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The Next Great | A Manager's StoryAchievements of Anthony James Palmer
7 Premier League Titles
3 FA Cups
1 Champions League
1 League Cup
2 PFA Player of the Year Awards
2 PFA Young Player of the Year Awards
Other minor trophies and awards at youth level
NOTE: Not a United story
This was the end. Me, the gaffer and Scholesy all sat in the box at the same time, all announcing the same thing. I had spent 13 years as a Manchester United player since I moved from Rotherham for a meagre sum of just under £200,000. In that time, I had accomplished everything you can at club level. I had been United's Mr. Reliable, making block after block, tackle after tackle, alongside some of the greats, Stam, Ferdinand, Vidic, and the infallible Jonny Evans. But now, it was time to say goodbye. The gaffer spoke.
"It pains me deeply to have to inform all of you today, and the whole world, that I will retire from football management at the end of the season, and Mr Scholes and Mr Palmer will retire from their playing careers at the end of the season."
The press were incandescent. Questions were thrown at Fergie without mercy, while me and Paul shifted uncomfortably in our chairs. After a succession of journos shot down with the cool assurance of the gaffer's tone and sureness, the rants subsided. I was faced with my next question, the one I'd been itching to answer.
"Mr Palmer, now your playing days are over, what's next? Will you stay in football, or live my dream living in Menorca in a 5 story villa?"
The room chuckled. Hands shaking, I cleared my throat.
"The dream is to manage. I've always been interested in that side of the game, and the gaffer has helped me hone my skills, let me in on a few of his secret recipes. I've spoken to a few clubs, all managerless at the moment, so there you go. I think that will be the next step. Thank you"
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"Well, Ant, we've got some choices to make her haven't we?" said my agent, pouring over the emails and phone transcripts he'd had printed. I had four offers from managerless clubs throughout the world, and several thoughts crossed my mind. I truly wasn't sure where to go. I had a long sit down and came back to my agent with my decision.
"Phil, I've made my mind up. I'm going to go to..."
And this is where you come in. Please vote for the team you want me to be. The team with the most votes by 10pm will be the team Anthony takes on. Please feel free to leave comments about the story
