Chapter 1: The Turning Point

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Stadium of Light

The lights of the 'Stadium of Light' glowed like beacons as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over Sunderland.

For Alex Spencer, these lights had been his guiding stars since he was 6 years old. His entire life was intertwined with the club, from his sixth birthday to the moment he stepped onto the pitch as a professional in the Premier League at only sixteen, a record at that time.

Tonight, however, those lights seemed dimmer, weighed down by the burden of expectation and disappointment.

Sunderland had just suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Lincoln City, and the atmosphere was heavy with frustration and despair.

As Alex walked off the pitch, he reflected on how the team, once in the Premier League, was now struggling in the third division.

Despite this, the fans never blamed Alex and were even applauding him—seeing the fans who had adored him since his youth applaud him despite the loss pierced Alex's heart.

He felt their pain as acutely as his own.

In fact, how could Sunderland blame him? Alex had played in the Premier League at only sixteen years old, and he was called the most talented of the new generation.

Many giant teams like peak Arsenal and Manchester United tried to recruit him, but he stayed loyal and professional. He never left the team, even now when he is only 26 years old and at his peak. With his strength and talent, he should be playing in the Champions League, but here he is in the third division league, and it's aching their hearts.

"Alex," a stern voice called from behind. It was Mark Douglas, the club's chairman, his face a mask of grim determination. "We need to talk. Now."

Alex followed Mark through the labyrinthine corridors of the stadium, his mind racing.

The defeat had been bad, but what could this possibly mean? He was soon to find out.

In the boardroom, the air was thick with tension. The club's top brass sat around the table, their expressions a mix of concern and urgency. Mark didn't waste time with formalities.

"Jack's gone," he said bluntly. "The board decided we need a new direction, someone who embodies the spirit of Sunderland. We need you, Alex. We want you to be our player-coach."

The words hung in the air. Although Alex was a bit surprised that Jack was dismissed, he was expecting something like this. What surprised him was that the chairman wanted him to be the coach. Alex blinked, struggling to process what he had just heard. "Me? But I'm just a player. I've never managed a team before."

"You're more than just a player, Alex," Mark insisted. "I know that you have obtained the UEFA A License and the UEFA Pro License just because you were curious, proving how right your nickname of 'tactical master' is."

"And don't forget, you've been with us since you were a child. The fans adore you, the players look up to you. You know this club inside out. We need your leadership, on and off the pitch."

The room fell silent as Alex considered the weight of the offer. His mind flashed back to his younger days, the accolades, the offers from giant clubs that he turned down out of loyalty.

He had stayed with Sunderland through thick and thin, and now, they needed him more than ever.

"I... I need to think about it," Alex finally said, his voice steady despite the storm inside.

"Take the night," Mark nodded. "But we need an answer by morning."

The drive home was a blur. Alex replayed the conversation over and over in his mind. Could he really do this? Could he balance the demands of playing and coaching and lead the club back to glory? He wasn't really afraid but carefully weighing his ability.

If he remembered correctly, there were many times in football history when a player was both player and coach at the same time, with the most famous being Kenny Dalglish, who received the title of most liked coach by Liverpool fans in 2006, and Vialli.

Vialli played for Chelsea in the 1990s and also took on the role of player-manager during his time at the club at only 33 years old. He had a successful tenure, leading Chelsea to win the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. His dual role as player and manager was a notable achievement in Chelsea's history.

For Alex, the weight of the responsibility was immense, but so was his love for Sunderland and football. He thought, since others can do it, why not him?

By the time he pulled into his driveway, his mind was made up. This was his chance to make a difference, to give back to the club that had given him everything.

The press conference the next morning was a frenzy of activity. Cameras flashed, journalists jostled for position, and the air buzzed with anticipation.

Alex stood at the podium, a mix of nerves and determination coursing through him.

"I know this is unexpected," he began, his voice clear and resolute. "But Sunderland is my home. I've been here my entire life, through every high and low. As player-coach, I promise to give everything I have to get us back where we belong. Together, we can do this."

The home reporters erupted in applause while the other reporters were just watching the show, but Alex's mind was already racing ahead. There was no time to waste.

He had a team to lift, a club to save, and a new chapter to write(-_-). He was ready for the challenge; only 11 games were discussed in the 2019-20 season, and as a traveler, he knew about the pandemic coming.

End of the chapter

It's not easy writing a football novel (+_+)