Page 116 of Playing for Keeps
Udo ran up the pitch but it was too late. The striker shot through Brockton’s defence and the ball landed in the back of the net. The home crowd went wild.
Unfortunately, Udo was near Brockton’s fans.
“You’re bloody useless, Holtmann,” one shouted.
“Fucking the coach and still can’t play,” another added.
“The only thing he’s fucked is the team.”
A lump formed in Udo’s throat. He swallowed it down. He would have his tears on tomorrow’s front page.
Eventually, the referee blew the whistle for half-time. Slowly, the Brockton players trudged to the tunnel that led to the locker rooms. Udo bowed his head as he walked. Trying to block out the jeers and catcalls.
He looked up and saw Steven’s mum in the hospitality area. She was with Andrew and Nina. They all stuck their thumbs up. At least they were on his side.
Once in the corridor, Adam squeezed his shoulder.
“I’ll speak to him,” Adam said.
Udo shook his head. “Don’t bother. It won’t change anything. I wanted to show the fans that I’m still the same Udo. How can I do that if my own teammates won’t do the right thing? This might be my last game, you know? If Jamie gets rid of me this summer, I’ll not get another Premier League team.”
Adam seemed lost for words.
“Let’s get it over and done,” Udo said.
Then he stopped in his tracks. Jamie stood outside the visitingmanager’s office. Usually the domain of Javier and Steven. Had he taken on the role of doorman now?
“Holtmann,” he said. “A word please.”
Udo glanced at Adam before following the CEO into the small room.
Here we go. He’s going to tell me I’m out.
He might have only been at Brockton since January and it certainly hadn’t been plain sailing. Even so, he would be devastated to leave. Where would that leave him and Steven? What team would touch a player embroiled in all this scandal?
He wouldn’t beg for his place. If his career was over, he would walk away with his head held high.
There were a couple of easy chairs in the corner. Jamie didn’t beckon him toward either of them. Instead he perched on the desk, facing him.
Udo had barely spoken to him while he’d been playing for Brockton.
“I know you haven’t got long so I’ll get straight to it.”
He braced for impact.
“I’ve seen what Riggs is doing out there. I’ve also heard what the fans are chanting.”
He nodded.
“Despite what you may have heard about me, I only have results on my mind. It’ll be like Pride round here next season if Javier has his way.”
Udo wouldn’t be cowed. “I think a team of footballers comfortable with themselves could be a force to be reckoned with.”
He was only sad that he wouldn’t be a part of it.
“Perhaps you’re right,” Jamie replied. “If this crazy scheme of his works, I want you to promise me that you’ll help him guide them with a steady hand.”
“Me?”
