Page 44 of Playing for Keeps
“What’s going on in here?” Javier asked. “Adam?”
“Nothing, boss,” Shaun replied. “Just a bit of banter.”
Banter? That word hid a multitude of sins. How many times had Udo seen arguments put down to it? Udo was confused. He thought he and Shaun had turned a corner. Today it seemed to be reset.
Javier stood in front of Shaun. “I don’t like banter,” he said. “I presume it came from you, Riggs.”
Shaun looked the picture of innocence. “Not me, boss. Just making sure the favourite is ready to prove his worth. Finally.”
“Now wait a minute,” Steven said, taking a step forward.
“It’s okay,” Udo said.
The last thing he wanted was Steven to give the game away. A fire had begun in Udo’s belly. The combination of the goal and the sex, most likely. Either way, he would harness it and bring it onto the pitch.
He walked over to Shaun. Remarkably, Javier gave way for him.
“Shaun,” Udo said calmly. “I have scored more goals than you. Played in more finals than you. And I have more medals than you. Granted, I’ve not been the best since I came here. What I will also tell you is that ends now.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Shaun replied.
He was red around the neck which told Udo he’d had an impact on him.
“I’m not here to be a hero,” Udo continued. “This team is the only thing that matters at the moment. How about we cut the…banter? I’ll prove myself to all of you on the pitch.”
Udo stared at them all.
“We can secure ourselves from relegation this season. Then kick the shit out of them all next,” Udo said. “We can only do it together.”
Adam began to clap him. Goran, the goalkeeper, joined him. Then Ewen and Edi and Colin. Before long, the locker room applauded.
“Together it is then,” Shaun said.
“Right then,” Javier shouted. “Enough of the emotionals andlet’s get out there. You won’t win anything pissing around in here.”
Udo returned to his place and carried on changing. Some of the lads left the room with Javier. Udo glanced back. Steven caught his eye before silently leaving with them.
Shaun was scowling at his mobile phone.
Adam came over and clapped Udo on the shoulder. “Pretty good speech, my friend.”
“Thanks.”
“Listen, some of the guys are coming to mine after training. We can shoot some pool or grab something to eat. You up for it?”
Udo had planned on getting to Steven’s as quickly as possible. He also recognised the importance of such an invite. The captain was giving him the seal of approval.
“I’d love to,” Udo replied with a smile.
“Nice one. Let’s go and kick Riggs’ arse first, eh?”
“Yeah. I’ll prove him wrong.”
“That’s the spirit. You’re a Brockton Boy now, Holtmann. We like to prove everyone wrong. Riggs, you coming?”
Shaun shoved his mobile into his shorts pocket. A big no-no where Javier was concerned.
“Got to see someone this afternoon.”
