charge of Sporting Gijón was shorter than I had anticipated, despite only signing a 4 month contract. It was only a few short hours after the 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid when I was let go along with the coaching staff I had employed and Paul Clement, my assistant. The club (or more precisely, it's directors) tried to twist the truth against me and my staff - but we didn't wait around to hear their criticisms. The full time whistle on the Atlético match - and my reign - had been blown on the Saturday night, and I had left Spain for good by Monday morning.
Since then, I largely kept myself out of the media limelight. Pochettino offered me a short-term coaching role back at Tottenham and I decided to take some time over my response. I travelled to France to watch the European Championships with Paul. We had just arrived in Marseilles in preparation of Englands opener against Russia when he received a call. Ancelotti wanted him to join as his assistant again, this time at Bayern Munich. And who was I to stop him? He packed his bags and departed on the next flight for Bavaria, but not before urging me in Tottenhams direction.
The evening he departed, I sat at the end of my hotel bed and wondered what could have been in Spain. I picked up my mobile and, rather reluctantly, searched for Pochettino's number. It wasn't as though I didn't enjoy working at Spurs - because I thoroughly did - but after managing a team of my own; it felt as though perhaps, it was going to be a backward step.
And, as I spent the final seconds considering my decision, my phone buzzed in my hand. It was an unknown number, and it appeared to be calling from abroad.
"Hello?" I answered, inquisitively.
"Is this Mr Harries?" asked an unknown, stern voice, "Paul Clement gave your number. I'm calling from Switzerland - to provide you with an opportunity."
Introduction: Early June 2016
My stint in charge of Sporting Gijón was shorter than I had anticipated, despite only signing a 4 month contract. It was only a few short hours after the 1-1 draw with Atlético Madrid when I was let go along with the coaching staff I had employed and Paul Clement, my assistant. The club (or more precisely, it's directors) tried to twist the truth against me and my staff - but we didn't wait around to hear their criticisms. The full time whistle on the Atlético match - and my reign - had been blown on the Saturday night, and I had left Spain for good by Monday morning.
Since then, I largely kept myself out of the media limelight. Pochettino offered me a short-term coaching role back at Tottenham and I decided to take some time over my response. I travelled to France to watch the European Championships with Paul. We had just arrived in Marseilles in preparation of Englands opener against Russia when he received a call. Ancelotti wanted him to join as his assistant again, this time at Bayern Munich. And who was I to stop him? He packed his bags and departed on the next flight for Bavaria, but not before urging me in Tottenhams direction.
The evening he departed, I sat at the end of my hotel bed and wondered what could have been in Spain. I picked up my mobile and, rather reluctantly, searched for Pochettino's number. It wasn't as though I didn't enjoy working at Spurs - because I thoroughly did - but after managing a team of my own; it felt as though perhaps, it was going to be a backward step.
And, as I spent the final seconds considering my decision, my phone buzzed in my hand. It was an unknown number, and it appeared to be calling from abroad.
"Hello?" I answered, inquisitively.
"Is this Mr Harries?" asked an unknown, stern voice, "Paul Clement gave your number. I'm calling from Switzerland - to provide you with an opportunity."