As David stepped into the locker room, he was greeted by a flood of activity—players walking back and forth, voices overlapping, and the hum of anticipation in the air. His heart raced; this was it. As he moved further in, a firm hand stopped him.
"Hey, kid. First team players only," a voice said curtly.
David t the man's eyes and replied flatly, "I am a first team player."
The noisy locker room fell silent instantly.
"Matt, don't you read the team news? This is the kid the new gaffer bought," another player said, stepping forward.
The tension eased as the man extended his hand. "Hi, kid. I'm Curtis Davies, the captain. Welco to the team."
David shook his hand with a nod, and suddenly the room ca alive again. One by one, the players introduced themselves, and David greeted them in turn. Once the introductions were done, he raised his voice confidently.
"Hello, everyone! My na is David Jones. I play right wing, and I'm happy to join the team. I vow to help Derby County win all our gas!"
The room erupted into laughter at his bold declaration.
"Ambitious, aren't you?" Curtis said with a grin.
Finding an empty locker to put his things, David was approached by a younger player. "Hey, David. I'm Jason Knight," the boy said, extending a hand.
David shook it. "Hi, I'm David, like I said earlier."
Jason chuckled. "Yeah, I got that. I was signed when I was 16 too—two years ago. Don't worry, the guys here are nice. But that speech you gave? All gas? That's funny."
"What's funny?" David asked, a serious look on his face.
Jason blinked, then laughed nervously. "Wait, you're serious?" Seeing David's unflinching expression, Jason stamred, "You're actually serious." Before he could say more, the locker room went silent as Wayne Rooney, the new coach, entered.
Wearing the team's training kit and holding a notepad, Rooney scanned the room. "Hello, lads. I'm Wayne Rooney, your new coach. It's a pleasure to work with you all. First off, in five minutes, let's et on the field." Without waiting for a response, Rooney walked out, leaving no room for argunt.
On the field, David couldn't help but marvel. He imagined playing there, hearing fans chant his na, and scoring goals. He was so deep in thought he didn't notice Rooney's return until the coach spoke.
"Okay, lads, we're going to play a scrimmage. I need to see what you've got firsthand. Videos can only tell so much." Rooney looked down at his notepad. "First team will consist of:
Goalkeeper: Kelle RoosRight-back: Andre WisdomCenter-back: Curtis DaviesCenter-back: Matt ClarkeLeft-back: Max LoweCentral Midfield: craige ForsthCentral Midfield: Duane HolsRight Wing: David JonesAttacking Midfield: Wayne RooneyLeft Wing: Kamil JóźwiakStriker: Martyn Waghorn
The room froze as Rooney read out the lineup. Heads turned to David, who looked just as shocked as everyone else.
"Guess even he's surprised," soone muttered.
But David shattered their assumptions with a loud exclamation. "Wayne, you're playing too?"
Rooney smirked. "First off, call 'boss' or 'gaffer,' kid. And yes, I'm playing. Did I forget to ntion I'm a player-coach?"
As chuckles rippled through the team, Rooney continued, "The second team will consist of:
Goalkeeper: David MarshallDefenders: Lee Buchanan, Efe AmbroseMidfielders: Max Bird, Jason Knight, Ravel Morrison, Louie SibleyWingers: Tom Lawrence, Morgan WhittakerStrikers: Jack marriott, Colin Kazim-Richards
Both teams will play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Max and Jack acting as wingbacks."
While the squad digested the lineup, one player, Tom Lawrence, stewed quietly. David had taken his starting spot. Though frustrated, Tom wasn't one to sulk. "I'll just prove I'm better. No kid's taking my place," he thought, determined.
On the field, David took his position on the right wing. His heart swelled with gratitude, knowing how much Rooney believed in him. I'll pay him back the best way I can—by giving my all, he thought, his eyes narrowing with focus.
Phillip, who was also acting as the assistant coach due to the club finances holding the whistle, studied the boy from the sidelines. Let's see what this kid's all about, he thought as he blew the whistle to start the match.
As the ga began, Rooney passed the ball wide to David, who was already calling for it. The ball landed at his feet, and as David looked up, his eyes sharpened with determination.
Let's go, he thought, surging forward.
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