Murder on the Pitch

Back from the Brink Part 2

 "The second half of the 2007 FA Cup is about to begin with Rowland F.C. the first one back out onto the pitch. What do you think they were talking about in the locker room Hugo?" The halftime pundit said to the reporter who interviewed Gregory at the beginning of halftime

"Well, I must say William..." Hugo said with the microphone in his hand with "Sky Sports" written in white comic sans and different sizes in a circle of red and blue horizontally with each other facing the camera pointed at him.

Behind him were the sponsors for the game in a messy collage of colors and logos all in the same sized square in front of a white background.

Hugo continued: "...that Gregory Keyes is a man focused and knows what is right mentally for his players...." his voice faded out as the man who got in Wembley at half turned down the radio. 

Currently, seated in section 120 in the shade from the balcony above him sits section 224 his seats directly overlook the team benches across from him and are somewhat level with the brim of the penalty arc for where Essen's defense will be protecting this half.

He looked to his left and saw the Rowland F.C. players run out onto the pitch first from the changing rooms. The music on the loudspeakers was a top 10 dance song sung by a female singer the lyrics of which were sung by all the youngsters in the crowd to the groans of the man elders who went with friends or their kids. The man then faintly noticed the tracksuit walking out slowly and kept his eyes on him. Staring directly at Gregory Keyes as he indiscriminately talked to one of his assistant managers while pointing at different areas of the pitch.

 Several moments later under a combination of boos and cheers, Essen-Mulheim ran out with their manager the legendary Spaniard: Diego Fuentes, 48, leading them out.

Diego Fuentes was formerly a player in the old English Soccer league for a season in the mid-'80s for Fosham F.C. which has since been disbanded after mismanagement in the early 2000s but disgruntled and loyal fans created their own team and called it Fosham United, currently averaging top 5 finishes in League 2. Diego Fuentes in his prime during the late 1970s and mid 1980s was considered the best Spaniard player in England on the offensive side. Diego was not one to get scared easily rather when his teams were down he played a more pressing defensive scheme and that's what he told his Essen-Mulheim players to do. Press the players, especially the rookie at right center - Isaac Shaw.

Diego didn't care about reputation – he already has a proven track record of success at a plethora of clubs: 2 Bundesliga titles, 3 FA Cup championships, 2 Premiera Liga championships, and a UEFA Cup all at 5 different clubs where he didn't stay for more than 4 years before his attitude toward club owners got him sacked.

He is currently in his 4th year at Essen and reaching this far it seems he is past his elusive 5th year and maybe will be on the sidelines again next year.

As Rowland players Isaac Shaw and left center midfielder veteran Toby McManus kicked off the deafening cheers rang out once more. The lackadaisical attitude of fans talking amongst one other about the stress over the loss of possessions, missed opportunities, the single goal lead not being enough, and wanting an insurance goal have ceased for the next 45 or more minutes.

Later Stephan Griffiths would comment that when the second half began Gregory seemed much more stressed than his appearance in the locker room at halftime. Darren Yugo never commented on this matter as he concentrated mainly on Isaac's playing and got increasingly more concerned about the pressing attack of Essen's defense.

"Looks like Diego is doing a pressing attack to start gaffer," Darren said

Gregory was silent arms crossed eyes following the ball and players running to their positions on the pitch.

"Gaffer?" Darren said leaning forward

Darren was seated 2 players away from Gregory sitting next to Christian St.Benedict on his right and Lennie Roy on his right. Closest to Gregory and an arm's reach away was Stephan Griffiths.

"Oi, rookie," Darren whispered to Stephan as he tapped his right shoulder stretching across Christian's torso

"huh?" Stephan jumped out of shock at the sudden notice of Darren tapping him on the shoulder, "What, is it Yogi?"

Darren Yugo's secret nickname according to the players was "Yogi" after the average bear inhabiting Jellystone National Forrest.

"Get the gaffers' attention for me," Darren said pointing at Gregory's back

"Uh, sure," Stephan said as he leaned forward to tap Gregory seated in a comfy chair resembling an airplane seat.

"Uh.. Gaffer?" Stephan said quietly

Gregory didn't budge

"Gaffer?" Stephan again said quietly inching closer and holding onto the backside of the chair

Gregory didn't respond

Stephan turned around and shrugged his shoulders

"Tap him on the shoulder," Darren whispered loudly

"Gaffer," Stephan said confidently as he tapped Gregory's right shoulder

"Huh. What is it, lad?" Gregory said turning around and not acting as violently as Stephan first thought

"Uh. Darren had something urgent he needed to discuss with you."

"Does it have to do with the pressing on Isaac? Gregory said to Darren now three players away

"Yes, Gaffer I believe we should limit his involvement close to the box and instead stretch him up closer to the midline and have him act as a defensive midfielder."

"You believe? I don't think he has the confidence nor the patience to be that far away from the action." Gregory said

Knowing this to be one of Gregory's tricks to make the player stand up for himself Darren complied "It's because Diege Fuentes is assuming him to act like a clueless rookie at right center. He definitely noticed him out of position during that fluke header to end the first. It would be better to move Toby over to center when the ball gets past the penalty arc we have a chance for another opportunity for any of the Essen players to clear it away in that direction."

"But then we risk having 1 less player on an attack if Isaac is too far removed."

"That's if the play stabilizes. If we constantly pass the ball then if we're patient we can potentially have an open cross pass."

"But this is the FA Cup not Sunday League at some park in South London."

"Gaffer. I trust Isaac to do his job but when it comes to pressing he isn't experienced with the skill when it comes to being played against Rolf Becker or Leonard Meyer on him. It is better to just have him lay up close to the midline and act have him ride to slow down the attack or regain possession quicker when the Essen defense kicks it away."

"Alright. I trust you, Darren. You know when you retire you should become a coach."

"I already do with my son's team."

"Really? I should come to watch. Maybe I'll have you replace me soon."

"Don't say that Gaffer."

"Just a joke Yogi."

 What Darren didn't know at the time was that those words of Gregory's would soon come and haunt him.