HockeyBhoy - Comments

Chapter 48: The numbers game

For the next couple of hours, Basil and John Waddell started to discuss numbers. Not financial numbers, but squad numbers for the new season ahead. The players would be notified in the team meeting before travelling for the next friendly against which was a matter of just four days away. And this was the final list:

GOALKEEPERS:
1. Alex BAIRD
13. Jordan THURTELL
21. Thomas DUNN

DEFENDERS:
2. Tom LAKIC
3. Nicholas BAVCAR
5. / Julyan COLLETT
6. William ABBOTT
14. Oskar DILLON - on loan from Western United (A-League)
15. Daniel PETROV
20. Jordan WILKES
22. / David PARKINSON
23. / James KARVELIS

MIDFIELDERS:
4. Brendan GONANO
7. Brandon ZAFFINA
8. / Matteo BALLAN
12. Mark PISTININZI
16. Amanze KESSIE
25. Josh GASPARI
26. Omar AMMACHE
33. Michael JESSUP
34. / Marinos GASPARIS

FORWARDS:
9. Alec GOODWIN
10. Lisandro PAZ
11. Michael HOLDEN
18. Nathan ELASI
19. Lachlan SCOTT
28. Lachlan DAVIS

Chapter 47: Thanks but er, no thanks

Basil waited for the call to be answered and continued to pace the hotel as if he was desperate to go to the toilet and couldn't find one. After about eight rings, the call was answered but picked up by Kanake's voicemail: "Hi, this is Matheson Kanake. I'm sorry I can't get to the phone but if you kindly leave me a message then I'll get back to you later." then a beep.

Basil disconnected, he had a pet hate of leaving voicemails. "Damn voicemail Wads, " he bemoaned to John Waddell who was relaxed in the armchair and helping himself to a bottle of Bundaberg Ginger Beer which Basil had a stock of in the fridge. Waddell shook his head, and carried on drinking.

He tried again, voicemail again. And so the charade continued for the next half an hour, Basil was getting rather annoyed as each minute passed.

"I'm going to give him one more try Wads, you hear me?" Waddell shrugged his shoulders and sighed.

And so he did, this time Kanake answered. Success at last.

"Hello Basil?"
"Mr Kanake, oh it's so good to get in touch with you." Basil responded, tongue firmly in cheek.
"I'm sorry Basil, I had a board meeting with my company. You have to excuse me."
"It's fine, I do understand."
"Anyway, how can I help?"
"I'm just phoning back to advise you that I won't be taking the job. I thought long and hard and whilst you made me a great offer, for personal reasons I just can't accept it. I'm sure you'll find a new and willing candidate to offer it to in my place."
"That's a shame Basil, but of course I do accept this. You will be good manager in the future, I wish you the best."
"So no hard feelings?"
"None."
"Thank you for the understanding, and good luck to Madang FC."
"And to you, goodbye."

The call ended, the deed had been done. Now it was time to focus for the next friendly against Eastern Lions as well as work out the squad numbers for the new campaign. That said, Basil was unaware that he had been earmarked elsewhere and would need to decide again.

Waddell got out his notepad from his tracksuit pocket, ready to write.

Chapter 46: Stick or Twist

It was a sunny morning when Basil awoke from a decent night's sleep, and he had only been awake for less than five minutes when the mobile rang. On the other end of the line was Kanake, probably telling Basil the result of the interview.

"Morning Basil, Matheson Kanake here."
"Oh, good morning Mr Kanake." Basil replied.
"I was just calling to say the manager's job at Madang is yours. I was very impressed in your interview, you are very passionate football man."
"Oh right, thank you."
"You don't have to tell me straight away. Call me back when you've made a decision but it's yours."
"Appreciated, I'll be in touch."

That call now left Basil with a dilemma, the first real one of his rookie managerial career. It was a case of stick or twist as his late father would have called it. Stick with Werribee or twist and move on, that was the conundrum. Basil fired off a text to John Waddell, he needed to speak to his able assistant. The text was short and to the point: "John, come to the hotel ASAP. Need to chat." Whilst he awaited the arrival of the likeable Victorian, Basil showered and shaved. Eventually he arrived.

"Wads, good morning. Take a seat."
"Sure mate, what's up?"
"Wads, I've been offered a managerial role at Madang FC in Papua New Guinea."
"Woah, really?"
"Yeah, and to be honest I don't know what to do. I really don't."
"Well, you follow your heart buddy. That's the best thing I can advise."
"Yep."
"You're happy here, and I know you want to progress. But why not see this season through mate then take stock after that. Challenge yourself one more time and then leave with your head held high at the expiry of your contract."
"Um.."
"Yeah sure we can't go further than this but let's enjoy this ride Basil mate. The players, despite Collett's outburst, appreciate what you've done in such a short space of time."
"I guess."
"But that's how I see it, and what I'd do. You make your own choice though. Look after number one."
"Thanks Wads."
"Anytime, anyway here's the opening month's games."

John handed over a sheet of A4, on it was the opening month of games. Two at home and two away:


John Waddell had said his piece and Basil respected the honesty. What a decision to be left to make. Whatever Basil chose, someone was bound to be upset but then again this is football management. He paced up and down the room for a good ten minutes, Waddell looking on, before picking up his mobile and dialled Kanake's number. Time to give a decision.

Chapter 45: Wake me up when September ends

Basil opened the curtains that Saturday morning and was greeted with incessant rain and grey skies. He showered, shaved and changed into his suit which he would normally wear on a matchday but with one exception to the rule: the Werribee City blazer was cast aside for a basic black one. The lift arrived in the main hotel lobby, and the staff advised Basil that Kanake was in one of the hotel's conference rooms waiting for his respondent.

Kanake was a well dressed and well spoken man, and immediately thrust out a warm and welcoming handshake the moment Basil opened the conference room door. Nothing like creating a good impression straight off the bat. Basil sat across from his host, his eyes focused on what was being said. The interview actually started with Kanake waffling on about the City of Madang like it was a salesman's pitch on Dragons Den. All this went in for a good 10-15 minutes and Basil was struggling to keep his focus. Kanake then asked Basil if he had a female partner. Taken aback, Basil responded in the negative to which Kanake then went about crime in the country and that violence against women was particular rife as well as carjacking. "Don't worry about this Basil, it's under control." Kanake added, causing Basil to shift a bit uneasily in his leather backed chair.

As regards the interview, once it got going then it was about bog standard as an interview as you could have. At 10:00am, the two men shook hands and Kanake advised Brush he would be in touch with a decision in due course. The conference room opened and the men went in their separate directions: Basil back to his room to change into his Werribee blazer before the bus would pick him up for Bendigo in half an hour, and Kanake to a waiting car which would take him back to the airport and a flight to Port Moresby and home.

There had been no word from Chesterfield though, and Craig Adam had been kept in the dark with these covert movements. "Just looking after my own interests." Basil said to him as he finished getting ready and headed back to the lift so he could await the arrival of the team bus. Focus back on Werribee now.

Pre-Season Game 8:           

Basil selected a fairly strong squad for the game in Bendigo, and told the lads he wanted plenty of goals to help boost the team morale. The team provided the perfect start, scoring in 25 seconds when Lachlan Davis crossed for Michael Holden to loop a header into the far corner. The encouragement was for more, and the players responded with some excellent attacking movement which left the home team chasing shadows in the sunshine and rain. Goal number two came in the 14th minute, Papadimitrou upending Holden as the winger advanced into the area. skipper for the day Matteo Ballan converted expertly. Two minutes later, Ballan had his second and Werribee their third when a Holden corner was nodded down by newcomer James Karvelis and the central midfielder rifled the ball home.

With the home side struggling to match Werribee, the game was as good as over so it became a glorified training session from then on with the visitors hardly getting out of first gear. Two minutes from half time, Werribee had a fourth. Once more Holden tortured Papadimitrou on that left flank like the defender was standing in treacle before measuring his cross onto the head of the attacking Josh Gaspari for 0-4. The home support had a rare moment of happiness five minutes after the restart when Werribee failed to clear their defensive lines and Lukas Durand scored, Brush was furious and took his frustrations out on a water bottle whilst berating his team for conceding a sloppy goal. The team knew they had to put that right.

And they did so with a fifth in the 55th minute, and it came when a Ballan corner found its way to the far post and Nathan Elasi headed in unchallenged. Five minutes later, it was 6-1 as Werribee were awarded their second penalty of the game when Holden was baulked in the area by Sevin. With Ballan off the pitch taking a deserved breather,  substitute Marinos Gasparis stepped up and made no mistake. The goal fest was complete in the 73rd minute with goal number seven for the Bees, Lisandro Paz with a sweet half volley following some more less than convincing defending at a set-piece by the home side.

Team: Dunn (Thurtell 66); Abbott (Wilkes 57), Karvelis (Petrov 57), Dillon (Parkinson 57), Lakic (Bavcar 57); Gonano (Pistininzi 57); Gaspari (Jessup 63), Ballan © (Gasparis 57); Davis (Ammache 63), Holden (Paz 63); Elasi (Goodwin 63)
Scorers: Holden, Ballan 2 (1 pen), Gaspari, Elasi, Gasparis (pen), Paz

With no word from either Chesterfield or Kanake, it was business as usual in the week leading up to the penultimate away friendly of the season. That would see the Bees go play Moreland City, a team that Werribee had swept aside last season. Moreland fancied their chances, which had become a bit of a friendly slanging match on social media between the relevant sets of fans, but Brush was out to prove a point and to show that the title win was far from a fluke.

Pre-Season Game 9:           

Three goals in the first 25 minutes proved to be the difference as Werribee picked up another win in their pre-season schedule. 

The game itself was just four minutes old when the first goal arrived. Wearing their white away colours, Werribee made the initial run and were rewarded when Paz attacked the left wing before pulling the ball back for Lachlan Scott to finish with a low finish from six yards out. Midway through the half and Werribee put some daylight in the game with two goals in three minutes which had Brush purring with happiness. These had come after both Omar Ammache and Scott had efforts chalked off for offside. In the 22nd minute, Munn sent Scott tumbling with a reckless challenge and referee Adam Kersey pointed to the spot. Ballan stepped up and made no mistake.

The teams had just regrouped when Werribee added a third in the 25th minute and it was a move right off the training ground. Ballan swung in the free-kick and new signing Karvelis powered in a header that went in via a tickle off the post. Whatever Moreland attempted, Werribee repelled with confidence, Still there was time for a third disallowed Werribee in second half added-on time, Davis this time having the effort chalked away for another offside decision.

Team: Thurtell (Dunn 74); Lakic (C,Holmes 65), Karvelis (Abbott 60), Collett © (Dillon 65), Bavcar (Parkinson 60); Gonano (Pistininzi 60); Zaffina (Jessup 65), Ballan (B.Holmes 65); Ammache (Kessie 60), Paz (Davis 65); Scott (Goodwin 65)
Scorers: Scott, Ballan (pen), Karvelis

Chapter 44: Agents and another arrival

Basil still couldn't get his head around that email from the Chairman, it was like he was expecting things from season one to be almost as good in season two. The standard was higher and there was more games to play. Werribee were the new kids on the block and Basil knew that he couldn't rely upon the same names that had done so well for him in that unforgettable opening season, this was why he had to buy, buy, buy in the close season.

Make sure, there's more than adequate cover in every position in case there's injuries or suspensions. That was why Basil decided to bring 13 new players, and not because Collett's outburst had forced his hand. But there was something gnawing at the back of Basil's head, that was whether to jump ship or not. As it stood, even if Werribee won a second successive title (highly unlikely) then there was no way they could advance to the A-League. Therefore, even if Basil saw out his contract, he would have taken Werribee as far as it was genuinely possible in the Victorian football structure. So he contacted his agent, and asked for updates on managerial vacancies worldwide. 

Stewart Smith was a man that Basil had used as an agent since those heady days as a young professional, and was someone that Basil trusted implicitly. The days before the latest friendly were spent thinking things over whilst welcoming yet another new face to Galvin Park Reserve. Meet arrival number 13:

James Karvelis - D C: Free Transfer


Another centre half to take the number of centre halves on the first team books to eight, now that's called having strength in depth in a position. James is aged 25, and joins Werribee after spending last season at Northcote City. He has experience of the new division with South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons, both whom Werribee will face this season, so this should help those lesser experienced names out. James provides height and presence to the defensive corps and his 6'3 frame should be something to look out especially on set-pieces. 

That same day had been a busy day off pitch for Basil as Stewart had come back with a couple of possible options for future destinations. Option number one was Madang FC, who featured in the exotically sounding Kumul Petroleum Resources National Football League in Papua New Guinea. The city, as Basil researched, was on the Eastern side of the country and 308 miles north of the capital Port Moresby although the two cities were just a 30 minute flight apart. Option number two was a bit closer to home though; as in closer to home back in the UK. Former Crystal Palace defender John Pemberton had been given his departure cards from Chesterfield, a town not far from Mother Brush's and of course famous for its crooked spire which dominated the town centre skyline. That would be a step up in standard.

Pemberton had, whilst Basil was doing remarkable things in that rookie season, taken the Spireites into the National League play-offs. They were unable to regain their league position as they slipped to a penalty shoot out loss to eventual winners Dagenham and Redbridge but were one of the favourites this season. Yet the new season hadn't started well, Chesterfield picking up just three points (all draws) from their nine games so far which had left them bottom of the National League. Thus David Sharpe, the grandson of Dave "JJB Sports" Whelan had seen enough and Pemberton's tenure was ended. Basil knew this would be a challenge he'd relish should Chesterfield offer him the job. Smith had sent Basil's CV to both sides and it was now the waiting game.

The night before the friendly, Basil got a call from Stewart. Madang's Chairman, Matheson Kanake, was flying into Melbourne in the morning and wanted to talk about the job. With the Bees playing in Bendigo later that day, it was going to be an early morning meeting. Basil decided to have an early night, a good night's sleep would do just the trick.

Chapter 43: New Season, new expectations

There were four more games to come and the preparation work would then be all complete. Three more away trips before finishing off with a home friendly against Northcote City. In the meantime, John Waddell would get the fixtures sent to him and that meant the regular email to be forwarded onto Basil. 26 games for the new season, an increase of four on last.

The board had already emailed Basil though with their plans for the season ahead.

.

Basil read through it a couple of times, then looked at his squad list which he had spent the last couple of months or so building. He next looked at the finances which got updated to him every week. Yeah, Craig was talking a great deal of nonsense Basil thought. "Does he know that this is not NPL - Victoria 2 anymore? And what does he know about footballers themselves?" Basil asked himself. Then Basil remembered something that his grandfather told him when Basil just a little boy.

In 1956, a former England internationalist called Len Shackleton released his autobiography and one chapter was more famous than anything. That chapter was entitled: "The Average Director's Knowledge of Football" and was simply a blank page. That summed up Craig Adam and his footballing philosophies and practices, so Basil sent him a quick reply back in two words: "Yeah OK" before deleting the Chairman's email.

If he didn't achieve what Adam was asking for then it would be tough. Basil knew it was a different challenge ahead and the team wouldn't find these opponents as easily to dispose of as the teams last season. The feet were getting itchy, it was time to have a peruse of the job market and see if anything took Basil's fancy.

Now if Angus hadn't sold the Club in the summer, Basil was sure that the expectations would have been different. That passport might come in useful soon...

Chapter 42: Should I stay or should I go?

As soon as the South Melbourne game finished, Basil didn't hang around and headed back to his hotel. That left assistant manager John Waddell to deal with any media questions.

Something was on Basil's mind.

What was bothering Basil, was the lack of transfer funds the board were promising. It was quite simply nothing and if the Club sold a player for a transfer fee, none of it would go into the transfer budget..not a single penny! So Basil sat there in the hotel room, crunching numbers. The wage budget was still under control, so Basil reduced it to allow himself some transfer funds of £62,000. However, Basil knew if he needed to have money for wages then transfer funds would be adversely affected. It was this and that.

But this was also the second year of the contract initially handed to Basil by previous chairman Angus Brown. Another conundrum to deliberate.

Basil loved Melbourne, he loved Werribee. However, would it be a good idea to move on? Basil was still young as a manager, plenty of time to build a legacy. Yet the finances at Werribee were potentially crippling his masterplan. Depending how the Bees performed, that would make the decision at the end of the season. However, if anyone else was open to appointing Basil then he was all ears. Sometimes you gotta think what's best for you and your future Basil said to himself as he downed yet another VB.

Chapter 41: Getting up to speed

After the signing of Putilin, not Putin as some comedians were making out, Basil switched his attentions to the next three friendlies scheduled for Werribee. The month would end with a much needed home game against South Melbourne, and that would be a test in itself. But still there were two matches before that came around and a chance for everyone, Julyan Collett included, to get up to speed and gain some valuable match fitness with the start of the season less than two months away.

Pre-Season Game 5:

The middle of August saw Werribee face Doncaster Rovers in their fifth pre-season encounter. No, they hadn't travelled to South Yorkshire to face the English League One side but an amateur side of the same name in Melbourne. And it proved to be a very good workout for the Bees as they coasted to what was pretty a comfortable victory.

Werribee opened the scoring after 16 minutes when David Parkinson swung in a corner that Nathan Elasi to touch back to Brandon Zaffina who lashed into the net from twelve yards and before the keeper could even move. Rovers' afternoon got tougher after 36 minutes when Lefteris Vliasroulis was dismissed for a crude two footed challenge on Lisandro Paz as the inverted winger rampaged forward to launch another attack. The Bees were determined to make the extra man count as Brush encouraged his troops to pass the home side ragged, Rovers knew it was going to be a hard game.

In a strong line-up, it was back up winger Lachlan Davis who really stole the show and he scored the second just four minutes after the red card. Nicholas Bavcar swung in a deep cross and Davis peeled away from the Rovers defence to volley home at the far post. The same two combined for the third which came five minutes after the restart, another deep cross from Bavcar and Davis provided the finish at the far post. Nine minutes later, Werribee had their fourth when Jordan Wilkes crossed and Michael Holden powered home a header from six yards. It came from both substitutes first touches, talk about making immediate impacts!

Team: Baird (Dunn 54); Gonano (Wilkes 59), Abbott (Dillon 59), Parkinson © (Collett 54), Bavcar (Gorgovski 66); Pistininzi (Lakic 54); Zaffina Gaspari 59), Ballan (Gasparis 59); Davis (Ammache 66), Paz (Holden 59); Elasi (Scott 59)
Scorers: Zaffina, Davis 2, Holden

The fourth away game in succession followed a week later, as the Bees travelled to the Power Reserve to face Endeavour Hills Fire. In fact, the only fire was the Bees attack as it steamrolled their opponents with a comprehensive victory. The Bees had an astonishing 31 shots at their opponents goal in the match, leaving the home keeper complaining to his manager of a bad back by the time he was substituted in the 70th minute. Basil offered very little in terms of sympathy, smiling to himself and sticking a thumbs up to his squad.

Pre-Season Game 6:

Last season's top scorer Alec Goodwin was given the start to lead the attack and the gangly number nine opened the scoring after just nine minutes when Omar Ammache got to the by-line and he measured his cross onto the head of the striker to simply direct a header into the bottom corner. Five minutes later, Werribee had their second. A free-kick from Matteo Ballan was met by the head of Ammache which struck the post but straight to Brendan Gonano who tapped home the rebound.

In the 25th minute, the Fire provided a sensational goal to halve the deficit when Doug Salik drilled one in from 30 yards which Jordan Thurtell had no chance of saving whatsoever. It was their highlight as three minutes later, Werribee restored their two goal advantage, Goodwin unselfishly teeing up Ammache who slid the ball with ease into the far corner. Then two minutes before half time, Werribee made it 4-1 when Gonano scored his second of the game with a superb strike into the top corner or as Brush referred to it post-game "Top Bins!". It was some strike from the defensive midfielder.

The fifth arrived in the 54th minute when a free-kick from Ballan was met with a powerful header into the net from central defender Daniel Petrov. Could they make it six? The answer was a yes as it came with two minutes left, Parkinson with the cross and a fierce volley home from Holden. A thoroughly impressive performance from Basil's Bees.

Team: Thurtell; Lakic (Wilkes 59), Dillon (Abbott 59), Petrov (Elasi 59), Bavcar (Parkinson 59); Gonano (Pistininzi 67); Gasparis (Gaspari 72), Ballan © (Gorgovski 59); Ammache (Holden 67), Paz (Zaffina 67); Goodwin (Putilin 59)
Scorers: Goodwin, Gonano 2, Ammache, Petrov, Holden

Having signed on non-contract terms at the end of June, Michael Cole had been showing a fair bit of promise in training and rumours were circulating that the young striker could leave. However, Brush was confident he could fend off those advances so he got Cole and his father down to talk. The result was that the 19 year old signed a deal that would keep him at Galvin Park Reserve until the end of 21/22 season, similar to the deal that attracted Aleksandar Putilin to the Club.

Pre-Season Game 7:

The final game of August was the visit of divisional rivals South Melbourne to Galvin Park Reserve. South Melbourne had won the division last season but were eliminated in the NPL Championship Play-offs by Sydney Olympic on penalties. This would be a benchmark of what Basil and Werribee could expect in the new season.

The game though was a bit of a dull spectacle with the visitors edging it. However, Werribee scored in the opening minute with what was to prove their only shot on target all game. Lachlan Scott saw a shot blocked but straight to Ammache, who continued his impression on the right wing, by slamming it into the net. The time 57 seconds on the clock. South Melbourne levelled midway through that first half when Jade North headed home at the far post.

But other than that, that was as good as it got for the fans. A real bore draw.

Team: Baird (Dunn 72); Lakic (Wilkes 72), Dillon (Abbott 72), Collett © (Petrov 58), Bavcar (Parkinson 64); Pistininzi (Gonano 64); Zaffina (Gaspari 58), Ballan (Gorgovski 58); Ammache (Davis 72), Paz (Holden 58); Scott (Goodwin 64)
Scorer: Ammache

Chapter 40: Friendlies and finances

It was a busy August for Basil and Werribee City, five games to be played with all but one played away from home. That meant that was hardly income coming into the Club which meant, despite the takeover, the Club was still far from solvent. Basil was stringent with the contracts he was offering, trying to get the player to accept a lower than normal requested wage.

As August stood, Werribee were spending a shade of over £9,000 a week on wages against a budget of £11,949 a week. That was good but the financial experts in the board room were limiting what the Club could offer a new signing or any existing one. This was something Basil had to deal with. It was what it was.

Pre-Season Match 3:

The first friendly in August saw Werribee travel to the Freeway Reserve to play Brandon Park. It was an entertaining spectacle and Basil walked away quite frankly, very disappointed indeed. Werribee controlled the game but their finishing left a lot to be desired and that angered Basil. However the Bees were the first out of the traps, opening the scoring after just seven minutes. With the rain lashing down, Michael Jessup progressed down the right wing before sweeping in a cross that was volleyed home at the near post by Nathan Elasi.

Brandon equalised on the 17th minute, the first of three goals in eight minutes. Lovro Tomic's free-kick wasn't properly dealt with the Bees and Vincenzo Vigano swept home the loose ball. If Basil was unhappy with that goal then he was hopping mad four minutes later as the hosts took the lead. Again Tomic provided the delivery, Thomas Nelson got above Tom Lakic at the back post to head home. The scores were level in the 25th minute, and again the defending left a lot to be desired when Lisandro Paz clipped a cross into the six yard box and Jessup ghosted in unchallenged to score.

The winner came with 17 minutes to go, Anthony Williams unmarked at the far post to squeeze in a volley that substitute keeper Thomas Dunn really should have kept out. So the Bees experience their first pre-season loss, how will they react now?

Team: Baird (Dunn 69); Lakic (Wilkes 53), Abbott (Dillon 53), Parkinson © (Gorgovski 71), Bavcar (Jarvis 61); Pistininzi (Gonano 61); Jessup (Zaffina 69), Gaspari (Gasparis 61); Ammache (Davis 53), Paz (Kessie 69); Elasi (Goodwin 69)
Scorers: Elasi, Jessup

Days before the second friendly, Basil and the Bees received a financial boost. The board, conscious that the Club were not making any money due to away friendly after away friendly, pumped £140,000 into the club's coffers. Sadly for Basil, none of that was for transfer purchases as it was to deal with running costs and any revenue from transfer fees obtained will also go into the same pot. Basil scratched his head, was this the place he wanted to be at still?

The following Saturday, it was back on the road as Werribee travelled to Beaumaris SC. Could they bounce back?

Pre-Season Match 4:

After losing to Brandon Park seven days ago, Werribee got the winning feeling back when they produced a polished performance to see off Beaumaris SC. They opened the scoring in just the third minute when a cross from Lakic, playing unaccustomedly at left-back, was headed home from a close range by Omar Ammache. The outstanding Ammache created the second in the 52nd minute when he stood up a cross to the back post where Michael Holden volleyed in via the post.

Werribee thought they had a third in the 72nd minute when substitute Nicholas Bavcar lofted a ball forward and fellow substitute Alec Goodwin steered it home. However, the striker's celebrations were muted immediately with the assistant's flag for offside. Replays shows the striker a good ten yards between him and the last defender. The third did come, and in time added-on. Bavcar provided the cross and Paz nodded in from the edge of the six yard box; completely unmarked.

Team: Thurtell (Dunn 71); Abbott (Wilkes 67), Dillon (Gaspari 71), Petrov (Parkinson 67), Lakic (Bavcar 60); Gonano (Collett 60); Gorgovski (Gasparis 60), Ballan © (Zaffina 71); Ammache (Davis 60), Holden (Paz 67); Scott (Goodwin 67)
Scorers: Ammache, Holden, Paz

Before game three, Basil was able to announce his latest capture.

Aleksandar Putilin - ST C: Free Transfer


Aleksander is another promising young striker that our scouts have identified for us as we look to scour the best talent out there for Werribee. A local youngster, born to Macedonian parents, he played 24 times in this division for St.Albans Saints last season. He also bagged four goals for a talent so raw. Blessed with pace, the youngster is a natural fox in the box type player. We have awarded him a two year contract as we think there is something special in his ability. He will start the season in the youth team but isn't too far from a first team call up should those in the pecking order above him, fail to deliver.

2027-28: Pre-Season, Part Two: The Chinese Tour

So it was off to China for a three game tour which would be useful in developing our brand there. I took the entire first team squad plus some of the promising youngsters. Everyone would get some kind of game time in those matches. Winning would be nice to continue but getting those all important match minutes was the priority.

Pre-Season Game 3


We opened the tour in the city of Guangzhou to face the city's second professional club. Again we agreed to adopt the the 4-2-3-1 formation against our opponents, and it was a forgotten man of sorts who stole the show as if to prove a point. That man was Patrick Roberts, and the former Celtic winger would score a superb brace as we made it three wins from three.

In the 13th minute Roberts opened the scoring when a Rodri shot ricocheted into his path and he hit it first time into the bottom corner. Yet the exuberant home support were making a noise to will their side on, and they had every reason to cheer when Neylton Rodrigues equalised nine minutes later on a counter attack that caught us out. We regrouped and refocused and regained the lead four minutes from half time when that man Roberts thumped one in from 25 yards out following good work by Jonathas Mello.

The lead became 3-1 three minutes into the second half. Mo Salah flighted in a free-kick that caught everyone out but Ben Woodburn and he blasted one from close range into the roof the net. In the final minute we added a fourth when the ball found its way to Leander Carstensen who placed a low shot into the net.

Pre-Season Game 4


We travelled to Shanghai for the second game of the tour to face their Chinese Super League side. To keep the squad fresh, I changed the starting eleven which meant a start for 17 year old French midfielder Jacques Chaput and the youngster certainly didn't look out of place in the 76 minutes he played. He could be one to watch this season and I might be tempted to start him in a few Carabao Cup games.

All the three goals came in the first half as we played our hosts off the park. We took the lead in the 19th minute when a superb cross field pass from Chaput found Carstensen who pulled the ball back for Adán to side foot home from six yards out. A second goal came in the 31st minute when Eduardo Venegas, fresh from his Gold Cup exploits with Mexico where he won Player of the Tournament, latched onto a deflected shot to place his low drive into the far corner past the stranded keeper.

As the rain continued to fall, we got our third in first half injury time. Frenkie de Jong picked a square pass from fellow Dutchman Jeroen Heerkens, advanced forward then placed a shot across the keeper for 3-0. Game killed off in one half. After it was pretty much cruise control but we had to play with ten men from the 49th minute when Daniel Ballard was shown a straight red for a last man foul. The Northern Irish internationalist got a few choice personal words after his dismissal but accepted he was in the wrong and he had let us down.

Pre-Season Game 5

We finished the tour with a game in Beijing and of the three, this was the hardest of all as we had to do something we hadn't done before in the previous four games. That was, come from behind to win. The home side went ahead in the 27th minute when the impressive Hui Ruiqi finished well after some good home play. The home support inside the Workers Stadium went absolutely bananas. It was a real cauldron of noise from the first minute to the end.

We levelled matters two minutes from half time when Josip Radosevic brought down Roberts who was again showing how much he wants to have a first team spot. Thomas Lemar, back from injury, stepped up and made no mistake from the spot. Both sides tried to get the lead and it looked that it was going to be a draw when we scored a dramatic winner in the final stages. A swift break started with Woodburn before the Welshman switched it wide right to Mello whose low cross was met by Venegas to slot home at the near post.

A hard earned win, but we're now five from five in pre-season.

As we boarded our flight back to the UK from Beijing Capital International Airport 24 hours later, news broke that the Club had accepted a £77 million pound bid from Arsenal (rising to £100 million) for our Spanish striker Adán. Now it was up to me to see if we wanted to sell the 26 year old or not. Whilst it would provide extra transfer funds, the downside was that I was possibly selling a player with his best years to come and boosting the firepower of a rival. A tough decision to make,

Career snapshot

Here we will document what has been achieved in the career so far, including any managerial changes. It will be updated at the end of every season.

1 July 2019 - present Werribee City : Playing Record: 15-7-0, Trophies Won: NPL Victoria 2 Championship, Personal Accolades: None

Liverpool today announced a new partnership agreement which should see the Reds brand spread even further worldwide.

The agreement is with Japanese J1 League side Kashima Antlers and Reds Chairman Didier Delcroix was in Tokyo to sign the deal. The Chairman had this to say about it:

2027-28: Pre-Season, Part One

The players reported back on 21 June 2027 to undergo a 10 day training camp in Philadelphia ahead of playing our first pre-season game of 2027-28.

We would play a total of eight friendlies, not including the Community Shield. Of course certain games would see us field a second string outfit but the main thing is to get the match sharpness ahead of the big kick-off on 7 August.

Pre-Season Game 1



Our first game was a test in itself, against one of the best teams in Argentina: River Plate. With this in mind, I fielded a very strong line up. Considering it was mid-season for the hosts, a crowd of almost 42,000 were attendance. Yet we were there not to make up the numbers as I wanted the team to have some serious tests as well as ones that we would be expected to win.

Playing the 4-2-3-1 formation which the board seem to like us playing, we took the lead in the sixth minute when Facundo Agüero tripped Romelu Lukaku in the penalty area as the big Belgian raced onto a Mateo Kovacic through ball. Thomas Lemar stepped up and drilled the resultant spot kick home. We had a second midway through the first half, when some cracking work down the left from Kieran Tierney saw him plant a cross onto the head of Lukaku who thumped it home.

The win was secured in the 68th minute, and deservedly so, when a low cross from substitute Andrew Robertson was tucked home at the near post by Jonathas Mello. A very pleasing start to the pre-season against high quality opposition.

Pre-Season Game 2



We travelled back to England 24 hours later, and would play our second pre-season game on the following Wednesday. That next game would be in the Black Country as we faced a West Bromwich Albion side that many pundits have tipped to be in the promotion race from the Championship this season. The side was changed to give others a chance to show what they can do, Trent Alexander-Arnold captained them as I completely changed the starting eleven.

The much changed squad took the lead after 26 minutes. Patrick Roberts, who had turned down a move to newly promoted Stoke in the summer after we had agreed a £11.25 million fee, was fouled 25 yards out and you thought nothing was on. However, tell that to Frenkie de Jong as the Dutchman produced a moment of magic to curl the ball around the wall and into the roof of the net: the Albion keeper had no chance.

A second arrived four minutes before half time when Robertson picked out Ben Woodburn in space on the edge of the six yard box. The Welshman dug the ball from underneath his feet and provided a simple finish into the net. We could have more but we had to settle for two. It was very pleasing considering there were a lot of new faces in either the starting eleven or on the bench.

The following day, we would fly out to China for a three-game tour.

Liverpool can today confirm their pre-season schedule for the new campaign, and as usual it's a pretty hectic schedule.

The Reds are currently in Philadelphia on a training camp which has seen Manager Mark Duell take the entire first team squad as well as a selection of the promising youth talent coming its way through the system. They stay there until 2 July before they head south for their first pre-season game which is an appetising one against Argentine giants River Plate.

After that the squad head home to face West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns in a midweek friendly. This could be a chance for some of the youngsters to impress ahead of the three game Chinese tour which starts on 10 July. The Reds return to home shores ten days later and have a couple of days rest before what is expected to be a reserve team face Fleetwood Town at Highbury Stadium on the 22nd.

The big home friendly comes on 25 July as 18-times Serie A Champions Milan arrive on Merseyside before the annual season curtain raiser in the FA Community Shield happens seven days later against rivals United.

The final friendly sees the Reds travel to Wrexham 48 hours later.

All the friendlies will be screened live on LFCTV GO to ensure you don't miss a kick. We've got you covered as always.

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.