Thursday morning felt different.
Michael Sterling walked into the reception of the Sterling Era Training Complex. He wore sunglasses not because it was sunny but because the flashes from the photographers outside were blinding.
He walked past the reception desk. The receptionist was reading a newspaper.
The headline was huge.
THE PRINCE SLAYS THE KING: BARNSLEY 1 MANCHESTER CITY 0
There was a picture of Danny Fletcher sliding on his knees with tears in his eyes. It was a picture that would hang in the hallway forever.
Michael walked into his office. Arthur Milton was already there. The old scout was sitting on the sofa surrounded by every newspaper in England. He was eating a croissant with a look of pure satisfaction.
"Read this Boss," Arthur said waving a paper. "The Daily Mail says you are a tactical genius. Last week they said you were a fraud who got lucky."
Michael laughed. "Opinions change fast in football Arthur. You are only as good as your last game."
