Glory Of The Football Manager System

Chapter 129: The New Beginning IV: The System

England dropped him at the U17s. Not for lack of talent, but for attitude. Coaches said he was disruptive and didn’t fit the team culture. He’d been stagnating ever since. Should be in the U23s by now with his talent, maybe even the first-team squad of Crystal Palace. But his attitude held him back.

"And here’s the kicker," Gary said, his voice low.

"He’s the chairman’s godson. Steve Parish’s best friend’s son. So we can’t just release him. We have to try to fix him. The previous coach made some progress, but then Brentford came calling with an assistant manager role. Can’t blame him for taking it. But it means Connor’s reset again. He’s your problem now."

"Why hasn’t anyone benched him?" I asked. "Taught him consequences?"

"Politics," Gary said simply. "The Chairman wants him to succeed. Puts pressure on coaches to play him."

"So I’m expected to fix his attitude while also playing him?"

"Welcome to academy football. It’s not always fair."

I thought about JJ Johnson, about Jamie Scott, about all the difficult players I’d worked with. "I’ve handled worse. JJ Johnson was released by Man City for attitude. I fixed him. He’s playing Championship football now."

"Connor’s different," Gary warned. "JJ wanted to prove people wrong. Connor thinks he’s already proven. He’s entitled."

"Then I’ll make him want it," I said, my voice firm. "I’ll find his motivation."

Gary smiled, a genuine, warm smile. "Good luck. You’ll need it. But I believe you can do it. That’s why you’re here."

At lunchtime, I sat in the academy canteen, overwhelmed by the options.

Professional chef, hot meals, salad bar, protein shakes, fruit. Everything free. I was used to meal-prepping cheap pasta at Moss Side.

Paul Williams and Marcus Reid sat with me, the conversation cautious but warming. Marcus had been impressed by the session, by my tactical structure and clear communication. Paul was grudgingly impressed, admitting that the players had responded well.

Gary joined us, reminding me that I had access to the first-team gym, swimming pool, and recovery facilities. "Use them. Stay fit. Long season ahead."

still adjusting to the scale of

said. "All staff have access. Perks of the

is... this is

professional football. Get used

voice, that familiar Manchester accent, was like a lifeline. I

the players, Connor’s attitude, the pressing drills, the breakthrough moment, and Gary’s story about Connor’s

I feel like a tiny fish in

happy," she said, her

admitted. "But I miss you. The flat

need to focus. This is your time. Your dream. You left home for a reason.

sad.

permanent. Make the

"I love you."

love you too. Now eat something proper,

in accents I didn’t recognize, the rumble of trains on tracks I didn’t know. I missed the sounds of Manchester. The trams. The rain

Zaha, a product of this academy, was tearing apart Premier League defenses. A South London lad who’d made it. One day, I thought. One day, I’ll coach players who make it there. Maybe even take them back to Old Trafford, back to Manchester,

high from those who interviewed me, low from those who didn’t. Player respect was low, but growing. And

Milestone Complete:’The

Achievement Unlocked:’County

Achievement Unlocked:’UEFA

[SYSTEM] Achievement Unlocked:’Professional Appointment’.

Bonus Awarded:

have reached Level

Managerial Reputation has increased

New Chapter Unlocked:’The

Quest

Guide one U18 player to Crystal Palace first-team debut within