BENDIS IS ALIVE!! HALLELUJAH! But seriously, Timmy, Great story man! The detail is immense and the description is eloquent! Your English is better than mine and its my first language!
Is this a Football Manager story or a book? Because no one reads the match bits anymore cause we all need to find out if Bendis is still alive
HAJDUK LOOKING FOR THE FUTURE
No one could have ever accused Hajduk of being too old. For years and years they were the youngest team in Europe. Hell, for the fact that they were home-grown, the world loved them. It was everyone’s favorite fairy tale: let the teenagers play.
And yet, here they are, with their longtime captain, Mario Maloča, just passing his 31st birthday, and Goran Blažević, their goalkeeper since (and before) Bendiš came to the top spot, hitting 34 this year.
It has been a few years in the making. Hašib Ramić, a Serbian talent, was brought in just before his 17th birthday as the goalkeeper’s heir. Against all odds, he made more than 15 appearances last season. 15 from 36. And Ramić, who signed with the prospect of being a hot prospect, never thought that he would be given the chance to play so early. He has 5 years to go before joining the Croatia ranks, and hopefully Hajduk can tempt him… but still, with Blažević going out… and Croatia moving up… perhaps Hajduk does have the Croatia heir.
It is difficult to train heirs, Bendiš has found… but he has been doing fine so far. He passed up Mirko Tomečak, who was the 2nd best striker in the 1st Croatian League last season, citing the obscene funds required for wages extraordinary and unreasonable.
Tomečak, 23, effectively ended his promising career when he renewed his contract with Inter Zaprešić for 10% of what he was asking of Hajduk.
Before the tragic accident, Bendiš was actually accusatory of his scouts, as, on several occasions, players have moved from their original Croatian club to someone else in the first division, or even abroad, before even having Bendiš know about the player. He stated multiple times before that his goal was to build the national team, and it is surprising how often he misses these chances: even Dinamo’s starlet moved to Olympique de Marseille before Hajduk even knew of his existence.
So, he spent half a million euros on scouts, and hired his first director of football in ten years. He doesn’t listen to him much, leaving him to, instead, send players he doesn’t want, away; and to deal with the negotiations with agents… because Bendiš doesn’t like agents very much, this much was clear. He signed three of the very best scouts around the world, and put them on the most mundane mission of all:
Find those god-damned Croatian talents.
MEANWHILE… IN MARSEILLE
The street outside the hospital in Marseille is lined with flowers… all dedicated to a single patient, who fought with every last breath, every last bead of sweat he had. On the first morning, the flowers had already filled the room, as people demanded that theirs be delivered straight to his bedside. By the evening after the accident, the entrance to the hospital could not have more for the doctors would not be able to enter and leave.
And so, the public responded. The lined the street with flowers. Several were sent from Croatia, from far-flung reaches of France, England, Germany. People called local florists, who, in the heat of summer, could not supply enough. But the people found more.
And so, when Bendiš woke up, after three days and nights… three very long sunsets later, Bendiš woke up to a sea of plants, with his best friend in one corner of the room, asleep with a book on his lap, and his ex-fiancé in the other, completely exhausted, sprawled out on a small sofa.
No one could have ever accused Hajduk of being too old. For years and years they were the youngest team in Europe. Hell, for the fact that they were home-grown, the world loved them. It was everyone’s favorite fairy tale: let the teenagers play.
And yet, here they are, with their longtime captain, Mario Maloča, just passing his 31st birthday, and Goran Blažević, their goalkeeper since (and before) Bendiš came to the top spot, hitting 34 this year.
It has been a few years in the making. Hašib Ramić, a Serbian talent, was brought in just before his 17th birthday as the goalkeeper’s heir. Against all odds, he made more than 15 appearances last season. 15 from 36. And Ramić, who signed with the prospect of being a hot prospect, never thought that he would be given the chance to play so early. He has 5 years to go before joining the Croatia ranks, and hopefully Hajduk can tempt him… but still, with Blažević going out… and Croatia moving up… perhaps Hajduk does have the Croatia heir.
It is difficult to train heirs, Bendiš has found… but he has been doing fine so far. He passed up Mirko Tomečak, who was the 2nd best striker in the 1st Croatian League last season, citing the obscene funds required for wages extraordinary and unreasonable.
Tomečak, 23, effectively ended his promising career when he renewed his contract with Inter Zaprešić for 10% of what he was asking of Hajduk.
Before the tragic accident, Bendiš was actually accusatory of his scouts, as, on several occasions, players have moved from their original Croatian club to someone else in the first division, or even abroad, before even having Bendiš know about the player. He stated multiple times before that his goal was to build the national team, and it is surprising how often he misses these chances: even Dinamo’s starlet moved to Olympique de Marseille before Hajduk even knew of his existence.
So, he spent half a million euros on scouts, and hired his first director of football in ten years. He doesn’t listen to him much, leaving him to, instead, send players he doesn’t want, away; and to deal with the negotiations with agents… because Bendiš doesn’t like agents very much, this much was clear. He signed three of the very best scouts around the world, and put them on the most mundane mission of all:
Find those god-damned Croatian talents.
MEANWHILE… IN MARSEILLE
The street outside the hospital in Marseille is lined with flowers… all dedicated to a single patient, who fought with every last breath, every last bead of sweat he had. On the first morning, the flowers had already filled the room, as people demanded that theirs be delivered straight to his bedside. By the evening after the accident, the entrance to the hospital could not have more for the doctors would not be able to enter and leave.
And so, the public responded. The lined the street with flowers. Several were sent from Croatia, from far-flung reaches of France, England, Germany. People called local florists, who, in the heat of summer, could not supply enough. But the people found more.
And so, when Bendiš woke up, after three days and nights… three very long sunsets later, Bendiš woke up to a sea of plants, with his best friend in one corner of the room, asleep with a book on his lap, and his ex-fiancé in the other, completely exhausted, sprawled out on a small sofa.
HAJDUK KICK OFF SEASON WITH WIN
HAJDUK 3-0 IMOTSKI T. KIŠ (’27), I. TOMAŠ OG (’70), J. ELEŽ (’80)
The defending champions welcomed back Toni Bjelanović, who had a decent season for West Ham’s reserves, and gave Hašib Ramić the first keeper start of the season, making him the youngest keeper in between the posts for the kickoff game… at 17
But Hajduk did not impress for their inaugural home game… well in the beginning.. A well taken penalty by Tomislav Kiš within the first half hour was the only major thing in the first half. Hajduk did improve though, as Bendiš introduced two players after the hour, hauling off underperforming Nikica Ivančić (19), and putting on 23 year old long shot maestro Branko Bucković. The home-grown kid did well for his team, making a key pass for the own goal (should really be Kiš’s) and generally performing well. It was, however, Josip Elež at the back that did the best, and he finished off the scoring off of a Kiš header to make it 3-0.
The stands, applauded the effort, and applauded the assistant manager, as Stijepan Andrijašević was at the helm for the first time.
MEANWHILE… IN MARSEILLE
He thought it was all a dream… that was the only explanation. He dreamed that he woke up, only the night before, and dreamed that he saw her, sprawled in the corner. He had stopped looking a year ago (ah, who cares if my dates don’t match up… enjoy the damned story). It simply did not matter.
So, when he woke up in the morning, he was unsurprised to find only his best friend in the corner, trading on some stock market or the other on his laptop. The sofa was empty. But when Bendiš opened his eyes… his best friend saw it immediately, and rushed over.
“Where is she?” Bendiš’s voice was softer than he remembered. It used to always bounce around the walls, but he was more subdued now. There was little he could do about it, his throat was dry, Bendiš was lucky to be alive at all.
“Iva?” and, with that one word, Bendiš knew… He knew before… he knew the instant that he couldn’t pull her out of the wreckage, that the chance was slim.
A single tear came to his eye, and dropped down his cheek. Bendiš had gotten used to the tricks his life would play. But even this was cruel beyond measure.
“I’m so sorry.”
HAJDUK 3-0 IMOTSKI T. KIŠ (’27), I. TOMAŠ OG (’70), J. ELEŽ (’80)
The defending champions welcomed back Toni Bjelanović, who had a decent season for West Ham’s reserves, and gave Hašib Ramić the first keeper start of the season, making him the youngest keeper in between the posts for the kickoff game… at 17
But Hajduk did not impress for their inaugural home game… well in the beginning.. A well taken penalty by Tomislav Kiš within the first half hour was the only major thing in the first half. Hajduk did improve though, as Bendiš introduced two players after the hour, hauling off underperforming Nikica Ivančić (19), and putting on 23 year old long shot maestro Branko Bucković. The home-grown kid did well for his team, making a key pass for the own goal (should really be Kiš’s) and generally performing well. It was, however, Josip Elež at the back that did the best, and he finished off the scoring off of a Kiš header to make it 3-0.
The stands, applauded the effort, and applauded the assistant manager, as Stijepan Andrijašević was at the helm for the first time.
MEANWHILE… IN MARSEILLE
He thought it was all a dream… that was the only explanation. He dreamed that he woke up, only the night before, and dreamed that he saw her, sprawled in the corner. He had stopped looking a year ago (ah, who cares if my dates don’t match up… enjoy the damned story). It simply did not matter.
So, when he woke up in the morning, he was unsurprised to find only his best friend in the corner, trading on some stock market or the other on his laptop. The sofa was empty. But when Bendiš opened his eyes… his best friend saw it immediately, and rushed over.
“Where is she?” Bendiš’s voice was softer than he remembered. It used to always bounce around the walls, but he was more subdued now. There was little he could do about it, his throat was dry, Bendiš was lucky to be alive at all.
“Iva?” and, with that one word, Bendiš knew… He knew before… he knew the instant that he couldn’t pull her out of the wreckage, that the chance was slim.
A single tear came to his eye, and dropped down his cheek. Bendiš had gotten used to the tricks his life would play. But even this was cruel beyond measure.
“I’m so sorry.”
Tragic :'( Hopefully things will be okay. It's Timmy fucking Bendiš, he always finds a way!
I'd like to thank everyone for the support for being nominated for the Story of the Month. Those of you who have been following from the beginning know that this isn't really standard practice for me... since I normally lose... but so far this month has had everyone practically begging me for more, and I'd just like to thank all of you for that.
2014-04-01 04:52#166869 Neal : Speaking of begging for more, UPDATE YOU LOUT!
P.S. Congrats on SOTM
Sorry if we can't keep up with your lofty standards, Mr. Two-stories-at-the-same-time
2014-04-01 04:48#166868 Neal :And the Oscar goes to...
Timmy for [FM13]The Adriatic Adventure [Hajduk Split]!!! It was a close race this time around, going to the very final day of voting. The eventual champions tbendis managed to pick up 16 of the 38 votes (42.1%), but pompeyblue put up a credible fight, garnering 34.2% of the public's support with 13 votes.
Congratulations to tbendis on his first ever Story of the Month victory after numerous nominations throughout the span of his story. Leonardo DiBendiš, well done!
To himself - *OhmyGod OhmyGod OhmyGod... okay Timmy, keep it cool, you can do this... you've waited a long time for this... standard speech... no big deal... but OHMYGOD IT'S SO FREAKING EXCITING*
Bendiš walked up to the stage, giddy with delight, as he managed to win the coveted trophy after years of effort.
A narrator spoke to the viewers, "this is Bendiš's first SOTM win, after 10 nominations"
and then, he finally made it to the stage, shook Neal's hand, and took the trophy into his hand
"Wow... she's beautiful isn't she... First of all, I'd like to say that, even to be nominated amongst such excellent stories... and Neal's *crowd laughs*... is an absolute honor. I've been put aside so many times, for Rab, for Justice, for all the greats, and every single time, going up against them has been a delight. It never was about winning for me, it was more about playing the game...
"I'd like to thank my fans, the silent ones who read my story day after day... the ones who got upset when the agent fell off the harbour steps, the ones who cried when Iva died. Thank you... you are who I write for, and you make this worthwhile.
"I'd like to thank the internet for giving me a space to write. I don't think I'd ever have a chance writing anything else. I've been suggested so many times to take up writing an actual book, and I don't think I could... maybe a screenplay, but books are a bit not in my league.
"And I'd like to thank all my friends here on the site, who supported me through all of this... it's been a long time in the making, you know who you are.
"And thank you, thank you, thank you, to the judges, who have put me through the ordeal of being nominated every single time. It's been an absolute delight, and let's make it happen again."
"I love you all", Bendiš finished with aplomb, kissing the trophy and lifting it to the air
And with that, the auditorium exploded into a standing ovation beyond all measure. This was the award of the year... and boy did it deliver
It was a struggle... Bendiš slept for days, weeks, as his ribcage, his heart, and his lungs healed from the crash. The doctors kept him strong, and the public filled the streets with flowers. Bendiš was not unloved in Marseille. Every evening, the flower vendors came up the hill and laid what they didn't sell in front of the hospital. Every evening for two months.
Bendiš lay inside, waking occasionally, trying to get up... failing... and falling back to sleep. He missed July... he missed it nearly entirely... It was not a fun month, July... not for anyone close to the Croatian legend.
August though... August was different. August 2nd, Bendiš made it happen. There were two crutches beside his bed, two things he had never thought he would need. And, in a fit of desperation, he grabbed them, and stood up by the bed. His room was empty, but for the flowers, and he walked, slowly, towards the window.
Twice he nearly fell... There was no strength left. Bandages covered his chest, there to help with the crushed ribs, and the heart. His ankle had sprained, but it was fine now. Time had passed enough for him.
He got to the balcony, and opened the door, before stepping into the sun for the first time in a month. He saw the sea from his window... he saw the streets of Marseille... he saw the flowers lining the hospital entrance. The banner on the opposite side of the street wishing him well.
Bendiš had never sobbed. He remained strong while other people were in the room, and he had succeeded on most occasions. He cried during Iva's funeral though... he was alone and away from it all, but he had sobbed himself quietly to sleep that night, and many times after that. He stopped after a few weeks, but every once in a while, a tear came to his eye...
He turned towards the reception, and walked, each step a struggle. He was using one crutch because the second hadn't helped. He had thrown it to the floor and regretted it with every step. But he didn't dare bend down, for fear of not being to get back up.
He finally slumped over the receptionist's desk.
"Call him... I need... I need to be in Split. Tomorrow morning."
Bendiš lay inside, waking occasionally, trying to get up... failing... and falling back to sleep. He missed July... he missed it nearly entirely... It was not a fun month, July... not for anyone close to the Croatian legend.
August though... August was different. August 2nd, Bendiš made it happen. There were two crutches beside his bed, two things he had never thought he would need. And, in a fit of desperation, he grabbed them, and stood up by the bed. His room was empty, but for the flowers, and he walked, slowly, towards the window.
Twice he nearly fell... There was no strength left. Bandages covered his chest, there to help with the crushed ribs, and the heart. His ankle had sprained, but it was fine now. Time had passed enough for him.
He got to the balcony, and opened the door, before stepping into the sun for the first time in a month. He saw the sea from his window... he saw the streets of Marseille... he saw the flowers lining the hospital entrance. The banner on the opposite side of the street wishing him well.
Bendiš had never sobbed. He remained strong while other people were in the room, and he had succeeded on most occasions. He cried during Iva's funeral though... he was alone and away from it all, but he had sobbed himself quietly to sleep that night, and many times after that. He stopped after a few weeks, but every once in a while, a tear came to his eye...
He turned towards the reception, and walked, each step a struggle. He was using one crutch because the second hadn't helped. He had thrown it to the floor and regretted it with every step. But he didn't dare bend down, for fear of not being to get back up.
He finally slumped over the receptionist's desk.
"Call him... I need... I need to be in Split. Tomorrow morning."
You are reading "[FM13]The Adriatic Adventure [Hajduk Split]".
