[Helginho]

Great start! :thup:

[Tarrantino]

July 2007

Shaun and Mark arrived at their offices at Elland Road and after signing off a few papers rang Dennis Wise, he answered the phone as Shaun put the speaker on.

Dennis Wise: Hello, Dennis Wise speaking.

Shaun: Hi Dennis, It’s Shaun from Leeds United.

Dennis: Oh, what’s up?

Shaun: Nothing, we at the club would like an explanation to why you decided to give up your manager’s position here. It was very out of the blue.

Dennis: Well, the players do not want to try their best. They were demoralised when I got there and even when we won games, which seemed to be rare it gave them no confidence. How can I make Leeds a top club again?

Shaun: You blame the players? Have you ever seen managers blame players before when their team gets relegated? I mean seriously, I’ve never seen Mick McCarthy at Sunderland ever blame the players. At the end of the day it’s whether you can get the players to want to play for a football club. I’m not saying you failed here but with you reaction of ‘it’s the players fault’ it looks to me as if you did a bad job.

Dennis: Well, it’s not my problem anymore because I’m not part of the football club now. I’m sure you’ll be able to find a replacement. However, I think it’ll take years before you get close to Premier League football again.

Mark: Dennis, we know that we were in very bad financial problems and it was hard to bring new players in and compete with the big teams due to this but an important management skill in football is to be able to motivate people. Gus Poyet your assistant loves it here and tried his hardest to prepare the players.

Shaun: Yes, so Dennis thanks for what you did here and we both wish you all the best, thanks for you time.

Dennis: But, surely you can - *phone goes dead*

Shaun hangs up.

Shaun: I said to Ken Bates that Dennis would be a waste of time. I guess we should put this behind us then and starting looking for a new manager. Got anyone in mind?

Mark: One or two, but both may be unlikely to want to managing a League One club.

Shaun: Who are they?

Mark: Well my uncle is friends with Basel coach Christian Gross and the other one being Foppe De Haan, he’s the coach of the Dutch under twenty ones.

Shaun: Both sound like good choices, I was thinking back to Peter Reid or David O’Leary but I think bringing back an old manager doesn’t show the fans we are trying to go forward. We’ll take a look at Christian and De Haan. I’ll sort something out for the next few days.

[Greenbeard]

Blackwell Leeds want Blackwell

[Tarrantino]

July 2007

Two days after scheduling a meeting with Foppe de Haan, Shaun and Mark flew to Utrecht to see Foppe at the KNVB headquarters in Zeist, just north of FC Utrecht‘s stadium. The meeting was to discuss the managerial position at Leeds. Current Basel manager Christian Gross in Switzerland will be the second choice if Foppe decides to turn down the offer made to him.

Shaun, Mark and Foppe gathered into a small meeting room to talk about the contract, the room was bright orange, the colour most associated with Holland. Foppe as per usual had a glowing smile on his face, obvious that he was happy that he was a wanted man.

Foppe: So guys, what can I do for you?

Shaun: Well, as we said on the phone, we are interested in making you the new manager here at Leeds United.

Foppe: As a matter of fact, when I read an article on the internet about the trouble the club was in and that the manager’s job was vacant I did think that I would be able to help out, so I’m quite delighted that you are both here today.

Mark: Well that’s great news. We are quite happy with our new chairman Greg Barker because he has promised a nice transfer kitty for you, it may not sound big but for a club in the third tier of English football, it’s quite big.

Foppe: Ok, well lets here the terms.

Mark slides the sheet of paper over to Foppe De Haan who studies the contract carefully.

Mark: As you can see, you’ll have a two year contract which you can ask to be extended at any point from the first season onwards and you also get a couple of bonuses, it’s just up to you whether you would like to sign or not.

Foppe: Well, I’ve never managed outside of Holland so it’s going to be different and I will relish the challenge, it’s going to be an adventure.

Foppe De Haan puts pen to paper, he is now the new manager of Leeds United.

Shaun: Well Mr. De Haan, welcome to Leeds United football club.

Mark: A few things we will need to tell you though, we will need you in England tomorrow for a press conference which we will hold in the evening and in a few days time you and your family if they wish to go will fly out with the team on the pre season tour of the United States.

Shaun: And we already have two houses lined up for you in Yorkshire so you won’t have to worry about where your staying when you back from the tour.

Foppe: Well thank you guys and I look forward to working with you.

Shaun and Mark flew back a few hours later whilst De Haan gathered his family for the morning flight. After the press conference was out of the way the pre season could finally begin.

[Tarrantino]

July 2007

Foppe De Haan arrived at Elland Road for the press conference in front of many TV cameras and reporters. Shaun and Mark walked into the conference room to announce the new manager in charge.

Shaun: Well once again, welcome to Elland Road. We are here this evening to announce the newly appointed manager after Dennis Wise walked out almost two weeks ago. So without further ado, here is our new manager; Foppe De Haan.

The room fills with a sound applause as Foppe De Haan walked into the room and took his seat, the questions immediately flying in after a small speech from both Mark and Shaun

Reporter The Daily Mirror: Foppe, you had a good beginning to the summer break with the Dutch U21 side, winning the European championships. Did you not attract any clubs within a better league?

Foppe De Haan: Well I had one or two that were quite high profile but as many people back in my home country of Holland know, I do not like being the big centre of attention at a big club so it was an easy turn down.

Reporter Evening Standard: So why Leeds?

Foppe De Haan: Well like I said, I don’t like the big profile clubs. Although Leeds have a great reputation they are at the moment a low key club who I think I will be able to take back to the top. It was only a few years ago that they were premier league challengers and champions league semi finalists, I want the club to be able to go through that again.

Reporter The Telegraph: I’m presuming that you have met up with the squad already? Have you thought of any possible transfer targets and players you wish to move on from the club?

Foppe De Haan: No, in fact I haven’t met the team yet. I will first meet them when we fly out to the tour of America tomorrow night. I hope that we can have a lot of fun out there and get the morale very high, I want us to come back and have a very good start to the season.

Reporter Yorkshire Mail: The obvious question, anyone in mind to boost your chances of promotion?

Foppe De Haan: Of course, I spoke to someone this morning who I think would make a massive difference. Also I have a few young centre backs I’d like to bring in but whether they want to spend the season in a lower league of England is something they will have to decide.

The press conference went on for another thirty minutes as club information was also discussed with the new arrival of chairman Greg Barker. Foppe De Haan would now have to wait to meet the squad at Elland Road tomorrow night when they fly state side for their pre season tour.

The next day Foppe signed his first player for Leeds United . . .

[Parscelona]

Excellent updates so far mate! :thup:

Really enjoying the story, can't wait to see who Foppe De Haan's new signing is!

Looking forward to reading more!

[Bianconero]

Very nice story, continue its very good!

Parscelona, on Jul 14 2007, 12:08 AM, said:

Excellent updates so far mate! :thup:

Really enjoying the story, can't wait to see who Foppe De Haan's new signing is!

Looking forward to reading more!

Yo! Are you the old Pars' from Codemasters?

[Palacios]

This is just outstanding mate :thup:

The graphics are quality and so is the story!

[charlie9]

excellent story and layout so far mate cant wait to see who your manager has signed haha KUTGW

[Tarrantino]

July 2007

David Jones: Well breaking news here this afternoon on Sky Sports News. New Leeds Utd manager Foppe De Haan has made his first signing as Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, released by Charlton this Summer has signed on a free transfer on a two year contract. We can cross live to Elland Road now to reporter Bryn Law.

Live outside Elland Road, Bryan Law;

Bryn Law: Thanks David. Yes, news from Elland Road has suggested that Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink arrived this morning and trained with the team before signing a contract of which will last two years. Hasselbaink of course was a Leeds player before so the Leeds fans no what he is capable of and one fan here with me now would like his opinion out in the open.

Leeds Fan: Yeah, I think Hasselbaink is a great signing. We know he can score goals and with David Healy’s departure last month to Fulham we need all the goals we can get. I think Foppe has made an excellent signing and it didn’t cost us a penny, hopefully there are more signings on the way. But all the Leeds fans want to thank Shaun Harvey and Mark Taylor because they’ve really got the club back on the road.

Bryn Law: Yes, Shaun and Mark the two Leeds directors have had a brilliant three weeks in which they have taken the club off the highway to hell and back on the road to where they feel they belong, the Barclays Premiership.

Back in the studio with David Jones of Sky Sports News;

David Jones: That was Bryn Law live from Elland Road. A quick recap of the past hour then. Carlos Tevez’ agent Kia Joorabchian has stated that Tevez will be a Manchester United player next week, Newcastle’s move for Barcelona’s Sylvinho has collapsed due to work permit issues and Leeds have signed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on a free transfer. We’re back after the break . . .

[charlie9]

excellent signing mate good ol jimmy flloyd :thup: that last post with sky sports news was quality KUTGW

[_cruel_]

Great work mate... Really enjoyed reading this story...

[Naismith]

Great story! :clap:

Loved the Sky Sports graphic and I also believe that Hasselbaink will be a good signing for you!

KUTGW :thup:

[Shedender]

What a good signing in JFH and I hope he should bang them in. :cool:

[Tarrantino]

July 2007

Shaun and Mark were later on the Elland Road pitch to introduce Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to the press with new manager Foppe De Haan.

Sky Sports reporter Bryn Law holding the microphone up to Foppe De Haan.

Bryn Law: Foppe, so why Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink?

De Haan: Well, if we want to be able to compete in this league and get promotion we will need a goalscorer. We lost David Healy already, he was a massive player and hauled in most of the team’s goals.

Bryn Law: Yes, players and big players they are have left the club, surely that means you will be bringing in more layers to boost your promotion chances?

De Haan: Well of course, we only have around fourteen players that I would consider first team players so I will have to be doing the business in the transfer market all season. I have got a few targets and I have spoke to a young Dutch player who seems to like the idea of playing in England so he may be introduced here soon.

Bryn Law turns over to Hasselbaink for his quick introduction.

Bryn: Jimmy, you’re back at Elland Road. Are you happy?

Hasselbaink: Of course I’m happy, I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.

Bryn: So why did you choose Leeds over other clubs?

Hasselbaink: Well I’ve been here before and enjoyed myself, the fans were good to me and the club needs help to be brought back to the premier league so I’m here to get them there, but mostly I’m here because Foppe has big plans for the club and want to be part of it.

Bryn: Did you have offers from other clubs other than Leeds?

Jimmy: *chuckles* Yes I did quite a few.

Bryn: *Big grin* Can you tell us who?

Jimmy: Yes of course, Manchester City, Lecce from Italy, Coventry and also Crystal Palace.

Bryn: Thanks Jimmy and good luck here.

Jimmy: Thank you.

The interviews were followed by the photographers taking shots of Jimmy displaying his name on the Leeds shirt with Foppe De Haan Shaun and Mark.

Foppe and Jimmy left Elland Road soon after to meet up with the squad as they travelled State side for their pre season tour.

[Tarrantino]

July 2007

The players and backroom staff arrived in the United States for their pre season tour whilst Shaun and Mark sorted out deals for De Haan‘s most wanted transfer targets. The Leeds squad after all the transfers out is quite slim so many reserves and under eighteen squad players travelled to take part and gain experience.

The fixtures stand as;
New York Metrostars v Leeds in Seattle
DC United v Leeds, Boston
Houston Dynamo v Leeds, Houston

The team will be training and enjoying the sites and parks before jetting back to England for friendlies against Paris Saint Germain and Stevenage.

The players arrived at the hotel . . .

Gary Kelly: Come on then lads, let’s hit the casinos!

Cheers and laughter fills the hotel lobby. Foppe De Haan walks in, stands at the door and stares down the players with a grim face.

De Haan: *Smiles* Lads, you have two days to have as much fun as you want, and then. You’re mine! Now go enjoy yourselves, and please, don’t leave Seattle.

[I]’Wheeeey’ was the big chant from the players as they spent less than half an hour finding their rooms and dressing up for a good night out, by half nine they had left the hotel and found the nearest club. Foppe De Haan was on the phone in his hotel room.

De Haan: So, he’s accepted the contract we only have to work out a deal with the club?

Shaun: Yes, everything is done. The club don’t want to sell him though, they think he’ll be a big star soon.

De Haan: Then what about a loan deal? He’s not going to play a major or if any part of this season whilst he’s there, at least here he could gain some experience. He’s a very talented young player who could help us get into the Championship.

Shaun Well, I’ll see what I can do and if we do work something out he’ll be sent immediately over to you to meet up with the squad. How are the lads enjoying it over their anyway?

De Haan: I’ve let them have two days to have as much fun as they want so I’d guess they are either out gambling, getting drunk or have found some nice American women.

Shaun: Are you sure letting them do this is a good idea?

De Haan: There are positives and yes, there are negatives. They can count on me to let them have some fun but when we start training and they are all bad because of the night before, they’ll know it was to teach them a lesson.

Shaun: And If one of them happens to get arrested?

De Haan: Then they could be here a very long time. *laughs* Nah, if one of them does then I’ll make an example out of them. Trust me Shaun, before the season starts you will see a great squad brimming of intent and really relishing the action ahead.

Shaun: That’s what I want to here. Right, anything else you want me to do for you?

De Haan: Just one, I’ll email a set of players I want you to try and get a hold of and see if they are available, if they are then get back to me. Cheers and enjoy your weekend.

Shaun: You to.

Foppe De Haan puts the phone down and lays down. Ten minutes later and he’s fast asleep

* * *

Meanwhile, in a nearby casino one of the senior players has involved himself in a high stakes poker game.

Shaun Derry: I’m all in, I‘ve got you beat.

Poker Player #1: I’ve never seen such a bad bluffer as yourself, I can only call.

Poker Player #2: I’ll fold, what you got then Yorky boy.

Shaun Derry: Bluff eh? I have a straight. I guess that means I‘ve won.

Poker Player #2: Trying to be smart? You have my hand beat but you win nothing, I’m not giving you anything.

Poker Player #3: Same, you’re not getting a penny off of me.

Richard Cresswell: He beat you three, just give him what you owe him, he outplayed the three of you.

Poker Player #1: Why don’t you mind your own business!

Shaun Derry and Richard Cresswell managed to get themselves into a brawl which in the end involved several others of the Leeds squad and the men from the poker table and onlookers. The Leeds contingent all managed to end up in a cell for the night after the police arrived moments after the fight broke out. This wasn‘t the best way to start a pre season tour.

The morning came and Foppe De Haan was informed, he wasn’t a happy man. . .

[Poolie Exile]

Trouble brewing at t' mill already? KUTGW Jamie :thup:

[Hammer100]

Greenbeard, on Jul 7 2007, 10:06 PM, said:

He's going to go for Leeds United ow I love you if you do

Lol. You posted that about 6 hours after the update confirming he would be. Just lol.

Anyways, it's a brilliant start Tarrantino, but I've not come to expect anything less from you. Keep up the great work.

[Tarrantino]

July 2007

Foppe De Haan spent his morning getting Shaun Derry, Richard Cresswell, Jonathan Douglas and Gylfi Einarsson out of the nearby prison. He got them back to the hotel only to find out that youngsters Gavin Rothery and Fabian Delph had not returned to the hotel that night.

However De Haan managed to get his hands on the older lads.

Foppe De Haan: So come on guys, tell me, what happened?

Richard Cresswell: Well, we was playing poker.

Shaun Derry interrupts.

Shaun Derry: I was playing poker, three guys in a bar were talking themselves and I got dragged in, I ended up winning and they didn’t like it, so they decided to get rough.

Foppe De Haan: And why did you decide to get involved and not walk away?

Shaun Derry: I don’t know. I was fired up I guess.

Foppe De Haan: Get out of my face, when we start training tomorrow I want this to be forgotten, we start new. Next time, think.

Shaun Derry: Sorry gaffer.

Shaun Derry gets off his seat and walks away.

Foppe De Haan: Johnny, Gylfi. Anything else I should know?

Gylfi Einarsson: Not that I can think of.

Foppe De Haan: Then have you seen Gavin or Fabian? They never came back last night.

Richard Cresswell: Sorry we haven’t, we’ll go look for them.

Foppe De Haan: Thanks guys. And Richard if you can, keep an eye on Shaun, something’s up with him, he seems like a nice guy. I didn’t think he’d be the type to get in a fight.

Richard Cresswell: I will do, see you in training tomorrow.

Obviously something was wrong with Shaun and also two of the young players who had come along with the squad were missing, so where were they? Already it seemed as if the tour of the States was a bad idea.

[wimpy_dave]

Tarrantino, loving the story. KUTGW