Glory Glory Rebels

Chapter 14 Tension

Rudy thought Bruce’s response was because FC United were ranked to low, they were too new. If they were just one league up, Rudy thought that Bruce would not have hesitated to accept the offer. This was the dilemma Rudy was facing being a newly established club, getting well known players and coaches to join them would be difficult, they had no reputation and no guarantee that they would succeed. A lot of people would be reluctant.

“You know what Wolf? I promise that I will take FC United to the premier league. We will become the number one football team, not just here in England but the world. We will be better than Manchester United, Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona!” Rudy said with passion.

His fervor startled both Tony and Wolf, Tony recovered quickly so he could focus on driving. Wolf, however took a bit longer to recover from Rudy’s bold words. Eventually, Wolf reached over to pat Rudy on the shoulder;

“Good, good for you. I support you all the way!” Wolf smiled.

Tony spoke over his shoulder, barely keeping his eyes on the road;

“You have to promise me, when you do become big you do not follow Edwards example with Manchester United… I don’t want to have to start a rebel club against the Rebels!” Tony laughed.

Rudy and Wolf laughed along with him, it seemed to release some of the tension in the cab but it certainly had not dampened Rudy’s determination. Tony eventually pulled up outside the Red Knight Bar on George Street;

“Here we are, Sirs!”

Rudy took out his wallet to pay Tony,

“How much do I owe you for the trip?” Rudy asked.

“Oh no, no way I can take your money. Just see this as my way of supporting you and your club.” Tony grinned at Rudy and refused to take the money.

Rudy thrust his hand through the window and dropped the money on the passenger seat.

“I will not take no for answer. It isn’t fair on you, this is your business. If you do not take it, then I will never call you for a ride again.” Rudy said seriously.

“He won’t give up Tony, just take the money and come inside and buy us a drink. How does that sound?” Wolf asked.

“I would love to but I still have work to do. Definitely another time though!” Tony drove off, waving out the window.

As the tail lights of the cab vanished, Rudy sighed.

“Hey is such a lovely guy. What a great man to be friends with!” Rudy said, impressed.

“Same as you!” Wolf replied.

Rudy wasn’t sure he had heard properly, he looked sideways with a questioning look. Wolf just smiled and shrugged his shoulders and pushed Rudy into the bar without saying anything. In Manchester City there were two main football clubs one was Manchester City and the other was Manchester United.

Manchester United were also known as the Red Devils, the club colors were blue and mainly red. Most of the bars in Manchester were decorated in one way or another in blue and red, The Red Knights Bar had a mainly red interior, a small trim running around the table and chairs was the only hint of blue.

The colors and name implied that the bar was steeped in Manchester United culture and so naturally it became a gathering place for the Red Devil fans as well.

Manchester had a long history as an industrial city, the architecture was hard and cold. All steel and dull bricks, the outside of the buildings lent no warmth or welcome, the bars in the area liked to blast loud rock music to add life and vitality to the streets. Not everyone enjoyed the loud atmosphere however, there were several private rooms available inside he Red Knights Bar and once the patrons were inside and closed the door, the noise was all but gone.

Although the European Football League Cup was still more than two months away, however the French World Cup would be on within the week so the pub was busier than usual, fans gathered around tables, drinking beer, eating peanuts and talking and laughing.

As soon as Rudy walked into the bar, he saw Johnson Griffen sitting next to Curtis at the bar.

“Hey Johnson, What are our giving him to drink? You know he is underage!!” ” Rudy was worried, he wasn’t sure if Griffin was responsible enough to watch Curtis.

There was ten years between Griffin and Curtis but they were almost the same height and they seem to get along well.

“I’m not doing anything! We were just sitting here having a drink. You went to see Bruce, how come you didn’t take me with you?” Curtis spoke before Griffin could say anything.

Curtis sounded bitter about not being invited along, as if he expected to be involved in everything Rudy did.