101 One-Time Handshake Part 1 (1/2)
Chapter 101: One-Time Handshake Part 1
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Kerslake was spot on. Doughty and Tony Twain did meet each other on Wilford Lane, which was located in between the northern youth training grounds and the southern first team training grounds.
Seeing Twain walk toward him, Edward asked loudly, ”Were you looking for me, Tony?”
At almost the same time, Tang En also opened his mouth and asked, ”Were you looking for me, Edward?”
The two of them were momentarily stunned, before they burst into laughter together.
”That's great. Look, Tony. We have a very good rapport, and we will definitely coordinate very well with each other,” Doughty said as he laughed in front of Tony.
However, Twain lightly shook his head instead and said, ”Edward, have we ever coordinated?”
”Of course not at until now, but it's hard to say what will happen in the future. Why were you looking for me, Tony?”
”Why were you looking for me?”
”Looks like our reasons are the same. Let's chat while we walk.” Doughty said as he patted Tony's shoulders.
Tang En did not move. He pointed to the north, then to the south, before asking, ”Which way?”
Doughty raised his head and looked at the path that was full of fallen withered leaves. ”Let's just casually walk along this path.”
It was currently late autumn. During the summertime, this path would always be sheltered by the thick trees, preventing the skies from being seen. Tang En had hesitated and pondered about the uncertainties of his future in the same exact spot. Now, the narrow path was already covered by a thick layer of fallen leaves. Upon stepping on them, a puffing sound could be heard, and its soft texture was as if one was walking on a carpet. Just like that, half a year had passed in the blink of an eye.
”Tony, what do you think about Collymore as a manager?” Doughty asked as he stepped on the fallen leaves, with his head lowered.
”Worlds apart from his abilities as a player,” Tang En replied.
”Mmm, I observed that as well. He is not suited to be a manager, at least not now.”
”Then why did you choose him back then?”
”This I can't tell you, Tony. But I can tell you something else.” Doughty shook his head.
”Hmm?”
”Prepare yourself,” Doughty said as he stopped in his tracks and looked at Twain.
”Prepare myself for what?” Tang En shrugged.
Looking at Twain's innocent face, Doughty smiled. ”Tony, do you need me to spell everything out for you?”
”Alright, alright. I get it.” Tang En raised his hands, signaling that he knew the meaning behind Doughty's words. ”But can you tell me roughly when?”
”I can't. Because even I myself don't know yet. However…” Doughty raised his head and looked at the skies, before continuing. ”It should be very soon.”
Tang En had originally wanted to find Doughty in order to shoulder the responsibility for Wood's assault on Collymore. If Doughty really wanted to fire Wood, then Tang En was prepared to quit his job and follow Wood. Instead, he was hearing such great news—that's right, I'll be returning to City Ground Stadium very soon! Going back to the place where I rightfully belong!
Just as Tang En was secretly celebrating, Doughty just had to dampen his spirits. ”Oh, I forgot, there's still one more thing. Perhaps I should let you know in advance.”
From Doughty's tone, Tang En was able to tell that something was not good. He looked at Doughty and waited quietly for him to finish his sentence.
”You might have to re-select a new captain, Tony.”
”What?” Tang En now understood why he wanted to beat around the bush. ”Dawson is leaving the team?!”
Doughty nodded his head.
This news left Tang En extremely shocked, but his shock was not caused solely by the fact that the team's pillar was leaving. He remembered that Michael Dawson's departure from Nottingham Forest was supposed to be an incident that took place in January 2005. This came more than one year early!
”How did it come to this?” Tang En muttered.
”Dawson was extremely disappointed by my decision to make Collymore the manager. On top of that, the team's poor performance and inability to win any matches has also made him lose confidence in the team. And you know that the super clubs tend to be more attractive for young players,” Doughty explained without any intention of shirking responsibility.
”Which team?”
”Huh?”