244 Newcastle and Shania Part 1 (2/2)

This included the disagreement between Alan Shearer and Graeme Souness and the gossip around Patrick Kluivert's partying. They could also expect an amazing, arrogant quote from Tony Twain.

By that time, lots of media would have arrived.

At that moment, there were not many reporters there, but there were many Forest fans who followed the team from Nottingham to Newcastle. They wore eye-catching red jerseys and waited outside of the St James Park stadium, hoping to see their idols. The requirements of the fans were as simple as that.

Twain saw them from the bus and said to Kerslake, ”Later, inform the players that I'll only give them ten minutes to shower and change after training. After that, they'll come out and sign autographs for the fans.”

David also noticed the fans and nodded. ”Got it.”

Looking away from the fans, Tang En began to think about how they would beat Newcastle United in this game. But he completely missed the little green dot in the sea of red.

※※※

The adaptability training was very simple; it mainly allowed the players to adapt to the field, do a few set pieces, and finally shoot at the goal to relax before completion. The plan was fully arranged before they arrived, and the coaching team was responsible for this specific training. Twain and Kerslake paced back and forth on the field as though they were taking a stroll. But in reality, they were using their feet to personally check the quality of the turf.

”It feels a little soft; will it rain tomorrow?” Twain gazed at the sky, somewhat worried. It was overcast, and he could feel the dampness in the air just through his breathing.

”There's a good chance of rain.” said David Kerslake, walking beside him.

”Damn it!” Twain swore under his breath. ”Let me think. From what I recall, the Forest team has played a few games on sunny afternoons this season, right? Fortunately, there are no hurricanes on the North Sea...”

Kerslake chuckled quietly. ”I remember that youth team game when you used the hose to dampen the field and create trouble for Arsenal.”

Upon hearing Kerslake say that, Twain squatted down to stroke the turf with his hands, and found that it was wet. ”Damn it! They also sprinkled a lot of water!”

Kerslake burst into laughter, ”It looks like everyone's using that trick. I rarely hear you complain about the weather, Tony. What are you worried about?”

Twain looked around at the empty stands in St. James' Park. A day from then, they would be filled with countless fervent Newcastle fans. They would be constantly jeering and singing to put pressure on the Forest team. The Forest team had only lost one game this season, during the first round of the league tournament in an away game against Blackburn Rovers. Playing in an away game and playing on home ground were two completely different feelings.

He was indeed worried, but he could not tell Kerslake.

”No, I'm not worried about anything. We have nothing to worry about.”

※※※

After the adaptability training was done, Twain met Souness in the stadium press room. The gray-haired Scotsman looked a bit severe. He had just taken over as manager from his predecessor, Robson, in September, and had already won Newcastle two consecutive victories. His performance was quite good, and he was currently flushed with success. Twain's addressing him as ”senior” seemed to make him take on the air of a senior. His smile on his face was almost nonexistent when he shook hands with Twain in front of the reporters.

In truth, this was the scene which the reporters wanted to see the most. They looked forward to Twain's counterattack, but Twain had let them down. After simply answering a few questions until the conference was over, Twain did not have any exchange with Souness again.

At the end of the press conference, the Forest players also came out of the locker room and went to the parking lot to sign autographs for the fans. This was what the manager wanted, and everyone had to follow. Twain left the press room and walked straight out to the parking lot, where the coaches had already gotten on the bus. Twain stood outside and chatted with Kerslake while casually watching the players' behaviors. He was happy to see that no one showed any impatience with the eager fans.