Glory Glory Rebels

Chapter 7 Contracts

There were stories about the National league, that this method had caused some issues and left some gaps for them to deal with. If the lower level teams didn’t meet the requirements, they couldn’t promote to the English League therefore unable to enter the National League.

This often meant that there were not many teams participating in the National League, therefore fewer games. So they introduced guaranteed lists for some of the better lower level teams, the idea was to fill to gaps in the league.

Now each club was given a ranking number based on its number of registrations, whether they had any full-time contracts signed, who their coach was and numerous other things. It was still difficult to meet the requirements, but not impossible.

Rudy did not want to consider the ranking number right now, he needed to focus on being prepared. It was early still, they hadn’t even finished registration and to get a good rank there were other things he needed to consider.

“Wolf, I think we should sign a couple of players on a full-time contract.” Rudy was staring at the training ground, the turf was not in good condition and he wondered how often it was maintained.

“Wow, that’s a big expense.” Wolf whistled through his teeth, surprised.

Wolf wondered why Rudy had suddenly mentioned this, he knew that to run a club even at the lowest league was going to cost a lot. There were the players' salaries, training costs, travel expenses not to mention insurance, daily running costs and maintenance.

Wolf knew that Smith made a very reasonable living through his clothing business, he had money so it was easy for him to spend it, but thinking about promoting the team from amateur to professional was a big leap and a lot of extra expenses.

Once a full-time contract was signed, it became so much more than just a salary. Every aspect of the players well being would become the clubs responsibility, Wolf was concerned.

“Look, I will figure out the money side of things, we need to focus on being professional and we need to find another training ground.” Rudy said, sadly kicking at a large clod of dirt.Suddenly, Rudy had a headache.

Rudy knew that he would eventually have to pay for training grounds, Smith had said they could use the Butchers Arms stadium for free at any time, but the cost of maintaining the grounds must be absorbed by the club. There was a lot that needed doing before they could even train.

Everything seemed like a jumbled mess, all Rudy could think was that they needed money. He shook his head and ran his hand through his hair.

"Hey, take it easy, Rudy.” Wolf soothed. “Everyone believes in you, the fans will support you. Speaking of fans, I have some great news!” Wolf smiled, hoping to distract Rudy from his troubles.

Rudy was temporarily side-tracked.

“Well, are you going to tell me?” He asked.

“According to the records, on the first day we have over 1500 club members. We have had offers from fans to do everything from helping the team warm up, free transport service and even cleaning!” Wolf clapped Rudy on the back happily.

Hearing this lightened Rudy’s heart, it reminded him why he had gotten into this in the first place. If his members where that passionate then he would continue to do anything he could to keep this club up and running.

Members paid an annual fee of ten pounds, it didn’t sound like much but it was enough to show Rudy that these people were dedicated to his club. The mention of warming up reminded Rudy of another pressing problem.

“Hey Wolf? We still don’t have a head coach.” Rudy was back to sounding stressed.

Wolf smacked himself in the face, with everything else that had been going on he couldn’t believe that he had forgotten about the head coach.

The head coach was usually selected by the assistant coaches so Rudy had not troubled himself to look for one. It was Wolf’s responsibility but he had been overwhelmed, now they did not have a lot of time to find someone.

They only had two months left before the start of the league, the desperately needed to find a head coach.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to do now, who is the best we can get? Do you know anyone?” Wolf asked Rudy.

Rudy shook his head, he had no ideas either. He was trying to think about who they could approach, he even though about bringing someone over from the U.S.A. It was rumored that the coaches were very high quality, but they expected to be paid more and not all were happy to lower themselves to English amateurs.

“This problem will not be easily solved, it is something I need to think about. I would really appreciate your help picking the players though, it will alleviate some of the pressure. I’m going for a walk.” Rudy sighed.

Wolf smiled, he knew that Rudy found comfort in walking, it gave him space and time to think. He patted Rudy on the back gently and went back to what he had been doing.