Middlesbrough Away

The team bus hummed softly as it cruised toward Middlesbrough, the landscape outside the windows shifting from rolling fields to the industrial outlines of the town. David sat near the window, headphones on, his playlist cycling through songs that matched his mood—equal parts focused and reflective. This was his fourth match with Derby County, and though the nerves still danced in his stomach, they were no longer the unruly butterflies of his debut. Now, they felt more like a steady hum, a sign that he cared, that he was ready.

His mind wandered to the journey so far. It was still surreal to him sometimes, the idea that he was here, traveling with the team, gearing up for another match. He thought about his parents, who had always been his biggest supporters. Their messages earlier in the week played on a loop in his mind, offering reassurance and a reminder of how far he had come. The early mornings, the long training sessions, the sacrifices—it was all paying off.

The bus pulled into the stadium grounds, and David's pulse quickened as he caught sight of Riverside Stadium looming ahead. The iconic venue, with its bright red seats and fervent fans, carried a certain weight, a sense of history. It wasn't his first away match, but each new venue brought a mix of excitement and challenge. This was Middlesbrough, a team with a reputation for resilience, and David knew they were in for a battle.

As the players disembarked, a small crowd of traveling Derby supporters greeted them with cheers and chants. David couldn't help but smile, offering a quick wave to the fans who had made the journey. Their loyalty meant everything, and it fueled his determination to give them something to celebrate.

Inside the stadium, the air felt charged, the atmosphere electric even before the stands filled. The team moved into the locker room, where the familiar pre-match rituals began. David settled into his spot, pulling his gear from his bag with practiced efficiency. He laced up his boots, his fingers moving methodically, but his mind was racing.

This was his fourth match. He wasn't the rookie anymore, but he also wasn't a seasoned veteran. He was somewhere in between, finding his footing, learning the rhythms of professional football. He thought back to his last game, a hard-fought win at home. He had made an impact, setting up a crucial assist, and the memory bolstered his confidence.

The coaches began their final tactical briefing, and David listened intently, absorbing every word. Wayne Rooney, standing at the front of the room, exuded a calm intensity that steadied the team.

"This is a big one, lads," Rooney began, his voice firm but encouraging. "They're a solid side, especially at home. But we've got the tools to take them on. Stick to the game plan, stay disciplined, and play with heart. Trust each other out there. This is our game to win."

David felt a swell of pride hearing those words. He had always admired Rooney—a legend who had seen and done it all. To have him as a coach, guiding and believing in the team, was a privilege David didn't take lightly.

As the team broke into smaller groups for warm-up stretches, David's focus sharpened. He went through his routine with precision, feeling the stretch in his muscles, the steady rhythm of his breath. This was the calm before the storm, the moment to center himself before stepping onto the pitch. He reminded himself to stay grounded, to trust his instincts. He had earned his place here, and he belonged.

The buzz of the stadium grew louder as the gates opened and fans began filing in. David caught glimpses of the Middlesbrough supporters—vocal, passionate, and ready to back their team. It was the kind of environment he had always dreamed of playing in. Hostile, yes, but alive with energy. It fueled him, made him want to prove himself even more.

As kickoff approached, the team gathered in the tunnel, their jerseys pristine, their expressions a mix of focus and determination. David glanced around at his teammates, drawing strength from their presence. This was more than a team; it was a brotherhood, a shared pursuit of something bigger than themselves.

He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. The smell of the freshly cut grass, the muffled roar of the crowd, the weight of the jersey on his shoulders—it all hit him at once. This was what he lived for. The challenges, the pressure, the moments of brilliance that made everything worth it.

As the players lined up to step onto the pitch, David's heart pounded in his chest. The roar of the crowd was deafening now, a wall of sound that seemed to vibrate through his entire being. He took one last glance down at his boots, then up at the sky, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Let's do this," he whispered to himself.

It was almost time. The fourth match of his career. Another step on the journey. And David was ready to give it everything he had.