West meets East - FMFormation.net - Football Manager

Alan_R · 19-05-08, 06:25 PM

The postman approached the door, searching through his bag he then pushed several letters through the letterbox.

Alan watched as the letters fell to the floor. Stepping forward he picked them up and flicked through them.
Bill... Bank Statement... Advertisement... Another Bill... Envelope, he paused, was this the letter he'd been waiting on? He tossed the rest aside, on the worktop, as he walked back through to the kitchen.

He popped a tea bag into a mug then flicked the switch on the kettle. Looking at the letter it was address to a Mr Alan Reid. He turned it over and opened it carefully. As he slid the letter out he noticed the heading at the top, it was the Football Associate crest. Excitedly he removed the letter from the envelope to reveal a summary of his qualifications. There it was in writing. He was now officially a coach!

Reid was a journey man in the true sense of the word. He loved to travel. It was his second love after football! So the 29 years of his life up to this point had naturally involved both. His football career was an interesting one. He'd played for local and school teams as a kid and his college team while he'd been studying for a sports degree.

After college Alan decided to see a bit of the world. When visiting New Zealand he'd caught the highlights of a final from a cup competition over there. Shocked by the standard of the football he thought he'd look up the local club. He was staying in New Zealand for a bit during his travels, mostly living off bar work. Sure enough he got in touch with the local team- Canterbury and arranged a trial. Reid was snapped up and played a few matches for the club. But it wasn't long before Fremantle City moved in to lure him to Australia, where he played for the part-timers for a season.

Reid missed his hometown, Edinburgh. He returned to Scotland where he played for a host of amateur teams, as well as a spell down south at Newcastle Town and Llandudno in Wales. He loved football but relised he was never going to cut it at professional level.

This led to him moving on to various regular jobs. However he'd never completely turned his back on football, how could he!? So over the last few years he'd put himself through various coaching courses. This reignited his spark for football and he got back into the game. The previous year he had been playing in the highland league for Lossiemouth but had returned to Edinburgh where he and his fiance were sharing a house with his parents. This was far from ideal, which left him in his current predicament. He was now a fully qualified coach but what was he going to do with that now...

scholesy18 · 19-05-08, 06:39 PM

Nice story so far Alan, keep it up, look forward to the rest and can't wait to see where it leads nice one mate

**Hartynips** · 19-05-08, 06:39 PM

Wicked start mate, am loving this already! I like the narrative over from first person perspective.

Super start mate, Keep this going at all costs!

apthered · 19-05-08, 06:40 PM

great start to a nice story
i like how its in third person, make sit a bit different

good job and kutgw

**WozzaWolves** · 19-05-08, 06:55 PM

Amazing start, really hope you can keep this going!

KIU

Alan_R · 19-05-08, 07:28 PM

He poured the kettle then put in a splash of milk. Stirring his tea pondered what to do next. He'd been involved with some youth teams before but he didn't want that again. He was determined to make a career out of his passion- football. Unfortunately he knew this was unlikely at a respectable level.

The next few days were spent phoning acquaintences, who were involved in the game, and scouring the internet. To no success.

Weeks passed and Reid was growing frustrated. He lined up a job just in case and gave himself one more week to sort something out.

It was the Thursday, a few days before Alan was due to start his 'backup' job. He was at his computer checking emails, another two applications for coaching jobs unsucessful. He resigned himself to the fact he might just have to get involved with a local youth set up. However just then there was a new email received. It was from a friend, Davie McKinstry, from when he'd played in the Highland Football League and it explained the possibility of a very interesting opportunity.

Davie knew a fellow Scot; Alistair McLeod who was Chairman of a football club, all sounded very promising so far but there was a catch...

dafudge · 19-05-08, 11:14 PM

Awesome story KIU

HibeeHibernian · 19-05-08, 11:55 PM

Good Story mate keep it up

Alan_R · 20-05-08, 10:59 AM

The email went onto to explain that McLeod was an expat living in Hong Kong and owned a few business and a small football team by the name of Hong Kong Football Club also known as HKFC.

Now for the catch, other than it being in Hong Kong, it was only an amateur club! Reid read on, not sure what to think. Then something caught his attention. This wasn't the coaching job he was looking for, they were looking for someone to take the position of manager! The email finished by mentioning he'd forwarded his number to the club, 'Best wishes. Davie McKinstry'.

Reid didn't no what to think. He knew nothing of the Hong Kong league but the appeal of being a manager of a top division team had been something he'd dreamed of! An amateur club in Hong Kong wasn't exactally how he'd pictured it though!

He tried to forget about it. Telling himself the club would probably never be in touch. However the thoughts played on his mind so he discussed the possibility with his fiance that day 'just in case'.

They both suspected it would never happen but the conclusion they came to was that opportunities like this don't come everyday and the decision was solely on Reid's shoulders. Charlene his fiace explained she'd support him either way.

So he already half knew what he'd say, by the same time next day, when the phone rang. Alan answered:

"Hello can I speak to a Mr Alan Reid" came the voice.
"speaking" Alan replied.

Alan was suprised when the caller went on to explain his name was Martyn Russell, a director at HKFC, and he was calling on behalf of Alistair McLeod. Their discussion then progressed with Russell out-lining the job proposition. Reid who have full control of the squad. They asked him over for an interview and said he had a good chance of securing the job as they'd heard good things about him and were exactally what they were looking for; a young Brittish manager to give the club a fresh start. Since it was an amateur team he also Martyn Russell also told Reid he would be offered a job at one of McLeod's companies so he could earn money to live off of. The teams in the Hong Kong League range are mostly Semi-Pro with a few of the bigger clubs being fully professional. So if accepted Reid was warned he'd have a massive task ahead of him. Most teams in the Hong Kong League share the large Mong Kok Stadium but one plus point was that HKFC were one of few teams to have there own facilities. As part of a leisure complex HKFC boasted a 2000 all-seater stadium. Alan Reid was interested to say the least and agreed to fly over for an interview.

A few days later his ticket arrived in the post. Provided by the club, he was flying business class. Maybe things were looking up he thought. Over the next few days he packed a few things and researched the Hong Kong league as much as he possibily could on the internet.

The next week he set off. Kissing his fiance goodbye, he then jumped into the waiting cab and promised he'd phone. "To the airport please driver".

He boarded his flight and got comfortable. The flight was around 12 hours long but he had plenty to keep him busy. He looked over notes he'd made on clubs, coaches and players.

Eventually his plane landed in Hong Kong International Airport. An he entered the Arrivals lounge looking for the contact who was going to pick him up.

A man in a suit approached him. "Mr Reid?" he enquired. Alan stretched out a hand and the stranger introduced himself as Alistair McLeod. Alan collected his luggage and they both headed outside to the waiting vechicle. As soon as they'd left the air-conditioned building the heat hit Alan, it was very warm and humid. He thought the best way to describe it would be like having a hair dryer blasting in your face but without the air. There wasn't even a breeze. Alan liked it though compared to the miserable Scottish weather, he could get used to this. Everyone seemed to be rushing about outside, Reid could already tell that Hong Kong had a unique atmosphere. McLeod led Alan to a small courier type mini-bus which was waiting on them. Alan got in and they drove off into the chaotic Hong Kong traffic...

**Jonners71** · 20-05-08, 12:18 PM

This is fantastic, lots of effort and good writing - keep it up mate

Alan_R · 20-05-08, 01:02 PM

As they weaved in and out of the traffic. McLeod asked Reid how his flight was and enquired as to wether he would like to be dropped off at his hotel and picked up later. Alan was far too excited for that! It was early morning in Hong Kong and Reid was eager to get about his business. So McLeod suggested they took a look at HKFC's facilities.

Reid looked out the window as they drove into the Kowloon city district. It was certainly a vibrant sight, there was so much going on. Hong Kong was definately a visually stimulating city, with neon bright signs stretching horizontally out from buildings across the road and electric boxes covered with graffiti style advertising.

They crossed onto Hong Kong Island and drove towards the Happy Valley district where the Hong Kong Football Club stadium and leisure facilities were situated. On arrival Reid was led into a suite where he could leave his things while they looked around. He was then offered a drink. Sipping his iced lemon tea he was invited to look out of the window. It looked out onto the pitch. It Was a well kept stadium. Basic yet impressive.

It was only small 2000 seated capacity but Reid was told that was rarely filled, as he thought Hong Kong football wasn't the most well supported. However that was half the reason he was here. Reid was told if he took the job he'd be expected to generate interest in the club. With league and cup competitions in Hong Kong and the cross nation Asian Cup there was certainly opportunity for Reid to steer his team to glory.

This didn't seem much like an interview so far. Alan didn't know what Davie had told them but it seemed as if they were just trying to tempt him to take the job. So far Reid had been very impressed he didn't need much more persuading.

Alan was then took on a tour of the complex which played home to a host of competitive and recreational sports. It was surrounded by an apparently famous horse track. It also had a variety of leisure and eating facilities as well.

After some discussion about his contract. He was told he wouldn't be paid but if he done well there was a good chance the club would turn semi-pro and his contract would change appropriately. He was then told about the other job he'd do in McLeod's company and would be on very reasonable wages to subsidise this. Alan knew he couldn't pass up this opportunity so a contract was signed accordingly.

Alan Reid was in Hong Kong for a week. So over the next few days he took some training sessions and spoke to the coaches about the players and potential signings, one such coach was Mike Duxbury- former England International and Man United player. Talks were also held with the board about bringing his own coaches in.

After the week passed Reid returned to Scotland to prepare for the move and wait for all the paperwork to be sorted out so he could be over there before the start of the next season...

**WozzaWolves** · 20-05-08, 03:09 PM

Oh my god

I am loving this!! The pictures make it even better!

Please keep it up or i may be forced to kill you

;)

Alan_R · 20-05-08, 11:40 PM

A few weeks later everything was sorted out and Reid was back in Hong Kong settling in.

He'd been given an appartment in part of a housing complex. Most of his neighbours appeared to be ex-pats and he seemed to fit in quite nicely. There was a shared swimming pool too, not bad he thought! It wasn't far from the stadium either.

He noticed the club was run by by Brits as well, with the exception of Ho Siu Kit the Hong Kong born Managing Director. This was also reflected in the squad with a number of English and Scottish youths, or youngsters with Brittish parents. This was great to help Alan settle in but he made his first major decision at the club. HKFC leisure facilities were based round a private members club. Reid felt this was too exclusive and felt some of the ex-pat youths may only be in the squad because of this, for all he knew the club could be missing out on local talent!

His first big step was to terminate all the youth contracts! The plus point of being an amateur team was the contract allowed for this to happen with no complications. Reid stated he had nothing against any of the players but the club would be hosting trials for the reserves known as 'Club Wanderers' and the two youth teams 'Club Albion' and 'Club Colts' before the new season started. Any players were welcomed back to take part in the trials. Alan just wanted to see for himself what sort of quality was coming into the club. This would also help generate interest in the club. Although it seemed a drastic decision Reid had the full backing of his Chairman. McLeod liked his direct approach to things and saw Reid was keen to get involved at all levels. Sixty-Four players were let go in total this included one or two players in the first team squad which he deemed surplus to requirements.

After a few training sessions Reid was beginning to get an idea of the players he liked in the squad. He seemed to work well with fellow Scot Stewart McInnes, only a year seperated them and they seemed to have a fair bit in common. Also Alan enjoyed having his fellow country man around. Youngster Robert Scott also seemed to have potential. While Ghanian utility man, regarded as the star player of the squad, Desting Ugo also caught his attention. Reid made moves to ensure these players were still in his first team plans. However it was very clear the squad needed to be improved vastly. Reid was apprehensive, what sort of calibre of player would want to come to an amateur team?

After speaking with his coaches as well as some of the senior players, Reid drew up a list of signing targets.

Destiny Ugo told him about another Ghanian who had experience of playing in the HK League, he was a centre back by the name of Festus Baise and became Reid's first signing. He was certainly more the standard of player he was looking for. Over the coming week Reid brought in a number of new faces, he was genuinely suprised at the quality of player he'd manage to sign for the club and how much interest his appointment had generated.

His most notable signings included an up and coming Hong Kong international Lam Ka Wai who he snapped up from fellow HK first division team Hong Kong Rangers. As well as a skillful Brazilian winger Elvis Da Silva from Swedish club Boden, he'd been a tip off from one of Reid's friends in the game. Also experienced Sinaporean international Rudy Khairon whom Reid hoped would bring a creative spark to his midfield, Rudy was known for dictating play and being a bit of a freekick specialist.

.Elvis Da Silva.

After bringing a few new faces in Reid began to prepar his pre-season. Due to him been busying sorting things out he allowed his assistant to take charge of a few friendlies against local opposition. Reid's first test was a friendly against Xi'an from China. HKFC went 2-0 up before half time but a lapse in concentration meant Xi'an scored 2 goals in 2 minutes after just around the hour mark. Frustrated Reid yelled instructions at his players, however the result was rescued on 76minutes when young starlet Robert Scott managed to rise above his marker and head in a Wong Kin Wah corner. The game finished 3-2 and Reid was delighted he'd manage to get a win in his first game in charge. Even if it was uncompetitive.

Huang Pengfei of Xi'an rifles in the equaliser

After a few more friendlies. It wasn't long before the season was due to begin. His first real test was against much more illustrious opponents Eastern Athletic Association, for a start they were a professional club! Alan knew he would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous. He called for a few extra training sessions to go over tactics before his big match.

The day arrived Sunday 2nd September, it was a 4pm kick off so Alan had time to go for some Yum Cha, the cantonese custom of tea drinking. His captain Lam Ka Wai accompanied him as they discussed a few last minute details. After their traditional brunch of Chinese Tea and Dim Sum (a variety of light dishes which included steamed meat and vegetables) they headed to the Hong Kong Football Stadium.

4pm on the dot. Referee Chan Siu Kee blows the whistle to get the match underway. It only took 7minutes for Hong Kong national player Ng Wai Chiu to pick out Eastern's Brazilian flair player Jefferson with a pin point pass and he cooly slotted the ball into the back of the net. Not the start Reid had hoped for. It only took a few more minutes for Eastern to go 2-0 up from a corner. HKFC were sinking without a trace! Alan wondered if this was what lay ahead for him this season, maybe he wasn't cut out for this. He knew this was no time to feel sorry for himself! He urged his captain to drop back in midfield and allowed central midfield partner Robert Scott more freedom to push up. it worked as Scott created an opening allowing pacey Bosnian forward Vlad Guzvic, a new Reid signing, space to move forward. Guzvic played the ball left to the corner of the 18 yard box where an on running Elvis blasted a shot across goal and into the net. Alan jumped up and down punching the air. 2-1 maybe they were back in with a chance!? Moments later Guzvic was involved again, pouncing on a poor back pass to make the sides level. Reid could hardly contain his joy! This was short lived as Jefferson got his second only a minute later when he beat the offside trap. The action in the first half wasn't over yet though. HKFC hit back with an instant reply on 39minutes. 6 Times capped left back Cheung Kin Fung, yet another Reid signing, lashed in a shot from outside the area to level the teams at 3-3. What a match this was turning out to be!!! The scores stayed that way until the half time whistle.

This allowed Reid to get a team talk in. Things were getting too frantic out there and he had to get his team to calm it down. Read had signed two goalkeeper during his pre-season transfers, both had a handful of caps for Hong Kong. Li Jian who started had looked nervous so Reid sent out Tse Tak Him for the second half.

Eastern kicked off the second half. It was long before HKFC won possesion back though. The start of this half they seemed more composed and were holding onto the ball much better. So it was only a matter of time before they went 4-3 up courtesy of a Stewart McInnes header. What a comeback Reid was delighted! Unfortunately for HKFC the opposition managed to level on 78minutes from a Ribeiro goal. The Brazilian striker was regarded as one of the best in the league so it was actually quite suprising they'd kep him quiet for this long! Alan sighed, he felt they'd let the match slip away from them. However on 88minutes Guzvic secured all 3points by bursting through the defence and scoring the winner. Reid was ecstatic. A 5-4 win! Hopefully not every match this season would be this tense though, he didn't think his nerves could cope!

HibeeHibernian · 21-05-08, 07:30 AM

Well written, very good. Keep up the good work.

**Bowser** · 21-05-08, 03:53 PM

HKs amazing, I lived there when i was 2 to visit my grandparentt. Yum cha's lovely :) Drink tea it stands for we just sit there for hours after eating talking and stuff...dim sums nice too ^^ order some cha siu bao xD...good story and good wins (i might like to add some seem lucky)

Alan_R · 21-05-08, 05:10 PM

The next match however was far from tense. Title contenders Sun Hei smashed 5 past HKFC's lacklustre side. They didn't even get a consolation goal. 0-5 Reid was gutted. He didn't know what to say to his players after the game. But he knew that this wouldn't be the last time he'd have to pick himself, and his team, up from a defeat like this over the course of the season. He called for an early morning training session the next day to try and figure out where they'd went wrong. He took alot of responsibility for the defeat, knowing he'd got his tactics wrong. This was his first big lesson as a manager.

The next day after the short training session, he took a day off to himself. He needed a break after that defeat. Alan was still hurting from it.

He thought'd he'd explore more of the city. Hong Kong was often a city described as East meets West. Despite the obvious Western influence in Hong Kong it still had its own culture, customs and traditions. For Alan it was certainly a culture shock. For him moving there he thought it was more a case of West meets East.

Alan along with his fiance decided to cross from Hong Kong Island, where they had been staying, to mainland Kowloon. They paid the small fee and boarded the Star Ferry for the short crossing. The ferry was packed, although a small representative country Hong Kong had a huge population. Reid thought surely there was enough people here to support a football club. All he needed to do was deliver a bit of success to HKFC and generate some interest in the club. Sitting window side he gazed out across the harbour where Junks carried their loads over the waterways. He enjoyed the atmosphere of Hong Kong, he thought to himself he could be here for the long haul. After their trip into Kowloon they retired back to their appartment. Reid had a few days working his regular job before HKFC's next match against bottom half of the league rivals Workable.

It was another home game. Maybe his team just couldn't play away and he hoped they could deliver infront of their own fans. These hopes were short lived as Workable went 2-0 up in under 10 minutes. Reid prayed it wasn't going to be another 5-0 game. However HKFC started playing with more purpose and a moment of inspiration from experienced international Rudy Khairon got them back in it on 73minutes. Then on 84minutes Khairon again scored as he blasted in a trademark freekick from 35yards. The fulltime whistle went at 2-2.

The next match was better and proved HKFC could play away from home. The win came against Citizen. HKFC held onto a 1-0 lead courtesy of an Elvis strike in the third minute.

The date was Friday 5th October, a day before Reid's birthday. Hong Kong FC played host to league favourites South China. To be honest Alan Reid didn't fancy his teams chances but it would be the perfect birthday present if they won. It was 0-0 at half time. Not bad, Reid would take this. Still he looked to encourage his team at the break. He still wanted the win if his team could manage to scrape a goal. Instead his team came out for the second half guns blazing! First defender Liu Quankun headed in a corner before goals from Irish winger Colin Baker and another goal from Elvis sealed a comfortable victory, 3-0. Alan couldn't have asked for anything better, the perfect early birthday present!

If Reid's team could beat the league favourites 3-0 he fancied his chances against anyone. HKFC were sitting 2nd in the league after Reid's first handful of games. Not bad for an amateur team who were relegation favourites. Things were looking good so far in Hong Kong...

HibeeHibernian · 21-05-08, 11:12 PM

Very good so far. Nice results btw

**Hartynips** · 22-05-08, 10:50 AM

Amazing story Alan looks superb, must be hotting up already for a place in stories of the month!

Keep it up mate!