139 The Winter Transfer Part 2 (2/2)

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George Wood, like Eastwood, was one of the players that Tang En paid the most attention to during training. Since he was transferred to the First Team after Christmas and had only been in training for half a month, he had not had a chance to represent the First Team by playing yet. His contract was still the one he had signed for the youth team.

But Tang En did not let Wood stop playing. In the past few weeks, he had allowed Wood to train with the First Team, familiarize himself with his teammates, and play in the reserve game to stay in shape. He would attend and watch every game to personally inspect Wood's condition. To his relief, the boy was still making progress.

However, he still often appeared inexperienced, rough, and unable to calmly judge the situation on the field. He had more than enough drive, but he could not remain calm.

Tang En did not ask too much of young men. Compared to other people around the same age as him, he was remarkable enough.

Tang En had decided to give up the game against Reading in the 28th round of the League Championship and to just train young players and reserve players for it. After competing for half a season, the main lineup of the First Team would need a break to lessen the chances of injuries and prepare for the EFL Cup.

On January 16th, after the last day of training before the League Championship, Tang En announced the list of players for the next day's game on the training ground as usual. For the starting lineup, he generally waited until before the start of the game and announced it in the locker room.

At such times, the competition that was usually hidden behind friendly smiles would emerge. Except for a few players who were almost certain to be included in the list because because of their outstanding and steady performances or special positions, the players would tensely wait for the moment Twain read his name. There was only one exception.

George Wood, who stood in the last row of the team, did not care what Twain said. He was thinking about how to play well in the reserves game the next day. His mother was very happy that he had been transferred to the First Team. Although he was still only playing in the reserves games, it was enough to make her proud. In her mind, the reserves team counted as the Second Team. It was certainly of a higher level than the youth team was, which meant that her son was more powerful than before. He did not want to disappoint his mother, so he would never allow himself to make mistakes.

His mother's expectations and money were the only two reasons for him to continue on this path.

He suddenly heard someone calling his name and saw all the teammates at the front turning their heads to look back at him. He looked up in confusion and, through the gaps of the crowd, saw Twain, standing in front and looking at him.

”Wood, you stay behind. The rest of you are dismissed!”

The players dispersed and went to the locker room, each with his own thoughts. The main player list had been released; some people were happy, and some were concerned.

Wood stood motionless on the spot, and most of his teammates turned to look at him as they left. He did not understand why.

When everyone else was gone and there were only the two of them left on the training ground, Tang En walked over and pulled out a ticket to the game from his pocket and handed it to Wood. ”Go back and give it to your mother.”

Wood did not take it. He did not understand what had happened.

Seeing his bafflement, Tang En asked, ”Were you in a daze just now? Didn't you hear me calling your name?”

Wood nodded.

”Well... This is a ticket for the VIP box in the City Ground. Go back and give it to your mother so that she can go to the stadium tomorrow to watch the game. The club will have someone to receive her then, so you don't have to worry about anything.”

Wood still did not understand.

Tang En smiled. ”George, go home and tell your mother to take this ticket to the City Ground tomorrow afternoon to watch you play in the game. Remember, it's tomorrow afternoon, not morning. You're going to start in the League Championship game.” After he spoke, he stuffed the ticket into Wood's hand, then turned and waved as he returned to his office.

”Bye, George. Have a good night's rest. Be here at nine o'clock in the morning, sharp.”

Wood clutched the ticket tightly as he stood on the training ground, staring blankly at Twain's back.