46. A Brazilian Takeover

 

   

It's fair to say that Morley Town's season has taken a disappointing turn as the club languishes in mid-table and severly hampered by financial losses which have topped -£100K, resulting in some of the club's better players leaving the club because we could not afford to pay them, without plunging the club into furhter financial difficulties. The great work done by Roddy Hyland and the Under 18s has resulted in some of the younger players being given a chance in the first team with mixed results.

There was one light at the end of the tunnel, however and that was the club had been put up for sale by chairman, Bryan Wilkins. The prospect of a new owner, hopefully with some money to inject into the club was just what was needed right now if we are to progress up the English football pyramid. 

The takeover saga had been rumbling on for just over a year with various parties locked in talks, only for these to break down for one reason or another.

Finally, we received some good news. Local businessman, James Gardener had become the frontrunner to buy the club and become Morley Town's new owner.

There was limited fanfare in the press for Gardener's takeover, save for a small piece in the Yorkshire Evening Post and the Morley Gazette. There was a bit more excitement among the Ultras down the Farriers Arms as to how ambitious our new chairman would be and whether he could sort out the club's financial difficulties. 

Board Meeting

I was summoned to a meeting with my new boss, not at The Farriers Arms function room as had usually been the case, but at a more salubrious bar near Morley Bottoms.

On a bright Autumn day we sat outside with our drinks and talked shop. James Gardener was young, probably in his early 30s and had made his money in the bathroom industry and had numerous contracts for showrooms and warehouses across West Yorkshire. He was ambitious and wanted to see Morley do well. I liked him instantly.

Importantly he assured me that my job was safe and  like the previous regime expected Morley Town to reach the NCEL Div 1 playoffs and be competitive in the NCEL Cup. He did express his disappointment that we failed to make progress in the FA Vase, but could see why we were knocked out of the tournament by Nailsea & Tickenham.

Crucially though the new chairman said he would wipe out the club’s debts, but it would be my job to maintain an even keel financially. Furthermore, no money has been released for transfers, nor has there been an increase in wage or scouting budgets, which for now remain the same as under the previous regime.

He did have one last thing to say.

He said that as a welcome gift he had signed a Brazilian for the team. His name was "Casado" and that he was a versatile defender, who could play all across the back four, something that we desperately needed. He was to start training with us next week, that he had been in English football for several years.

When I asked where he played previously, expecting a higher reputation club, perhaps where things didn't quite work our. He replied. "Rounds Town".

Where the f was Rounds Town?

The Bedfordshire County League it turned out..??? 

"You've signed a Brazilian from an amateur team which play in Level 11, one rung down the ladder from us? Something did not quite add up here.. He must be their star player or something.. some Brazilian wonderkid festering away in the backwaters of the Bedfordshire County League. It turned out that Rounds Town had actually released him from the club and Morley were signing him as a free agent, which sent more alarm bells ringing.

"Is he any good?"

"Well, it doesn't matter how good he is.... it's the fact that he is from the great footballing nation of Brazil that matters... Think about it, we could have a massive unveiling of him, get the people of Morley flying Brazilian flags and buying shirts with his name on the back! It's a great marketing ploy.. get more crowds to Glen Road.. get local press interest and raise the profile of the club.

I did not like the sound of this.

"I'm only playing him if he earns a place in the team on merit. I will not sacrifice one of my first team players for some marketing ploy..

"You don't need to do that. All you need to do is put Casado on the subs bench, then after 80 minutes of the game bring him on for the last 10 minutes.. "

"Isn't that ripping off the fans.. Look I don't like the sound of this..

"You only have to do it once.. at our next home game.. We are away at Denaby Main next Saturday, but we are at home the following week to Reckitts on 16th October, giving us perfect time for him to integrate with the squad and for us to create a "Brazilian buzz" around Morley! Perfect! 

And after?

Afterwards do what you want with him. If he doesn't merit a place in the team, then that's your call, Just play Casado for ten minutes against Reckitts, no matter what the score or situation in the match.. and I assure you we will double our home attendance by the next home game against Armthorpe Welfare.."

I wasn't so sure..

"OK get the player to our next training session on Thursday evening and we'll have a look at him.. Nothing ventured nothing gained I suppose. and we are a little short of numbers in the back four, so could maybe do with some depth in that area of the team and I do like his versatility.. How old is he? 

"He's 21"

Well get him up to West Yorkshire and we'll have a look at him and go from there."

We shook hands although there was an element of reluctance on my part because I was not sure now how far I could trust our ambitious new chairman.

Thursday's Training Session

Thursday came quickly. We were preparing for our away trip to Denaby Main on Saturday. Word had got round the lads that Casado was joining us and they were excited to meet their new team mate. None of them had researched his previous clubs, or the fact he'd been released by an amateur club in Bedfordshire who play at a level below us! 

In truth I was as excited as the lads to see what Casado could bring to the team. I expected a superior technique on the ball and perhaps a little creativity, even though he was a defender... What I got was a bit different... 

Our new chairman arrived at training and he personally delivered Casado to training himself..

Casado got out of the car with a big grin on his face, but at first glance my heart sank.. 

Shall we say this politely.. He had certainly put the "Round" into "Rounds Town."

This fact was not lost on the lads. Harry Wood put his hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter. Sam Wright just stared at him.. Jayden Cotterill looked at the floor wondering what the hell was going on. Marlon Gutzmore turned to me and asked:

"Seriously Boss.. is he our new signing?"

This was answered almost immediately by our beaming chairman.

"Jonathan.. This is Casado,, and Casado these are your new teammates."

A closer look at our "big" new signing was too much for Harry Wood who could stifle his laughter no more... He got a sharp nudge from our club captain, Gabriel Ellis, who stepped forward and introduced himself, shaking his hand and welcoming him.

Casado beamed back and in broken English replied. "I am happy to be here at Morley"

The training session commenced with a customary lap of the pitch as a warm up. To nobody's surprise, guess who was lagging behind at the back.. It was clear to me and everybody, Casado was not fit.

My assistant, Joe Lamplough and I looked on wondering what on earth we were going to do. 

James Gardener's plan to introduce Casado as a late substitute in our next home game against Reckitts was now common knowledge amongst the backroom staff, but not the players, who thought he may make his debut in the next match at Denaby Main. It was clear to all this was not going to happen.

"All is not lost, Joe Lamplough uttered to me as we watched our new charge staggering past the tree which was behind one of the goals. Let's see what he can do with a ball at his feet,

The answer was not much better. He could barely dribble the ball around the cones and lost control of it multiple times as he stumbled his way through the slalom course. The rest of the lads were looking at eachother tthinking.. "What the hell have we signed here?"

In the practice match I played him at right back, in the hope he could maybe at least hold his own at the side of the pitch, but Marlon Gutzmore on the opposing team took the mickey, nutmegging the poor fellow numerous times as he fell backwards on his arse..

Throughout this ritual humiliation though he maintained a huge grin on his face, like a kid playing with his footballing idols and as the match progressed even managed one or two tackles on the young winger. He certainly had character I'll give him that.

The session came to an end, with Casado laying on the pitch exhausted and had to be carried off the training field by both me and Joe Lamplough....  

Creating a "Brazilian Buzz"

Meanwhile, James Gardener had wasted no time in covering our Social Media feeds (such as they were) with news of an exciting Brazilian coming to join the Morley Town ranks and sending press releases out to The Evening Post, BBC Local Radio, The Non-League paper and anybody who showed any interest in the story.

"Samba star set to light up West Yorkshire Town" was one headline.. 

From what i'd seen in training if Casado attempted a Samba he would probably fall over... 

"A sprinkling of Brazilian Magic for the NECL" was another.

The only magic Casado could do was to make a meat pie disappear...

This had picked up some interest locally and had got the Ultras chatting about in the Farriers Arms. Perhaps there was something in this if we could get the player fit and coach him to kick the ball in a straight line, this scheme may actually work.. but it was a big "if."

Morley Town did not have a club shop, but Gardener had managed to hire an empty stall in Morley's Indoor Market, where Morley Town shirts were being sold with Casado's name on the back, along with other popular players such as Ellis, Wright and Preston. Trade had been good and some vital merchandising revenue was being earned on the side on the back of this. The sales of Brazilian flags had also increased as word got around town about this "exciting" new signing. Little did they know what a con job this was....

Meanwhile we had the matter of a trip to Doncaster to take on Denaby Main, who like us had been switched to the NECL Div 1. 

I was determined not to let this Casado business distract from us gaining three valuable away points which would put us back in touch with the playoffs places.

Morley sign Ethan Renney

Meanwhile, in other transfer news, Morley Town have snapped up left back, Ethan Renney on a free transfer.

 

North East Counties League 1^st Round Draw

We have been drawn against Shirebrook Town away in the cup.

Match 10: Denaby Main  v Morley Town

The first match under the new chairman begins not in West Yorkshire, but at Tickhill Square, Denaby which is just outside Doncaster. New territory for us, but I keep roughly the same team who triumphed against Goole. Our hosts have had an impressive start to the season and are just one point off the top of the table in 4^th place, while we languish in 10^th. All to play for. New signing Ethan Renney makes his debut at left back and is the only change.

Morley Town: Oldham, Francis, Cotteril, Hancock, Renney, Wright, Onder, Smith, Wood, Ellis, Mason

Subs: Green, Gutzmore, O’Connor, Haylock, Goulding

Denaby Main: Jackman, Jones, Adam, Meynell, Vassell, Henson, Kleanthous, Rejek, Young, Odongo, Maddison

Subs: Priest, Phasuk. Stewart, Yusiff, Racchi

 

 

Match Action

We start dangerously when Livesey Mason goes on a mazy run down the left, cuts inside and arrows a shot which is heading for he top corner, but for the fingertips of Jackman who claws the ball away and is cleared by Denaby. We assert dominance, but are vulnerable on the break. Odongo gets the ball in the left and teases young right back, Michael Francis before playing in a perfectly weighted low near post cross for midfielder, Lukas Radjek to run onto and smash the ball into the roof of the net. 1-0 Denaby. We try and get back into  the game and win a corner. The ball is cleared and suddenly there’s a break on. Maddison feeds Odongo down the left who sprints clear and places the ball past the onrushing Oldham to double their lead. 2-0 down at half time.

I read them the riot act at half time. Marlon Gutzmore is introduced as we revert to a 4-2-4 to try and get back into the game. However the home side are first to every ball and Rajek is running the show in midfield, while we fail to string two passes together.

I haul off Wood and bring on O’Connor. This seems to improve us and we start to look a potent force. Mason plays a quality ball into the box which releases Ellis, who scores but is flagged offside. Then another sweeping move sees Ellis wriggle free from the defender but his low drive is brilliantly saved by Jackman. It’s not our day, but at least we are trying. The game peters out and it is another miserable defeat on our travels.

Final Score: Denaby Main 2-0 Morley Town

Rejek 11

Odongo 31

Farrugia on loan to Shrewsbury Up & comers

Promising young forward, Francesco Farrugia has joined Shrewsbury Up and Comers on loan for the rest of the season.

Match 11: Morley Town v Reckitts AFC

So here we are,,, our “Brazilian Day” and guess what its raining!.. Some light mizzle is blowing in off the Pennines on a strong westerly breeze and coating Morley and surrounding area with a covering of light, persistant rain, falling from slate grey clouds, the type you only get in the North of England.. I felt miles away from the Copacobana right now!

 

 

Everybody is excited to see our new Brazilian signing, Casado in action for the first time.

I change the formation to a 4-2-3-1. Casado as instructed is on the subs bench, waiting for his big entrance on around 80 minutes. If he makes it through to 90 he’ll be doing well...

More excitedly for me, our best player, Kevin Preston is fully fit and raring to go on the right wing. Reckitts, who are from Hull in case you were wondering are having a fantastic season and lie in 2^nd place. They will not fear visiting Glen Road even on Brazil day. Four fans have made the trip down the M62.  

Team: Oldham, Francis, Cotteril, Hancock, Renney, Haylock, Wright, Smith, Preston. Ellis, Mason

Subs: Green, CASADO, Gutzmore, Wood, Onder

Reckitts AFC: Desmond, Sloata, Hird, Griffin, Cevenni, Williams, Brown, Delaney, Wood, Ward, Lopia-Durr

Match Action

 

Amidst a throng of Brazilian flags among the Ultras, the two teams trudge out in the light rain. Casado takes  his place on the suns bench,

Chants of “We want Casado!” ring out around the Morley supporters huddle behind the “tree end” of Glen Road where the home side will be attacking first.

It doesn’t start well. Reckitts playing with the swagger of a team second in the table spread the ball wide to Williams who skins Renney before providing a low cross for Ward to sidefoot home. Too easy! To be fair we regain control. Aaron Smith is finding space in the no 10 position and his long range effort flies just wide. Livesey Mason gets down the left and whips in a far post cross which is met by the head of Smith but just wide. From a long goal kick, Lopia-Durr controls and drills in a low drive which Oldham scrambles to save low down. Then a trademark run from Kevin Preston results in him cutting the ball back perfectly for Smith, but he fires the ball over the bar. 1-0 down at the break.

I take off Renney who has laboured against Williams and bring on Gutzmore with Haylock slotting in at left back.

Into the second half and it is the visitors who start the brightest. On 53 minutes they win a corner and as the ball drifts in, the referee blows his whistle and points at the spot. Young Michael Francis is penalised for pushing. Up steps Delaney to seal our fate... Saved by Oldham! Low down to his left. Sloppy play from both sides results in Preston intercepting the ball and flying down the right flank before finding Ellis on the Volley!.. Brilliant save by Desmond as he claws the ball away for a corner...

The Ellis plays a delightful ball around the corner for Mason to run onto, but Desmond sticks out a leg to deflect the ball away.. Unlucky. We are turning the screw now and the Ultras are starting to cheer us on. Kevin Preston’s deep cross is cleared but only as far as Gutzmore. He finds sub Harry Wood in the area who swivels and fires the ball into the top corner past Desmond for a deserved equaliser. But.. there’s an old saying in football.. You are at your most vulnerable just after you have just scored a goal. Brown picks up the ball in midfield and plays a brilliant ball through for Alan Ward to latch onto. He controls composes himself and slots the ball past the onrushing Oldham into the corner... 2-1 to Reckitts.

The moment has finally come....On 75 minutes. Casado, who has been sat shielded by me and Joe Lamplough sat in front of him in the dugout stands up to warm up. I really would have loved to sent him on with us in a winning position.

As he does this, he catches the attention of the four Reckitts fans who immediately start chanting in their thick Hull accent,

“Oo ate all the pars”

(Who ate all the pies?)

Oo ate all the pars”

(who ate all the pies?”)

You fat b*****d, You fat b*****d

(you fat person born to parents out of wedlock x 2)

Oo ate all the pars?

(Who ate all the pies?)

This chant caught the attention of the Ultras stood at the other end of the ground. Some craned their neck to see their new Brazilian saviour warming up on the touchline ready to make his big entrance.. I’m not sure what they were expecting? Roberto Carlos? Cafu? Maicon? but as he warmed up and his belly flopped about the Ultras could not believe what they were seeing...

"You fat b******" "You fat b*******d" rang around Glen Road as the Ultras slowly realised they had been had..

"This is going to be a disaster" I uttered to Joe Lamplough.

"There could be a riot," my assistant replied.. 

Finally.. it's time for a piece of "Brazilian magic." Casado waddled onto the pitch to huge applause as a weary Michael Francis came off. Some Brazilian flags were waving behind the goal as the rain continued to fall. 

 He gets his first touch to big cheers from the Glen Road faithful. His ball to Preston down the right is only just kept in play by the right winger and uses this to knock the ball past his full back and sprint past him to the byeline. His deep cross is cleared but retrieved by Harry Wood, who lays the ball to the supporting Marley Haylock on the left flank. He swings in a deep cross which has goalkeeper Desmond flapping. The ball is patted down but only to Gabriel Ellis who stoops to head the ball into the corner of the net. 2-2!

The Ultras go mental! I breathed a big sigh of relief because Casado was involved in the build up much to the delight of everybody, not least the player himself who looked at me and put his thumb up, of which I returned the compliment.

“Casado! Casado! Casado! Was the cry around Glen Road as Reckitts kicked off.

Harry Wood has been like a man possessed since he came on and another barnstorming run sees him lay the ball back for SAM WRIGHT... BRILLIANT SAVE DESMOND as he claws the ball away. Five minutes of stoppage time and that could be a long time for the visitors as we attack with gusto. A Reckitts move breaks down and we sweep forward with menace again. Gutzmore finds the overlapping Haylock, pays the perfect ball inside the full back for the onrushing Harry Wood. He crosses first time for ELLIS!!!!!! He sweeps the ball home from six yards and runs to the Ultras who mob him! 3-2 Morley! Virtually the last kick of the game! A morale boosting win over one of the teams above us as we roar into 8^th place and just a few points off the playoffs. Whatsmore Casado got a 6.80 match rating and did not look out of place! Perhaps he was not such a bad signing after all....The fans love him already! 

Final Score: Morley Town 3-2 Reckitts AFC

Wood 76                                   Ward 11,78

Ellis 87,94

Casado makes Morley Town Debut

The Fans reaction

A takeover, a new Brazilian signing and a morale boosting home win, it's all been going down in little old Morley.. As the team open their NCEL Cup campaign and seek to climb the table can they use these things to sustain a playoff challenge? 

Find out next time on The Ultimate English Pyramid Game! 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Listen to JDR Sounds!

Not only do I write football manager stories, but I am also a musician, with tracks and an album on Spotify and Youtube Music.  

Listen now by clicking your preferred platform. Enjoy!