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The Press Conference and Meeting The Players.

"Welcome everyone." Thomas said to the gathered press. "Today we are here to unveil the new St. Patrick's Athletic boss. Stephen Ruane."

With that I walked into the room, posed with a Super Saints shirt with my name on the back and took my seat between Mr. O'Callaghan and Thomas. I sat there staring at the press as they stared at me back. I swear to God, I could've just legged it because I was that nervous.

"Can we have the first question?" Thomas said.
"Aprameya Rao, Canadian Saints Magazine. What are your long term goals?"
"Erm..well none as of this moment because my contract is only temporary whilst John McDonnell is ill."
After a few more questions, my nerves started to calm down and I was enjoying myself. Until...

"Gary Merritt, The Sun. Why..."
"Who the hell let you in here?" I cut him off. "I don't read your rag of a newspaper so I certainly ain't gonna answer any questions."
The bloke stood there in amazement. So did the rest of the press for that matter. I could've just curled up and die. I turned to Mr. O'Callaghan and he didnt even look at me. Thankfully Thomas bailed me out. "Are there any further questions? No? Good, Mr. Ruane has work to do." With that I was ushered out of the press room.

As we walked down the corridor I braced myself for the bollocking of a lifetime but Mr. O'Callaghan suddenly slapped me on the back and started laughing. "I've never liked that newspaper laddie." He said, continuing to laugh, "I just never had the balls to say it to one of their journalists."
I stood there in amazement. "But, when I looked at you, you just stared dead ahead!"
"Of course I did lad. I had to look serious because it'd been unprofessional if I looked like I agreed with you. Plus I couldn't look at you because I'd have cracked up." I suddenly started laughing too. Not due to the fact I thought it as funny, more due to the fact I was relieved I wasn't going to get sacked on my first day.
"Look. Trevor's in your office. He wants to speak to you." Mr. O'Callaghan said whilst heading for his own office.

As I walked through the door, Trevor had already made me a cup of tea. I said thank you and asked what he wanted.
"I've got you a squad report boss." He replied. "There's also a friendly fixture list as well."
I picked up the list and looked at it. Finn Harps, Limerick, South East, Dundalk and Tullamore. "These are all Irish clubs and in my opinion, not good enough to play Pats." I said placing the list back on the table.
"What do you want to do?" Trevor asked.
"I'll send an email to Roberto Martinez asking for a friendly at his gaff."
"Swansea?"
"Yup. I'm sure that'll be a good match."
I picked up the squad report, reading through. I was impressed how in depth it was. I asked Trevor where he thought needed strengthening.
"I'd say attack and we need another goalkeeper." Was his reply.
"Okay, look we better head off to training." I said looking at the clock and my watch.

We arrived at the training ground with the players already waiting. I was slightly nervous about what the players would think of me. I made my rounds introducing myself to each player. After that I gathered the players.
"Okay. I'm not only here just to fill in for John." I said looking at each and everyone of them. "I want 100% and I want it immediately. I honest believe this club has what it takes to dominate both Republic and Northern Ireland. We've got the All-Ireland Cup first and I want that trophy."
The players nodded in agreement.
"Now," I continued, "let me see what you fellas have got."
With that the players started training under the guidance of Cyril, Mick and Trevor.