The City Ground in Nottingham was a dungeon. The stands were close to the pitch and the fans screamed so loud that the grass seemed to vibrate.
It was a Tuesday night. It was cold. It was raining. It was the perfect night for a war.
Michael Sterling stood in the technical area. He wore a long black coat that reached his knees. He looked calm but inside his chest his heart was beating like a drum.
Ninth place.
The table did not lie. Barnsley had slipped. The magic of the start of the season had faded. Now they had to fight in the mud.
Arthur Milton stood next to him. The old scout looked worried.
"Look at their team sheet Boss," Arthur shouted over the noise. "Nottingham Forest have made a change. A big change."
Michael looked at the screen.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST GK: LUCAS SILVA (DEBUT)
"Who is Lucas Silva?" Michael asked.
