December 23rd arrived at Oakwell with a biting cold wind that froze the puddles in the car park.
It was the kind of weather that made normal people stay in bed with hot chocolate.
But today was not a normal day. It was the Yorkshire Derby.
Barnsley versus Leeds United.
Michael Sterling stood in his office looking out at the stadium. The floodlights were already on cutting through the afternoon gloom. The pitch looked perfect thanks to the expensive heating system Leo Volt had helped install.
The door burst open.
Diego Nunez walked in. The Uruguayan Bull was wearing the full match kit. He had his shin pads on. He had his boots tied tight. He was jumping up and down.
"I am ready Boss," Diego shouted. "Look at my knee. It is strong. I can kick a wall."
Michael sighed. He put down his coffee.
"Diego," Michael said patiently. "The doctor said January. Today is December."
