223 Victory Part 1 (1/2)

Chapter 223: Victory Part 1

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Following China's convention of dividing the English Premier League into factions, Tony Twain and Stuart Pearce would both belong in the same trench. This was because the two were Brian Clough's students and successors; thus, they were from ”Clough's faction.”

Stuart Pearce was known as a tough guy within English football. He even received a nickname, ”Crazy,” for his tough style and character. The moniker followed him almost through his entire career. England's media once described him as a person with a ”heart of Oak,” Oak being famed for its toughness.

Why was it necessary to discuss Pearce during a match with Man City?

Although Man City's manager was still Kevin Keegan at the time, Tang En knew that Keegan would step down with his assistant manager taking over after the current year. That would be Stuart Pearce, who Keegan thought highly of. It was not just Tang En who took notice of Pearce; the Nottingham media was also very interested in him.

That was because Pearce used to be, and still was, a god in the heart of Nottingham Forest's fans. In his 12 years with Forest, he was fielded 522 times and scored 88 goals. As a Left Back, those were terrifying statistics.

The current Forest team under Tony Twain did not yet have a player who wielded the same influence and status with Forest's fans. That could only be attained with time and loyalty. When Forest team had fallen into First Division in 1992, Keane and other members had left the team. Stuart Pearce alone had chosen to stay. At that time, Manchester United and other big teams were keen on poaching him, but he turned down their invitations. Instead, after a season, the legend of a Captain had led the Forest team to fight their way back into the Premier League. His story was comparable to Gabriel Batistuta's experience in Fiorentina; however, Pearce was not as internationally well-known as Batistuta was.

Tang En had once met with Pearce at Burns' bar. It was in the earlier half of the year, at the dinner commemorating Forest's clinch of the European Champion Clubs' Cup 25 years previous. The two had only chatted briefly when they met, but Tang En had a rough grasp of what Pearce was like as a person. Even during a casual chat whilst drinking, Pearce's gaze was steady, with very few moments of uncertainty. When he spoke to someone, he looked straight at the person without drifting to look at the ceiling or his toes. Although they had not interacted much, Tang En had a positive impression of him. It was probably because of his sincere attitude.

This was not Pearce's first match back in City Ground since his departure from Forest. When he had still been a player on Man City, his team had dropped into First Division (now the EFL), and he played with the away team in City Ground against Nottingham Forest, who had also fallen. Before the start of the match, Pearce had stood at the sidelines and bowed to the fans of Forest in the spectators' stand. Despite his merciless defense against Forest's players, he still received the most applause from the fans of the home team.

Four years had passed. Pearce was once again stepping onto the turf of City Ground. But this time, he had changed out his football jersey for a suit.

The match had not yet begun, and players from both teams were taking pictures on the sidelines. Tang En stood in the technical area and watched the media, who were all gathered at the manager's seat of the away team. Their focus was on a sole person; not manager Kevin Keegan, but Stuart Pearce, who was sitting beside him.

The Forest fans in the spectators' stand held a large poster saying, ”Welcome home, Crazy!”

As an opponent, this was the best welcome one could receive. Nothing could be better.

Tang En's attention was completely captured by the scene. He did not know if he would be working for Forest for his entire life. Maybe not. Who could know about their future? But if he did leave the team and return once again as an opponent, would he see a poster like that one, ”Welcome home, Tony?”