4 Chapter 4

As Lee entered Aston Villa, he cast his gaze around. He had never been in the executive areas of a club before, as they were usually off-limits. Approaching the receptionist, she looked up and greeted him with a smile.

"Good morning, sir. How can I help you?"

"I have an appointment with the director."

"Oh, you must be Mr. Lee. He's waiting for you in his office. Right this way, please."

She led him into the training area, where he caught sight of some first-team players. Recognizing them, he shook his head. "The quality of this team is quite impressive." He watched as Milner, Ashley Young, and Agbonlahor practiced their penalty shots.

A voice interrupted his thoughts. "What do you think of the team?" Lee turned to see the director and manager approaching him.

"The quality of this team is not lacking at all. The players' skills and experience are really impressive," Lee replied. The director's smile hinted that he expected more.

"But the quality of the youth and next-generation players here is abysmal." Lee felt a scrutinizing gaze from the manager, but he brushed it off and continued.

"I would suggest investing in youth development and scouting."

The director's smile widened. "People say I'm a reckless person, and honestly, I do like taking risks. So, how would you like to be the manager?" Lee was stunned. This wasn't recklessness; it was pure, unbridled audacity. He looked at the man offering him a job and felt a mix of fear and uncertainty. He was about to respond when the director interrupted, waving his hand and laughing.

"Just kidding, my boy. It's just a joke. Although it was amusing to see your emotional turmoil. Head to HR; your contract as a youth squad coach is ready. I look forward to seeing how far you can go."

With that, the director left the training grounds, leaving Lee baffled by the rapid turn of events. The manager looked at him, as if trying to read his thoughts, before speaking.

"Confused, are we lad? Don't let it bother you. The manager isn't into all that official stuff. He goes with his gut feeling when hiring. So far, his instinct has been on point – though your case was rather abrupt."

Lee looked closely at the manager, Martin O'Neill, for the first time. He was surprised by how open the manager was and decided to ask.

"Isn't that too impulsive?"

The manager shook his head. "It might seem that way to you, but he has a degree in psychology and was an agent for ten years. When you've been around people that long, you learn to notice the smallest details. Anyway, enough talk. Congratulations on your contract. Go meet the receptionist; she'll take you to HR and show you around."

"Thanks," Lee replied, still processing everything. He quickly headed to the receptionist, who guided him to the HR department. Sorting out his details, he learned that he would start work next week and could either take one of the staff-provided apartments or find his own place in Aston. He left the office and called Dave, who picked up immediately.

"Lee, did you get the job?" Dave asked anxiously.

I laughed heartily. "Come pick me up, man. I'm stranded." I skillfully dodged the question, much to Dave's misguided despair, who took it as a sign of failure.

"Don't worry, man. I'm on the way."

Dave picked me up from Aston Villa. As I hopped into the car, he asked me again, "Did you get the job?" I smiled and confirmed that I did. He was overjoyed, but I wondered why I wasn't as thrilled as I should be. The odd director's image flashed through my mind, and I inwardly shook my head. 'What a strange man.'

Dave suggested getting a drink, but I declined, citing fatigue, and asked him to drop me off. I reminded myself to get a car later.

As I headed to my new department, I clenched my fist. I knew I had taken my first step into the football world. I lay on my bed and drifted into sleep, wondering about the future.

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