When I woke up this morning, I had expected it to be a normal day. Started off with a shower, brushed my teeth, got dressed and turned on my computer. While the machine started up, I went to the kitchen and turned on the kettle in order to prepare my morning coffee. Once I had made my coffee in the Villa mug all staff receives, I went out onto the porch to start up my caffeine and nicotine binge. There is nothing better than the first cup of steaming coffee with the first cigarette of the day. Staring in the direction of Villa Park, I really should have noticed the lack of people in the street. Once I was done, I went back to my computer to see what had transpired in the world while I was sound asleep. Facebook... Meh, there was nothing new or remotely interesting. Sky News... I was greeted with the words "Aston Villa Hire Alex McLeish as New Manager"! I nearly flipped my table! I had warned the board not hiring that fool! I hurriedly turned off my pc, grabbed my keys and jumped in the car. I had to get to the stadium and try to talk some sense into them!
Five minutes later, and I'm outside the stadium. The scene was indescribable. Fortunately, my phone had a camera and I was able to capture the crowd.
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All the fans agreed with me, as I had predicted. I told the board that the fans would not allow a former manager from Birmingham to come into this great club. I ran into the boardroom to find all the members present and panicking. "I don't want to say it, but I told you so" I said. "But we had no other choice! Nobody else wanted the job dammit!" explained Randy Lerner (the club owner), "Look at Alex! He's so distraught, he has just resigned! No manager can run a club without backing from the stands! What do we do now?” I peeked at McLeish who was slumped over at the corner window, still clutching a Villa jersey with "MCLEISH 1" printed on the back. He cast a dejected figure while looking out over the crowd. I was delighted to see him in this state, but out of respect, I hid my true emotions. I was not really paying attention to Lerner, while looking at McLeish.
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I was contemplating taking a picture to show the boys later on tonight in the pub. Suddenly, I heard Lerner ask "You were assistant manager of the Reserves right? You've got all your certificates and everything right? You're qualified?".”Erm... Yes, to all of those questions. But, Mr Lerner, what are you suggesting? You can’t be ser..." I muttered nervously. "Right then! It’s settled! We'll announce McLeish's resignation and your appointment at 2pm! Get a suit on and get ready for the press conference!”
Well, that is how I became manager of my boyhood club. Even though my playing career had been ended in a youth match years ago, I was loyal and stuck to the club, and it looks like it has finally paid off! Yesterday, I was an unknown figure in the club, today, I'm the gaffer! From zero, to Villain!![]()
Five minutes later, and I'm outside the stadium. The scene was indescribable. Fortunately, my phone had a camera and I was able to capture the crowd.
All the fans agreed with me, as I had predicted. I told the board that the fans would not allow a former manager from Birmingham to come into this great club. I ran into the boardroom to find all the members present and panicking. "I don't want to say it, but I told you so" I said. "But we had no other choice! Nobody else wanted the job dammit!" explained Randy Lerner (the club owner), "Look at Alex! He's so distraught, he has just resigned! No manager can run a club without backing from the stands! What do we do now?” I peeked at McLeish who was slumped over at the corner window, still clutching a Villa jersey with "MCLEISH 1" printed on the back. He cast a dejected figure while looking out over the crowd. I was delighted to see him in this state, but out of respect, I hid my true emotions. I was not really paying attention to Lerner, while looking at McLeish.
I was contemplating taking a picture to show the boys later on tonight in the pub. Suddenly, I heard Lerner ask "You were assistant manager of the Reserves right? You've got all your certificates and everything right? You're qualified?".”Erm... Yes, to all of those questions. But, Mr Lerner, what are you suggesting? You can’t be ser..." I muttered nervously. "Right then! It’s settled! We'll announce McLeish's resignation and your appointment at 2pm! Get a suit on and get ready for the press conference!”
Well, that is how I became manager of my boyhood club. Even though my playing career had been ended in a youth match years ago, I was loyal and stuck to the club, and it looks like it has finally paid off! Yesterday, I was an unknown figure in the club, today, I'm the gaffer! From zero, to Villain!
