Night of August 12th, at the entrance of the Sheffield United training base.
A bus marked with the team's emblem slowly approached, carrying dispirited Sheffield players and coaching staff, a defeated army in appearance.
Surrounding them were already over two hundred furious local fans, who immediately gathered around upon seeing them.
"Full strength and you play like this, Kevin, what the hell are you doing?"
"Do we have to go back to the English First Division this season again? Kevin, give us an explanation! Or just get lost and go home!"
"If you're incompetent, step down from your position early!"
"Resign! Resign!!"
"..."
They angrily pointed at the team bus, venting their dissatisfaction.
Many even threw their water bottles and hot dogs at the bus, causing a clattering noise.
Many on the bus quickly pulled down the curtains, unable or ashamed to face the angry fans.
After a slow drive, the bus finally entered the training base's parking lot, with fans blocked outside by the arriving police.
The players disembarked one after another, saying nothing to each other, driving back home right after getting into their cars.
The coaching staff followed, either with arms akimbo or heads down, forming a circle, trying to discuss something, yet unable to speak.
Eventually, it was the head coach Kevin who broke the silence, with a heavy face: "I'm over fifty years old, been in this industry for so many years, and indeed, I am tired.
"Last year was the most driven year of my life, but as for the result, everyone saw it, clearly putting everything into it, yet the outcome was unsatisfactory, the team was a mess under my hands."
He paused, then lowered his head, confessing everything, "Yes, as you thought, my contract does not have performance demands, for the team to unilaterally dismiss me, they would need to pay termination fees.
"Staying in this position, it's not about fighting with the players, not about saving face, just wanting that retirement money.
"But as you can see, the board is still waiting, they want me to resign out of embarrassment."
"I'll speak to the board." A voice emerged, and everyone turned to see Garrispeed had interjected.
At this time, he shouldn't have been so eager, because it was already assumed he would succeed.
But he still spoke, this was his first time openly discussing this topic with Kevin.
"Give me one or two weeks, I'm confident I can persuade them."
Garrispeed stared directly at Kevin, at this old man he disliked, "But please promise me two things."
"What?"
Kevin's face was calm, revealing no emotion, "I have no fight left with you, as long as it's within my power, I'll comply."
"Add training on the 4-4-2 formation in daily practice."
Garrispeed earnestly stated his first request, clearly intending to change tactics once he took over.
He didn't worry about Kevin's training level; a coach coming through the UK's professional system would be well-versed in the traditional 4-4-2 formation.
"Okay, anything else?" Kevin still expressionless, nodded approvingly.
"In upcoming matches, use Ma'el and Gilbert."
Garrispeed stated his second request, causing those nearby to turn to look, "The team will need them later, I want them to get used to professional league play early and gain Championship match experience."
Kevin turned his head away, contemplated for a moment, then finally took a deep breath and said, "I agree to all your requests, please keep your promise to me."
"Absolutely."
Garrispeed left with a word and turned away.
The remaining assistant coaches glanced at Kevin, their feelings very complicated, they hadn't decided on their next steps.
......
August 13th, one day away from the Championship League second round, an away match against Cardiff City.
Morning, inside the gym of the training base.
Ma'el arrived early, and after drinking a glass of water, he began his strength training.
Gilbert didn't join him for power training today; he wanted to focus on some physical ability exercises.
"Ma'el! Ma'el!"
Just a few minutes into his training, Ma'el heard an urgent voice coming from outside the door, growing nearer with the sound of hurried footsteps.
Gilbert quickly ran in, his expression excited.
"Is it..."
Ma'el didn't hold much hope, but seeing his expression, he had a guess in his heart, "Did we make the squad list?"
This morning was when the squad list was announced; players needed to be ready in the morning for departure at noon, with on-field practice at the away venue in the evening.
He hadn't paid attention, mainly because he didn't believe Kevin would suddenly change his mind.
"Squad list?"
Gilbert, extremely excited, was a little incoherent, "Starting lineup! What squad list! You're in the starting lineup!"
"Me?"
Ma'el pointed at himself, then opened his mouth in surprise, quickly walking over to Gilbert, his hands instinctively clenched, his voice trembling, "Really?"
From Gilbert's face, he already saw the answer; such an expression couldn't be faked.
Two minutes later, the two ran to the team's training base locker room, seeing today's match squad list at the door.
"Starting Lineup... Center forward Evans, right winger Ward, left winger Ma'el."
Seeing his name, Ma'el suddenly felt a surreal sensation, as if the roster twisted before his eyes, shattering and recombining.
Suddenly, just like that, he became a starting player for the team?
Skipped the substitute phase, directly to the starting lineup?
"Although I'm not starting, I can finally experience the Championship League from the field."
Next to him, Gilbert was very happy, both for Ma'el and for himself, "Good luck, if you score a goal in the Championship League, everything will be different."
"The way this team's coaching staff operates, it's so unpredictable."
Ma'el said calmly, but couldn't conceal his joy, with his legs slightly trembling.
He had long awaited this day.
......
At one in the afternoon, Ma'el dressed up well and boarded the team bus, heading towards Cardiff, where Cardiff City is located.
Throughout the journey, he was filled with excitement, unable to close his eyes for even a moment.
The rapidly whizzing scenery and buildings by the roadside seemed like crowds of cheering and clapping fans, encouraging and celebrating him.
A first time, it's always beautiful.
Around four thirty, they arrived at their destination, checked into the hotel, and had something to eat first.
At seven in the evening, Ma'el joined his teammates at the Cardiff City sports ground for a warm-up training session.
It was his first time stepping onto the internal field of a big stadium, the turf beneath was soft, with the air filled with the scent of mist.
The light from dozens of large lamps lit up his face, making him feel an out-of-this-world sensation, yet instinctively, he stood up straight, puffed out his chest.
Finally, he was going to stand on this pitch!
It was destined to be a sleepless night, with countless thoughts springing forth in his mind, making him alternately smile and take deep, nervous breaths.