Glory Glory Rebels

Chapter 13 Exceptional Coach

“Mr. Bruce, if I may be honest with you… I don’t think that you will leave football forever. I know you are a driven individual with aspirations. You have the perfect character to make a fantastic coach.” Rudy said hoping to convince Bruce to coach FC United.

“I know our club has just been formed but I can assure you that every person at the club is completely dedicated and passionate. We had a deep love for Manchester United, we will not stay in the minor leagues for long. The ultimate goal is to meet Manchester United and beat them, I think it is a game that will go down in history!” Rudy continued trying to persuade Bruce into accepting.

“I strongly believe that you would be an exceptional addition to our club. Not only are you known as a legend because of your time at Manchester United, you have a reputation as one of the best players, you have a professional attitude and you are very approachable. These are the qualities we are looking for, a new team needs as much help as they can get right?” Rudy was almost begging Bruce to join them now.

Rudy’s flattery did not seem to be working, no matter what Rudy said, Bruce would not be swayed. Wolf saw that Rudy was not getting anywhere with Bruce so he quickly jumped into the conversation.

“Mr. Bruce, do you remember me?” Wolf asked.

Bruce looked closely at Wold, he had thought that the guy looked familiar when he first saw him. After a moment, Bruce seemed to recall who Wolf was.

“I have seen you around, you’re the football fan club representative aren’t you?” Bruce said.

Wolf smiled and nodded,

“You are right Mr. Bruce. Now I work as Rudy’s assistant and I have to be honest with you, the fans and I are all eager to see you come home.” Wolf said sounding wistful.

“What do you mean… come home?” Bruce sounded emotional when he spoke.

“Yes, come home. You see, for us, FC United is somewhat of a continuation of Manchester United. We are the soul of football and are trying to bring the game back to it’s former glory. We hoped that you would be able to help us bring joy back to football in Manchester.” Wolf spoke quietly but passionately.

This was obviously what Bruce needed to hear, when he had read that Rudy had sold everything he owned just to establish this club he had been moved and impressed by Rudy’s passion and dedication towards the sport. Wolf had hit a soft spot with Bruce by mentioning that FC United were somewhat of a continuation of Manchester United.

FC United were the epitome of the true soul of football.

“The coach for the Scottish team, Jock Stein, once said that there is no football without the fans. Therefore when Manchester United no longer took into consideration what the fans wanted, the fans had to find another way to show their passion. They felt betrayed by Manchester United and I took advantage of it, to create a club that is dedicated to the sport and the fans.” Rudy made one last final push.

Bruce couldn’t help but nod in agreement, there were a lot of people that disliked some of Manchester United policy and procedures. Actually, to be honest with you a lot of the players disliked them as well. Ferguson had repeatedly criticized and questioned Manchester United board of directors. Keane also had something to say about how they operated the Old Trafford Stadium.” Bruce told them.

Even though he had left the club, he was well liked and still had many connections within the club. He was up to date on all the current news and situations within Manchester United, lucky for Rudy this only made Bruce more bitter towards Manchester United and more sympathetic towards Rudy’s cause.

However, from his previous experience as a football player, Bruce had learned it was important to be passionate but too much emotion involved in a decision could lead to trouble.

“Mr. Silver, I will seriously consider your invitation. Would it be alright if I had some time to think about it and discuss it with my family?” Bruce asked nicely.

When Rudy heard this response he was instantly frustrated, from previous experience he knew that an answer like often led to rejection. However he didn’t let it show and accepted the response gracefully.

They all continued chatting about everyday things for a little while before Bruce walked them to them to the front gate. Just as they were about to get in the car, Rudy suddenly recalled something that he wanted to say.

“Mr. Bruce? I heard that Sheffield United has also extended you an invitation. May I bold and tell you that I do not think Sheffield would be the team for you? You have a Manchester United soul, you belong at home.” Rudy finished.

Bruce was startled at the audacity of Rudy, where and how had he gotten this information? But by the time he had gathered his scattered thoughts, the cab had already started making its way down the driveway.

Tony, the cab driver, drove a bit slower on the way back. He guessed that Rudy needed some time to calm down and driving slowly was the only thing Tony knew how to do to help.

“Hey, don’t worry about it too much, he said he would think about it. That means we are in with a chance right?” Wolf tried top comfort Rudy, but he did not feel any conviction...