| FMF's Toon Army Spiderman and member of the Writers Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: wiltshire Posts: 2,360 Thanks: 299 Thanked 611 Times in 583 Posts Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTW/F/M Award(s): 0 | 
Hot Prospects
As you could probably imagine I didn’t have the foggiest idea how to break the news to my good lady. To tell her that we had probably little to worry about now financially was one thing, to move her abroad though, with all her friends and family so close, would be very tough on her. I broke it to her gently, expecting her to flip, but instead she took it extremely well. Her seemingly main concern was not as to whether me managing a foreign football club would be a benefit to us, no all she was bothered about was whether our Golden Retriever could come with us.
Knowing his pet passport was still valid, I reassured her that our little blonde fella would love it where we were headed, she rang her mum to tell her the great news. I rang mine. She was initially very sceptical and advised me to take it easy “After all, you know how much pressure Kenny Keegan is under at Newcastle, I don’t want you turning out grey and old looking like him.” I assured her I’d take it steady, and let her know when she could come over. I was dreading that, because I’d probably somehow have to drive it, Mum being scared of flying, and prone to seasickness too!
Four days later we were all packed, had said farewell to various friends and relatives, and luckily, rented our house to a neighbour’s daughter for £650 per month. This would cover our mortgage and ensure we still had a property at home in the UK. Tam’s brother in law had bought our Fiat Punto off us, and drove us to Gatwick. He was also in charge of our container at a storage depot. I intended to buy all new kit once we arrived at our destination.
The flight over was without incident, except Tam wanted to go down to the cargo hold to check on Jack every two minutes. She was worried about him, I knew he would be fast asleep. Lazy old bugger. We checked out at the airport, and after an hour and a half wait to collect our luggage, and of course, our mutt, we walked out into the bright sunshine. Tam was amazed by what she saw.
“It’s just like home” There was an element of disappointment in her voice. I looked at her, her blondeness never ceases to amaze me “What were you expecting?”
She was looking over my shoulder “There’s a man in a suit looking at you” she whispered “He’s holding a board saying “Hart” on it”
I turned and looked, and sure enough, stood to a top of the range black BMW X5 was an imposing looking broad black guy in a black suit and sunglasses. “Hold on” I said to Tam.
I walked over. His face lit up in a smile as he must have recognised me from a photo or something
“Mr Hart” he said holding out his hand. I’d been told a man named Ryan Meeskens would meet me at the arrivals entrance How do you do?” I asked shaking his hand “How did the Men In Black convention go?” I immediately winced at the poor joke, and expected a smack in the mouth to head my way any second.
He looked at me over his sunglasses and laughed. “Corporate dress I’m afraid, I’m not a fan, but they won’t let me turn up in jeans and T-shirt.” He turned to my other half “And you must be the lovely Tamsin?” He shook hands too, and then lent down and ruffled Jack’s ears. He lapped it up then shook. I noticed a stream of drool flew from his chops and landed on Ryan’s pressed trousers, thankfully, our own personal Will Smith didn’t.
He chucked our bags in the back then courteously opened the rear doors for Tam and Jack to hop in. I sat in the front.
Ryan jovially opened conversation “We are about 35 minutes from the training ground, that’s where we are going first just briefly. You will meet a couple of the senior players, and also Maarten van Geil, and I’m sure Mr Keizer is there too.”
Tam was more concerned about the sleeping arrangements.
“Ahh...A specialty from us” Replied Ryan, “You will for time being stay in the corporate guest house, on the edge of our club’s private drive, situated just outside the city. Its beautiful, you will adore it!”
We pulled off the main Highway, and headed towards a massive state of the art looking sports complex, with a road leading to it lined with tall trees. Fields graced the flanks of the road for miles, with small towns scattered in the distance left and right. My heart was pumping now, nervous as hell. I looked at Tam, her face flushed with excitement.
We passed what I assumed to be a complex of three all-weather training pitches, then a building which looked like it may house a pool or something. We were there, turning into the car park, and Ryan stopped the BMW near the entrance. Whereupon a dark haired man in a suit, and my new mate, Piet “Jorge” Keizer appeared from a set of glass doors.
Nerves jangling, we all got out and they walked over, the dark haired man extending his hand, and a very warm smile.
“Mr Stephen Hart, an absolute pleasure at last” I shook and introduced Tam to him, and to Keizer. I looked at the famous crest situated above the glass doors, and realised the whole building was fronted by massive sheets of tinted windows.
“Impressed?” Maarten asked me. I nodded. He beamed at me. “I’m very glad. Welcome to Ajax Football Club!”
Last edited by Hartynips; 18-04-08 at 03:39 PM. |
