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Old foes meet on opening day

You could not have scripted it, you really couldn't have. The fixture list for the new 2027-28 Premier League season was unveiled this morning, and Liverpool will entertain local rivals Everton on the opening day.

The Merseyside giants have met 251 times in all competitions since that first ever meeting in 1894 when the Toffees triumphed 3-0. The Reds though hold sway when it comes to wins overall with 102 wins, Everton having 71 and there have been 78 draws. The latest encounter saw Liverpool fight back from near certain defeat to rescue a 3-3 draw with two late goals in the last eight minutes.

Liverpool's opening month of Premier League action concludes with away trips to Newcastle United and Southampton and further home games against Watford and Leeds United. The first North-West derby against champions Manchester United has been set for 23 October 2027 whilst Boxing Day sees the Reds travel back across Stanley Park for the reverse derby match.

The season ends for the Reds on Sunday 5 May 2028 with Fulham the visitors to Anfield.

Other games of note on the opening day include Newcastle going to Old Trafford and Tottenham Hotspur hosting Manchester City. The three newly promoted sides see Burnley away to AFC Bournemouth, Huddersfield Town host Wolves and Stoke City entertain Arsenal.

The new campaign kicks off on 7 August 2027.

Mason Greenwood opened the scoring for the Three Lions

After their disappointing UEFA Nations League campaign ended in two successive 3-1 defeats, an experimental Three Lions side recorded an impressive 5-1 success over Colombia at Wembley Stadium. Tottenham midfielder Delé was the star of the show with a couple of goals as the home nation signed off for the season with a win.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Lee Mullen was awarded his maiden England cap after a successful season at club level. Striker Harry Kane was given a well earned rest, with Leicester City's Mason Greenwood leading the line as England reverted to a 4-1-2-2-1 formation which Head Coach Mark Duell had used many times before in club football.

England opened the scoring in the 21st minute when a superbly weighted ball over the top from Ricky Armstrong found Greenwood in acres of space and the Foxes striker finished with aplomb past the exposed Contreras for his first ever international goal. Armstrong himself would score the second of the game three minutes before the interval when he picked up a pass from skipper Trent Alexander-Arnold just outside the penalty area. The midfielder took a couple of touches to create himself space before placing a shot into the far corner of the net, Contreras again left with little chance.

Two goals in three minutes after the restart put the game beyond Colombia as the home crowd were treated to some scintillating football from the Three Lions. The first came in the 47th minute when Lopera manhandled Joe Gomez in the penalty area as they challenged for a Marcus Rashford corner, Delé stepped up to send Contreras the wrong way. The Tottenham attacking midfielder was on the scoresheet again in 50 minutes with a superb 25 yard effort that simply whistled into the back of the )net as Colombia backed off.

The nap hand was completed in the 73rd minute and it was one that Contreras will want back straight away. A Ryan Sessegnon cross was punched clear by the Colombian keeper to Manchester United midfielder Dominic Clark who blasted it first time into the net from 25 yards via a wee bit of help from the post. Within three minutes Colombia had a consolation goal when Palacios was fouled by Sessegnon, another clear cut penalty. Cucho stepped up and made no mistake, giving Mullen no chance to preserve his clean sheet.

England: Mullen; Alexander-Arnold © (Rice 61), Joe Gomez, Laycock (Stones 69), Sessegnon; Dier (Cook 61); Armstrong (Clark 61), Delé; Nketiah (Ward-Prowse 61), Rashford, Greenwood (Sancho 61).
Colombia: Contreras ©; Vega (Osorio 73), Sánchez, Camacho (Becerra 56), Romero (Valencia 66); Lopera, Jorge Gòmez (Vásquez 66), Chará (Cardona 56), Caicedo; Oehlman (Palacios 66), Cucho.
Man of the Match: Delé (England)
Attendance: 69,776
Referee: Michael Rees (Wales)

Barcelona striker Abel Ruiz bagged himself a brace

Any hope that England had of salvaging their UEFA Nations League campaign with a win, was blown away as a Spain side inflicted a second successive 3-1 defeat on the Three Lions. This result meant that the defending champions finished fourth in the competition.

FC Barcelona striker Abel Ruiz was the man that did the damage with a couple of first half goals. Although Jadon Sancho pulled one back with a superb solo effort, Spain completed their win with a penalty converted in the closing stages.

After their 3-1 defeat against Italy four days ago, England Head Coach Mark Duell rang the changes for this game. He made six changes to the side and adopted an attacking 4-2-4 formation as he attempted to finish this tournament on a high.

The game was an entertaining one from start to finish as both teams put an attacking spectacle. It was Spain though who opened the scoring with 24th minute lead. Baldo Morcillo was allowed to run at the Three Lions defence before slipping the ball into Abel Ruiz whose low shot left the recalled Jordan Pickford completely leadenfooted. It was no more than Spain deserved for their attacking intent.

Eight minutes before half time, Spain and the Barcelona striker had their second of the afternoon. An enterprising run from Carmelo saw his progress halted by a well judged tackle from Dominic Clark but the ball squirted into the path of Ruiz who got there ahead of Craig Laycock to steer a shot into the far corner of the net.

England needed a way back into the game and were given hope in first half injury time. Collecting a pass from Ricky Armstrong, Sancho went on a mazy run at the Spanish back line before placing a superbly placed effort beyond David De Gea. A very well taken individual effort by the Chelsea wide man.

After that it was all huff and puff from the Three Lions as they searched for that second and equalising goal. However, with seven minutes to go, Spain scored that killer third goal to ensure that third place would be theirs. Morcillo was brought down just inside the area by substitute Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaving the referee was no option to award the spot kick. Up stepped Marco Asensio to drill home a penalty right into the bottom corner, Pickford inches away from saving it.

Spain: De Gea; Odriozola, Vallejo, Iribarren (Guayre 82), Grimaldo (Jorge Meré 70); Rodri (Saùl 82), Marco Asensio; Néstor ©, Baldo Morcillo, Carmelo; Abel Ruiz.
England: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold © (Wan-Bissaka 78), Gomez, Laycock, Grainger; Armstrong (Ward-Prowse 68), Clark; Nelson, Sancho; Rashford (Nketiah 68), Kane.
Booked: Alexander-Arnold
Man of the Match: Abel Ruiz (Spain)
Attendance: 60,432
Referee: Jeff Zanter (Luxembourg)

Harry Kane scored again but couldn't stop England sliding to defeat

Two goals from Pietro Pellegri and one from Federico Di Pasquale did the damage as Italy ended England's reign as UEFA Nations League champions at a sell out Emirates Stadium. Harry Kane was on target for the Three Lions but that mattered little as the Azzurri booked their place in the Final against Germany with a comprehensive performamce.

England Head Coach Mark Duell sprung very little in the way of team selection in a match which saw Trent Alexander-Arnold pick up his 100th cap for his country. However the Italians offered little in the way of sentiment as they took the lead after just ten minutes when Luigi Pili found Real Madrid's Pellegri in space and he blasted the ball into the roof of the net leaving Dean Henderson no chance whatsoever.

It was the striker's 50th international goal, in his 90th appearance.

Italy scored their second eight minutes before the interval. England failed to deal with a corner, heading away weakly, and the ball was worked to Di Pasquale who finished with aplomb from twelve yards out. England came out in the second half a bit more determined, probably as a result of some harsh words by Duell, and were given a lifeline on the hour. Some great awareness from Alexander-Arnold saw him break up an Italian attack before finding Delé who found club mate Kane to lash his 95th goal for the home nation.

Three minutes later, those dreams were dashed as Italy netted a third to put the game beyond doubt. Pili centred from the right and Pellegri was baulked by Joe Gomez right under the referee's nose. The Real man picked himself up off the deck, and produced the perfect penalty despite Henderson diving the right way.

That was that and England had no response. Their UEFA Nations League life had been well and truly sucked out of them. Now they must pick themselves up for Sunday's third place play-off against a Spain team humped 5-1 by Germany in the other semi-final.

Duell had this to say after the game:

Chapter 39: Back into the routine

As the hours ticked on, Basil waited and waited. He had agreed terms with a new central defender but the question was: had the paperwork been registered in time for him to debut in the prestigious home friendly against Melbourne Victory which would start the pre-season preparations. Unfortunately for Basil and Werribee, time ended up being against them so Basil had to keep with what he had, and with the youths having a friendly same day, it meant a depletion of options. It also meant that Basil couldn't leave wantaway Julyan Collett out of the matchday squad this time out.

Collett was still unhappy, and nearly half the squad were siding with him. Now if the actual season got off to a more than decent start, perhaps the tide would start to turn back towards supporting the manager and stop being a bunch of spoilt brats. That Basil envisaged was one way of proving his way was indeed the right way. Then take stock from there.

Pre-Season Match 1:

A capacity crowd of 4275 flocked to the Galvin Park Reserve to see the City's principal Hyundai A-League side roll into the suburb of Werribee top open the Bees' pre-season campaign. The visitors were treating it with respect as they named their senior squad to face their part-time hosts. All the goals came in the first half. The first arrived in the 14th minute when right-back Leigh Broxham floated in a cross which met by a flicked header from former PSV striker Ola Toivonen into the top corner.

Five minutes later, Victory were 2-0 ahead. Former Danish internationalist Jakob Poulsen picked out the run of Toivonen and he sprinted clear to drill home a fierce right foot shot. The gulf in class was being very evident but Werribee halved the arrears five minutes from half time; Marinos Gasparis picked out Lisandro Paz unmarked on the right and his half volley whizzed home. Yet Toivonen completed his hat-trick in the 44th minute when Traoré picked him out and he ensured it was a perfect hat-trick (header, right, left) with a directed finish. There were no further goals after that but plenty of things for Werribee to look at in their usual post-game video analysis.

Team: Thurtell (Baird 56); Lakic (Wilkes HT), Petrov (Collett 69), Dillon (Zaffina 71), Bavcar (Parkinson 45); Pistininzi (Gorgovski HT); Gasparis (Jessup 56), Ballan © (Gaspari HT); Paz (Davis 56), Holden (Ammache HT); Scott (Elasi 56)
Scorer: Paz

Before the second pre-season match, Brush added a 10th and 11th new signing to the squad to add even more competition for places. The signings meant that Werribee had cover for every position in their side. However the dark mood generated by the Collett outburst meant that there was still work to do to get back to a happy dressing room. Brush welcomed the following players to Werribee:

Brendan Gonano - DM: Free Transfer

After the release of Bradley Murray in the close season, Werribee had no real cover should Mark Pistininzi get injured or be suspended. Thus when the opportunity to sign Brendan Gonano arose, Brush was keen to bring the 23 year old to Galvin Park Reserve. Like new team-mate Jordan Thurtell, Gonano came through the AIS ranks before turning professional with Melbourne Victory. He didn't make an appearance for the A-League side but then bounced around before settling down at Richmond SC (in a second spell). Can fill in at right-back if needed.

William Abbott - D C: Free Transfer

Adding more competition to the central defence positions is the 11th new signing, William Abbott. When Collett had his outburst, Brush set to work in bringing in a quality replacement and he thinks he has found it in Abbott. At 27 year old, the new signing has plenty of time to get even better in a career that has seen him play for a number of clubs. The Tasmanian ticks all the boxes that Brush likes in a commanding central defender, height and a defender who just wants to er; defend. He also can fill in as a right-back if required such is his versatility.

Then to really turn up the heat, Brush asked Collett to show the newcomers and to help get them acquainted to their new playing surroundings. The rebel did as he was asked, but Brush spotted a scowl as the three players walked around. Talk about putting down a marker on someone.

Pre-Season Match 2:

Werribee's second pre-season saw them travel to take on minnows North Caulfield Maccabi, and a good chance to bag a hatful for goals to improve confidence. New signing Gonano went straight in the squad, but Brush landed a surprise by fielding youngsters Nemanja Kojic and Vinnie Jarvis in central defence. This luxury meant that Collett was missing from the squad entirely which Brush saw as a way to teach the player a lesson, and to be honest the team didn't miss his involvement. Everyone in the 22 man squad got minutes, and as a whole it proved to be a good workout for the Bees.

The scoring started in the second minute. After Maccabi had halted one move, Gonano put the ball back into the mix and as the keeper came then hesitated, Lachlan Scott looped his header into the gaping goal. The 3 away fans were celebrating again in the seventh minute, Brandon Zaffina picking up a pass from Josh Gaspari to lash home an unstoppable effort from outside the box. Scott was back on the scoresheet in the 10th minute when he collected a pass from Zaffina, charged forward with intent, and hammered it in from just inside the right hand corner of the area and beating the luckless home keeper at his near post.

It was only a matter of time before he completed his hat-trick, and he had it in the 17th minute. Omar Ammache clipped in the cross and the striker just simply directed his header into the far bottom corner. Easy. Then he got a fourth and Werribee's fifth in the 29th minute, Jordan Wilkes stood a cross up to the far post and the striker did the remainder. A sixth came five minutes later when Scott got baulked in the penalty area as he challenged for a Paz free-kick. Paz stepped up and confidently dispatched from twelve yards. Brush changed the side completely which caused a lack of tempo but there was still time for a seventh in the 53rd minute, Michael Holden applying the finishing touch to what looked a goal bound header from fellow substitute Oskar Dillon. Seventh heaven indeed.

Team: Baird (Thurtell HT); Wilkes (Lakic HT), Kojic (Petrov HT), Jarvis (Dillon HT), Parkinson © (Bavcar HT); Gonano (Pistininzi HT); Gaspari (Gasparis HT), Zaffina (Holden HT); Ammache (Davis HT), Paz (Holden HT); Scott (Goodwin 59)
Scorers: Scott 4, Zaffina, Paz (pen), Holden

Chapter 39: We're going shopping

As Basil and John Waddell sat in the offices of Werribee City, Basil couldn't help but think about how uncomfortable that team meeting was. He had hoped that, despite the loss of seven players, the players would come back happy and ready to keep up the good work that had gotten them promoted. What he got was a squad that was on the verge of mutiny, led by Julyan Collett. Reinforcements had to be sought to try and get the harmony back in that dressing room. It would be a shame to let player power take over, and with a new Chairman to please as well. The team had to get back down to focus and ironing out their differences.

As the week towards that first pre-season game ticked on, Basil managed to bring in five newcomers. Two of them were against his transfer principles but when you have no money to spend, like Basil did, then every new face would be welcomed with open arms.

Lachlan Scott - ST C: Free Transfer

Basil had been tracking the striker all summer, and after weeks of negotiations: finally got his man. Scott was a poacher's poacher and had played in the A-League despite being only 23 now. He made 20 appearances for Western Sydney Wanderers in the three and half seasons he was there but as Wanderers cast their net further, the chances slowly dried up. A spell at Wollongong Wolves failed to kickstart his career so Brush has brought him to Werribee. His signing should put more pressure on Alec Goodwin and Nathan Elasi to deliver in front of goal.

Josh Gaspari - M C: Free Transfer

The first of four midfielders to arrive that week. Josh is a hard working midfielder who was released by Gungahlin United at the end of a two year stint there. He's not afraid to add bit of aggression to his game so might be suited to breaking up team's attacks in midfield when called upon to do so. He has very good passing abilities which make him an asset to the Werribee midfield contingent and is always willing to support the attack and chip in with a goal or two.

Marinos Gasparis - M C: Free Transfer from Altona Magic

Basil didn't want to sign veteran players at all but when someone like Marinos seemed to be available then perhaps this is what the team needed to achieve what he wants to happen this season. Alongside Matteo Ballan, the new signing is one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the squad and if Ballan is not producing then Marinos can take over the mantle in game. He was named in Altona Magic's team of the season last season which goes to show how good he is despite his age. A risk worth taking on low wages, eh?

Michael Jessup - M C: Free Transfer from Yarraville Glory FC

The second veteran midfielder signed by Basil in as many days. Although he's at the tail end of a career, Brush sees this signing as an impact player who could change the game Werribee's way if circumstances dictate it to be. The board will obviously not be pleased with this signing or the one before but sometimes there's no actual substitute for experience. He has the potential, like Gasparis, to make those younger midfielders around him better players than they are now. And if that benefits Werribee then it was a short term risk again on low wages that paid off.

Brayden Holmes - M C: Free Transfer

The final signing of this frenetic period of recruitment was youngster Brayden Holmes, one that Basil sees as a work in progress. The youngster made 16 appearances for St Albans Saints last season after coming through their youth programme and was surprisingly not offered a full contract by them to continue his development. Capable of playing in central midfield or in the hole behind strikers, Holmes could be a diamond of a signing just waiting for a manager to let him unleash his full potential. He'll begin the season in the Werribee Youth squad but is one to keep an eye on.

So with these players in, Basil at least thought that this would improve the mood. In fact, it didn't. Collett was still moaning around that it wasn't good enough, and was refusing to talk with the manager at all. Basil decided action was needed and put the central defender on the transfer list as punishment. There was only room for one person to call the shots here and that certainly wasn't Julyan Collett. One player did seem happy about the recruitment drive though, left back Nicholas Bavcar came to see Brush personally and told him it was a smart stroke of business dealing the manager had done. Now if the others could see it that way...

Perhaps a signing of another central defender would really put the wind up Collett. Now that would be some statement...

Chapter 38: Grumblings

It was that time again, the first meeting of the team for the season ahead. At the back of his head, Basil sensed something wasn't right but he couldn't fathom out what. Sure seven players had left the Club but none of them figured in the plans for the new season so those decisions were pretty much no brainers. The four newcomers would all be present so it was a good chance for everyone to become reacquainted after a summer break.

Time to clear the air.

Basil parked his car at the stadium and was met by John Waddell, his trusty lieutenant.

"Afternoon Basil."
"Afternoon John, anyone here yet?"
"Nope, just us at the moment."
"OK, we'll hold the meeting in the main stand instead of trying to squeeze into the sheds."
"Sounds good."

Then shortly one by one, the players arrived in dribs and drabs: senior and youth players alike. Each of them looked relaxed and disturbingly, confident as they started to seat themselves in the main stand. Basil and John remained stood out front, ready to address. Ten minutes later, all were present. Basil looked at his notes, composed himself, and spoke:

"Good afternoon guys, and for the newcomers here: my name is Basil Brush and I'm the First Team Manager here at Werribee City. I'd like to welcome you all to our first team meeting of the new season. First of all, it's good to see all of you looking so well after your break."

There was no noticeable reaction.

"I'd like to say to you, I think I was being a shade unrealistic when I said I thought we should aim for a mid-table finish this season. It's a step up in quality for us all, and we know we need to be on our A-game all season long."

There was a distinct grumbling as Basil finished those words. Basil noticed it, and looked at Waddell, his reaction said everything.

"OK then lads, you've got some kind of beef here and as the manager, I don't like this disharmony. Especially after what the majority of us experienced last season. Has anyone got the nerve to tell him what's amiss? After all, that's what these team meetings are for. If you're gonna stay silent then that's not gonna help anyone."
"I'll tell you what's up boss," Julyan Collett said as he rose from his seat. "I'm personally disappointed by the fact we look very lightweight in our midfield at present. It's as if you're just gonna rely on everyone that did well there last season and that's not on."
"Oh, is that it Julyan?"
"Yeah it is."
"Right. Anyone else think Julyan's right here?"

Alex Baird stood up, then Thomas Dunn and in the end, eleven players stood up to back up the vice-captain's comments. It was a real show of strength and unity something that Basil had never encountered before.

"I see, well we need to do something about it then."
"Yeah get some flipping reinforcements in otherwise we won't achieve whatever you're aiming for here." Collett replied, forcibly.
"Well, we're going to do something then. I do appreciate your honesty."
"Thank f**k you're listening then."
"No need for that kind of language Collett, I appreciate we've not brought in that many new faces at the moment but this is going to be a priority for me and the Club. We don't have much in the shape of cash to spend on these reinforcements, in fact I'm not going to lie: we have nada, nothing. So I'm going to have to raid the free transfer and loan markets to strengthen. That process starts later today, I'll be sitting down with Wads (John Waddell) and we'll look to get the transfers done as soon as possible."
"We're hoping to have added to the squad come start of the season, this argument ends here." John Waddell added.

The players who had stood up, sat back down like a set of dominoes, one by one.

"Now that's addressed, I've got two more new faces for you. Please welcome to Werribee Steve Bebic who will help coach you and Robbie Cole as our Head of Youth Development. Robbie will address all the youth prospects separately."

The meeting carried on for a good half an hour after that, but Basil was still very unhappy with the atmosphere as the players drove away. "We're gonna need a few more newcomers Wads. Otherwise there's a potential storm brewing." Basil said to his assistant manager. John Waddell sighed and nodded, the second season preparations hadn't got off to be the best possible start at all.

Chapter 37: A knock back leads to looking forwards

Basil sat in the hotel bar, laptop open and drinking a soda as the world passed him by. He was thinking about the Western Sydney Wanderers position he had just been interviewed for a couple of days previous. To be courted already by a Hyundai A-League side despite only having one full season's managerial experience represented a feather in the proverbial cap for Basil. Obviously the invincible season had done wonders for the Werribee manager.

Brush called "The Gaffer" (Sir Alex).

"Hello Basil," came the warm and welcoming Glaswegian tone.
"Hi Gaffer, how's things? Still enjoying that retirement?"
"Of course, been tending to some plants in the garden. What can I do for you?"
"Gaffer, I've had an interview for another managerial post."
"That's good son, you thinking about leaving Werribee after one season then?"
"Well not really.."
"Would it be a step up the managerial ladder then?"
"Yeah, Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League."
"That's the pinnacle of Australian league football right?"
"Yup."
"How do you think you did?"
"Well, I thought I came across well to them."
"That's alright then. Just don't take it to heart if they turn you down, you've still got Werribee."
"Thanks Gaffer, you're the best."
"Haha, anyway I need to walk the dog. Let me know if you need anything else."
"No problems."

The call had only just finished when Basil received an email in his inbox. He opened it immediately.



The first managerial knock back of his fledgling managerial career. Basil sighed and took a further gulp of the soda until it was well and truly empty, crushed the can, and composed himself. Werribee were his focus now, time to finish off the two year plan and then re-evaluate at the season's end. He had hardly time to compose himself when a second email arrived, this time from a more known source: John Waddell.


Time to kick on, and prepare notes for that meeting. Basil was sure that the players were gonna be moaning about something, but he had no idea what. He would soon find out in a matter of hours.

Chapter 36: On the move?

Basil knew that the first season had done wonders for him. He was no longer seen as an unknown; taking on a role which he had no experience of whatsoever. Although it was just that one season, it had been a productive one and one that some media pundits tipping big things to happen next for him.

The success had even hit back home in the UK; and especially in Basil's native North East. "Local boy done well" was the headline of the Hartlepool Mail as they ran a story on Basil's success at Werribee. And his name was being linked with vacancies albeit some of them not massive. Geosonic Lowland League side Vale of Leithen had reputedly been interested in acquiring Basil but nothing came of it: Werribee had apparently asked for a compensation figure but the Vale baulked and pulled out. Then one day....

Basil was relaxing in between player searches when his mobile rang, once more it was a number that he didn't recognise.

"Hello?"
"Hi, is that Basil Brush?"
"Erm, yeah speaking. Who is this?"
"The name is Lederer, Paul Lederer. I'm the Chairman of Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club."
"Right..."
"I just wondered if you could pop over to Sydney today. I'll get a flight booked for you as you don't want to be driving for nine hours..."
"Um, yeah. What time's the flight?"
"Couple of hours from now."
"OK."
"We will look forward to meeting you then, I'll be in a car parked outside whilst my chauffeur will be in the meeting hall holding a board with your name on. Just follow him from there on, please. Oh, and thank you."
"Thank you."

Basil quickly showered, changed into his suit and hopped into his car. Thirty minutes later, he was all checked in at the airport and waited for the call for the flight to Sydney. Whilst sitting in the departure lounge, he decided to do some research. Wanderers were a Hyundai A-League side which represented a massive step up in class from Werribee. The PDF email that Paul Lederer had sent showed that Wanderers were financially sound which meant, if appointed, Basil wouldn't be raiding the bargain basement. Former Liverpool and Germany defender Markus Babbel had been a previous manager for a short spell before being succeeded by Ernie Merrick. Merrick had decided to retire from the game at the end of the season hence Lederer was keen to fill a role.

As he boarded the Airbus A319, Basil knew he was on a possible winner if he impressed Lederer enough. He could improve on their 11th position in the 2019-20 season, after all nobody had expected him to do what he did when he took over at Werribee did they?

A shade over four hours later, Basil brushed through security to be met by the chauffeur and led to a jet black limousine where Lederer was sat in the rear. The car then sped its way, its two passengers sharing a few jokes here and there in the back, to the Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta: 24 km west of Sydney City Centre but a shorter hop of 25 minutes from the airport. Once at the Stadium, Lederer ushered Basil to the board room and the two men talked in earnest for a good hour or so.

The chauffeur returned to whisk Basil back to the airport, and as he eventually took his seat on the return flight, Basil smiled to himself. "I think I did alright," Basil muttered to himself. "What will be, will be." Until he knew otherwise, Basil Brush would honour that second year at Werribee but if a new challenge presented itself to him then he'd take it with open arms. In the world of football management, Basil knew that was oh so true.

But was this too big a jump? Especially for a manager with very little experience.

Chapter 35: New faces arrive

Despite being in England for the first couple of weeks, Basil was still very much hands on with his recruitment drive for the new season. Regular Zoom conversations were being held between him and John Waddell. Waddell would come up with a recommendation and then send all the details over to Basil complete with a video of the player in action for the manager to peruse over.

Once Basil had completed his due diligence, Basil and John would then convene and a decision whether or not to offer that player a contract. That process brought the Bees four new players as the calendar ticked over to July 2020. Having released seven at the end of the season, Basil knew he had to bring some new faces to provide healthy competition to those currently at his disposal. Those new faces were as follows:

Jordan Wilkes - D R: Free Transfer

Despite being only 25 years of age, Jordan has accumulated over 150 appearances since debuting for Heidelberg United in the 2013-14 season. Last season wasn't a good season for the defender though as he failed to tally a single outing for St. Albans Saints after joining them from Altona Magic. Predominantly a right back by trade, Wilkes can fill in as a central defender should circumstances call on him to do so.

Jordan Thurtell - GK: Free Transfer

Signed to provide extra competition to both Alex Baird and Thomas Dunn, Thurtell came through the Australian Institute of Sport programme before being snapped up by Perth Glory. Although he failed to make a single appearance for the Glory, there seems to be some untapped potential there which Brush is keen to take advantage of. Whether he displaces Baird as first choice is uncertain at present.

Oskar Dillon - D C: On loan from Western United

If at first you don't succeed then try, try again. Well that's true of the third Werribee signing for the 2020-21 season. Dillon was a target for Brush last season, but opted then to sign on loan for Oakleigh Cannons where he missed just one league game. Western United were keen for their young prospect to gain more experience and this time Brush and Werribee succeeded. Could he be the steal of the season?

Michael Cole - ST C: Free Transfer

With Shaun Weaver leaving the Club, there was a vacancy in the striking department that needed to be filled. Although, Cole is just 19, and unproven: there's something that Brush seemed to like in the former FC Bulleen Lions striker. It will be very interesting indeed to see what role he plays in the season ahead although he will be possibly a starter for the youths.

Added to that, there has been a further boost for the season ahead. Midfield playmaker Matteo Ballan has agreed terms on a new one year deal which will take him past his 32nd birthday on its conclusion. Brush had been keen to get his midfield maestro under contract and hopefully will be rewarded with more stellar performances as the Bees plan for life in the next level.

Chapter 34: We're going through changes

After the party, it was about time to plan for the new season. One of those issues that it was time to tell certain players that they were not needed next season and as a result they would be released on free transfers.

All in all, Basil had to tell seven players they were no longer needed. Those were as follows:

Nemanja Govedarica
Cameron Williams
Shaun Weaver
Bradley Murray
Cameron Davies
Damian Hodgson
Jani Lah

That meant Basil had to find a couple of goalies for his youth team and hope they develop, two new central defenders, a central midfielder and a striker. But with a bit of time on his hands this time, Basil was sure he could find the right pegs to fit in the right holes. There was to be a surprise before Basil boarded the flight back to GB though. Angus Brown called his manager into the office.

"Basil, I know you've got your flight back home on your mind but there's something I need you to know."
"Yeah sure, what is it?" Basil enquired
"Well I'm taking a back seat Basil."
"You what? You can't. I mean..."
"I've decided to cut back on my football commitments Basil. You've brought great pleasure to me and this football club but the time is right to do this."

Basil gulped.

"So what does this mean for me?"
"Nothing is different for you Basil. The Club is possibly being taken over, I've had two very good offers made and need to deliberate which is best for Werribee City. This explains why I haven't been able to sanction any transfers for you. Now you get on that big bird, and go and see that family of yours. We'll stay in touch with developments."
"Oh right, OK."

Four days later, Basil was sat in a country pub with the sun beating down, when his phone rang. It was an unknown number, one that wasn't stored. Sceptically thinking it was a scammer, Basil answered with trepidation.

"Basil? Basil Brush?"
"Erm, yeah that's me. Who is this?"
"Basil, my name is Craig Adam and.."
"Sorry Craig, I'm on holiday and I'm not interested in buying anything."
"No Basil, I'm not trying to sell you anything."
"So OK, how did you get my number?"
"From Angus, y'know Angus Brown. I've just bought Werribee City from him. So I thought I'd give you a quick call and introduce myself."
"Right..am sorry for the misunderstanding."
"Sure no worries big guy, you enjoy the break with the folks. I'll see you back in Melbourne when you're back, me and my chauffeur will pick you up from the airport."
"Yeah OK."

With that in mind, the call ended and Basil messaged his faithful lieutenant: John Waddell. "Start the player recruitment John" was the short and sharp message. The brief was to build a side capable of staying in the NPL Victoria Division, and not being drawn into a relegation scrap. Basil also knew with this being the second year of his two year deal, agreed with the former Chairman, all eyes would be on him. The invincible season that made him a possible wanted man.

Him and Eric Gates were a brilliant partnership, with Frans Thissijen and Arnold Muhren pulling the strings in midfield.

That Ipswich team should have won more trophies than they did, unfortunately it was at the time when Liverpool were so dominant domestically.

Chapter 33: End of season celebrations

It was with a very sore head that Basil woke up with the day after the final game of the season. The party had gone well into the night at the Galvin Park Reserve as the team celebrated an incredible achievement. Beer cans cast aside all over the dressing room, or as "the shed" as the players referred to it as, and bottles of champagne equally cast asunder.

Even Basil, normally a reserved character, allowed himself to go wild for a bit and embrace he and his squad had actually performed in the last eight months or so.

The following day, it was the Club's end of season shindig which meant yet party celebrations and more alcohol to consume. The team awards would be handed out, who would be the lucky recipients? For players, fans and management alike the tension could be cut with a razor sharp knife. Therefore at 7:00pm that Sunday evening, Basil stepped into the cab that the reception had called for him and headed to the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) where the Club had decided to hold the event...no expense spared by Angus Brown!

It was a proper black tie and tuxedo event, Basil thought he looked more like a penguin than a football manager, with players, fans, the fourth estate and dignitaries sat around tables of ten in the main conference centre. Following an impressive meal, it was time to present the awards with local comedian Tom Gleeson acting as both Master of Ceremonies and entertainment for the evening.



The first award was the prestigious Fans Player of the Season. It was a hard fought award but midfield playmaker Matteo Ballan came out on top in the end. The 31 year old took the award ahead of winger Lisandro Paz with top scorer Alec Goodwin rounding out the top three. When asked by Gleeson if he was going to sign a new deal and snub Macarthur FC, Ballan was coy with his response: "Guess, we will have to wait and see.": Brush knew in the next few days, this would be his immediate task in hand before he headed back to England for a two week break to see his family.

Ballan's midfield partner Brandon Zaffina was next to take to the stage: his game winning strike at Kingston City being voted as the Goal of the Season. It was a fabulous strike on the day, and when it was replayed on the big screen: everyone was stood up and applauding how impressive it really it was. Award number three was the Signing of the Season, and taking this one was left winger Michael Holden who marked his second spell at the Galvin Park Reserve with some brilliant performances and justifying why Brush was so keen to bring him back home so to speak.

The penultimate award was the Young Player of the Season: winning this was 24 year old striker Goodwin. Before the season had kicked off, he had been in a contract stand off with the Club (similar to Ballan now), but terms were thrashed out just before the big-kick off and the striker rewarded his new boss' persistence with a double figure goal haul despite being out of the team for certain periods of time.

The final award was the Fans Team of the Season based on the 21 players who played for the Bees this season. In Brush's favoured 4-1-2-2-1 formation, the side was as follows:

Chapter 32: History is made!

Basil and Werribee City entered the final month of the season on the cusp of making more history. Never before in Australian football had a team finished the season without a league defeat. Now the Bees and the rookie Pom Manager stood on the verge of immortality. The task was simple, avoid defeat in the final two games of the 2019-20 season and Brush's name could go alongside Brendan Rogers (Celtic 2016-17), Arsène Wenger (Arsenal, 2003-04), Antonio Conte (Juventus 2011-12) to name just three modern day campaigns but who could forget the original Preston North End invincibles of 1888-89.

Everyone was suggesting they could do it but Brush being Brush, he wasn't getting too carried away with two very hard games to finish with: one which was away to second placed Brunswick City. Brunswick themselves had eyes on a prize, bagging that second promotion spot behind the Bees and a place in next season's NPL Victoria league: two tiers behind the A-League.

Matchday 21: Brunswick City 0 - 4 Werribee City

It was billed as the biggest test for Werribee in their bid to go through the season unbeaten. It ended up being the biggest win of the season for the visitors as they swatted their hosts aside with ruthless finishing. Brush opted to make two changes from the side that appeared in the Bees last game with Cameron Davies and Daniel Petrov coming in for Julyan Collett (surprisingly dropped) and Nicholas Bavcar (injured but also suspended).

Despite the changes, it took Werribee just six minutes to open the scoring. Tom Lakic swung in a cross from the right and Michael Holden planted a header beyond Sebastian Mattei for the left winger's seventh of the season. The lead was doubled in the 27th minute and it certainly sent the 266 visiting supporters dancing with delight. A beautiful through ball from Matteo Ballan sent in-form striker Nathan Elasi racing clear and he slipped the ball under Mattei into the gaping goal.

Two goals in the final stages sealed the comprehensive win. In the 87th minute, James Jones was adjudged to have blocked off debutant Amanze Kessie illegally in the penalty area; Ballan stepped up to ram home the resultant penalty into the bottom corner. It was the midfield playmaker's fourth of the season. Then in time added-on, Werribee completed the coup de grace with a fourth goal to really rub salt into the proverbial wounds. Jamie Gorgovski's cross was headed goalwards by Holden but Mattei could only palm it into his own net to add yet misery to the goalkeeper's miserable day.

Team: Baird; Lakic, Petrov, Davies, Parkinson ©; Pistininzi; Zaffina (Gorgovski 69), Ballan; Paz (Kessie 69), Holden; Elasi (Goodwin 80). Unused Substitutes: Collett, Dunn, Williams, Ammache.
Man of the Match: Matteo Ballan
Attendance: 569
Position After Game: 1st

Matchday 22: Werribee City 2 - 1 Moreland Zebras

History was made at the Galvin Park Reserve as Werribee City completed an incredible season by remaining unbeaten in all 22 league games, the first time in Australian football history. It capped an amazing season for the Bees and their rookie manager Basil Brush who was only appointed last July. For Brush, it represents a remarkable first ever campaign and leave Werribee with a possible fight on their hands to keep him.

Werribee took to the field in front of their largest crowd of the season, and there were two surprise selection choices from Brush. Second choice goalkeeper Thomas Dunn was rewarded with his first start of the season in place of Alex Baird whilst Gorgovski replaced Brandon Zaffina in central midfield. Two goals in nine minutes had them celebrating more on the day that the Champions flag was unfurled in the Melbourne suburb. The first came in the 21st minute, and it was a fourth goal in four games for Elasi. Holden provided a delicious cross from the left and the striker powered home a header from ten yards past Stephen Hatzikourtis.

The second came directly on the half hour and what a goal it was. Lisandro Paz picked up a throw-in from Lakic and fed it duly onto Gorgovski who took a couple of touches before unleashing an unstoppable shot from outside the penalty area that whizzed in the far bottom corner; Hatzikourtis given no chance whatsoever. Despite playing in a kit that reminded those present of Juventus, the visitors were far from being their lookalikes as Werribee controlled matters. However, the clean sheet for Dunn was taken away from him when Nick Niagioran headed in with just three minutes left. Yet the Zebras would finish the game with ten men as central midfielder Jake Barker-Daish was sent off for two yellow cards as the game entered injury time.

All hail the Werribee Invincibles!

Team: Dunn; Lakic, Petrov, Davies, Parkinson ©; Pistininzi (Collett 73); Gorgovski, Ballan; Paz, Holden (Ammache 65); Elasi (Goodwin 81). Unused Substitutes: Zaffina, Baird, Williams, Kessie.
Man of the Match: Jamie Gorgovski
Attendance: 688
Position After Game: 1st

Chapter 31: A busy final few weeks

A weary Basil staggered into his hotel suite after the NPL - Victoria 2 title had been secured. The party was something else indeed as players and staff celebrated as one in one of the most memorable days in the 50 year history of Werribee City. Fearing he would be pulled for a DUI, Basil hailed a taxi to get him back to the hotel but even that proved a tad problematic. Well...

The fans were so ecstatic about the title win, they were partying themselves in the Galvin Park Reserve car park and making hard for vehicles to enter and exit it. Who could begrudge them though? The last time Werribee had won this honour was way back in 1993, so long overdue indeed. Yet the work was far from done.

A few days before the Northcote game, Werribee had announced that Peter Haynes had been recruited as the Club's first ever Director of Football. Basil had been pursuing this matter all season, and finally the Bees had found someone to fill the role. Haynes, 38, who had a more than decent playing career of 72 goals in just 167 games had been acquired from Goulburn Valley Suns where he was fulfilling a similar role. Then just 24 hours after the celebration, Werribee welcomed another new face to the Galvin Park Reserve. Coming in as the new Youths Manager was four times capped former Croatian internationalist Joey Didulica. Didulica, who had spells at Ajax Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar in his playing career as well as winning the Austrian league title with FK Austria Vienna, was the standout applicant and Brush was keen to work with him.

Brush was still trying to secure a new deal for star midfielder Matteo Ballan but at the calendar flipped into May, no deal had been agreed with the demands of the player being higher than what the board could afford to pay. Shades of Alec Goodwin earlier in the season, eh? But newly formed Macarthur FC monitoring proceedings, there was a distinct worry that the new Victoria - 2 champions could lose such an influential player whose creativity was second to none. Yet Brush hoped he could persuade the midfielder to stay...

That new month meant one more thing, John's fixtures email, the final one of the season.

Two games from immortality, that's what remained. Basil was more determined as ever to finish this rookie season in the best way possible and that meant one thing, remain unbeaten and create history. Nobody had done it before in Australia, and Basil had never experienced it as a player either so it would be doubly sweet. Time to finish the job!

Chapter 30: Crack open the bubbly!

It was the penultimate month of the season and it had all the elements needed to spark a celebration in the Melbourne suburb of Werribee. The Bees were on the verge of securing promotion to the third tier of Australian football under their rookie coach Basil Brush. Brush knew it, the players knew it, the fans knew it. Could they finish the job with games in hand?

The team had been unbeaten all season, an invincible season beckoned: the first time ever in Australian football. History books were there to be re-written.

Matchday 19: Werribee City 3 - 0 North Geelong Warriors

The first of back to back home games in April saw a then in-form North Geelong make the trip to the Galvin Park Reserve, could they stop the Bees making it 19 games unbeaten? Werribee showed a couple of changes from the side that defeated Kingston City in their last game, back came Mark Pistininzi after his one game suspension and club captain David Parkinson appeared in central defence. The Warriors had the worst beginning possible when they were reduced to ten men after just six minutes; midfielder Damien Rastocic being showed a straight red by referee Rob Eedy for a late and dangerous challenge on Michael Holden. It was the right decision looking at replays over and over again.

Encouraged by Brush's words, the Bees took the game to their numerically disadvantaged opponents. Yet it took 25 minutes after that red card for the deadlock to be broken. A quick throw-in from Nicholas Bavcar found Alec Goodwin in a pocket of space and the striker crossed for Brandon Zaffina to nod home his second goal of the season from just outside the six yard box. Werribee doubled their lead 40 seconds into the second half when another Goodwin cross was this time headed out by Warriors' Shaun Montagner but straight to the feet of Tom Lakic who took a couple of touches before blasting the ball into the roof of the net for his maiden Bees goal.

The win was sealed four minutes from time, and with another landmark goal. Substitute Omar Ammache showed great persistence to get in his cross from the left wing despite being tightly marked; and there was Nathan Elasi on hand to poke home his first ever Werribee goal of the season at the seventh time of asking. That result confirmed a ninth clean sheet of the season for Alex Baird, and with results going their way: promotion for Werribee.

Team: Baird; Lakic, Collett, Parkinson ©, Bavcar (Davies 79); Pistininzi; Zaffina, Ballan; Paz, Holden (Ammache 63); Goodwin (Elasi 74). Unused Substitutes: Petrov, Dunn, Gorgovski, Murray.
Man of the Match: Lisandro Paz
Attendance: 245
Position After Game: 1st


With promotion secured, Brush's next objective was to secure the title. Then the champagne could really be taken out of the fridge and celebrations could begin. Ever since the media had been talking about Werribee and their title aspirations at the end of the first half of the season, chairman Angus Brown had put a case of the finest Möet Chandon aside; chilling away in a fridge in the boardroom. Now it was just a case when it could be used so to speak. With another home game to come to finish off April, maybe sooner rather than later right?

Matchday 20: Werribee City 3 - 1 Northcote City

Brush and Werribee knew one thing going into this game, avoid defeat and the title was theirs despite whatever everyone else did. It was as simple as an equation as that. So in a surprise move, Brush made one change from the team that had won 3-0 against North Geelong a fortnight prior, Elasi started in place of top scorer Goodwin. Visitors Northcote City and their outspoken new manager Stephen Downes, who played for Grimsby Town and York City, were keen to upset the proverbial applecart.

It was a tense game but eventually the Bees exerted their influence and took the lead in the 23rd minute when Harry Johnson tripped Lakic as the full back charged into the penalty area. Up stepped midfielder Matteo Ballan, who Brush is desperate to tie down on a new deal, and he sent Petrovski the wrong way from twelve yards. The celebrations went up a further notch when the Bees scored their second ten minutes before half time. This time Ballan was the architect as usual with a free-kick deep into the penalty area and Elasi looped a header over Petrovski for his second in as many games. Proper bus syndrome as Brush alluded to.

The champagne was certainly out of the fridge when Werribee scored their third 14 minutes from the end. Zaffina was afforded so much room to measure and pick out a cross which was easily headed in at the far post by substitute Ammache; his first for his new club. Joseph Louey scored his first ever goal for Northcote in the final throes but by then the game was long gone: resulting in this:


Team: Baird; Lakic, Collett, Parkinson ©, Bavcar (Davies 67); Pistininzi; Zaffina, Ballan; Paz, Holden (Ammache 74), Elasi (Goodwin 74). Unused Substitutes: Petrov, Dunn, Murray, Weaver.
Booked: Bavcar
Man of the Match: Matteo Ballan
Attendance: 479
Position After Game: 1st

So with just two games to go, this is how we stand:

England Head Coach Mark Duell has named an experienced squad for the Three Lions forthcoming games against Italy in the UEFA Nations league semi-final and a friendly against Colombia. There are recalls for John Stones, Reiss Nelson and Ricky Armstrong but RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Phil Foden misses out. Foden's absence has come as a surprise, fuelling rumours that he and Head Coach do not see eye to eye.

There is a first ever England call up for Crystal Palace's former Celtic goalkeeper Lee Mullen.

Duell had this to say:


The squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS:
Jordan Pickford (Everton, 63 caps/0 goals)
Lee Mullen (Crystal Palace, 0 caps/0 goals)
Dean Henderson (Olympiacos, 3 caps/0 goals)

DEFENDERS:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool, 99 caps/6 goals)
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Olympique Marseille, 1 cap/0 goals)
Ryan Sessengon (Manchester City, 37 caps/1 goal)
Steve Grainger (Leicester City, 4 caps/0 goals)
John Stones (Manchester City, 124 caps/6 goals)
Joe Gomez (PSG, 77 caps/5 goals)
Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur, 133 caps/14 goals)
Declan Rice (CF Valencia, 45 caps/3 goals)
Craig Laycock (Southampton, 8 caps/0 goals)

MIDFIELDERS:
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton, 10 caps/0 goals)
Lewis Cook (Leicester City, 44 caps/4 goals)
Ricky Armstrong (Tottenham Hotspur, 59 caps/3 goals)
Dominic Clark (Manchester United, 9 caps/1 goal)
Reiss Nelson (Liverpool, 5 caps/1 goal)
Jadon Sancho (Chelsea, 56 caps/13 goals)
Delé (Tottenham Hotspur, 124 caps/30 goals)

FORWARDS:
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur (141 caps/94 goals)
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United, 136 caps/60 caps)
Eddie Nkeitah (Manchester United, 24 caps/8 goals)
Mason Greenwood (Leicester City, 1 cap/0 goals)

The Italian game will take place at the Emirates Stadium on 2 June 2027, with the Three Lions hosting Colombia at Wembley seven days later. However, should England make the Final of the Nations League then it's likely the Colombia friendly will be cancelled.