Strikers Instinct (23 page)

Harry was waiting when Luke arrived home – he didn't want to go into details over the phone but wanted to examine Luke. First of all he made Luke explain everything that had happened – starting with the head injury. When Luke had finished his story, Harry seemed deep in thought and then he asked to examine Luke. Harry spent a long time looking at the area of impact on Luke's head and then he checked his reflexes and other vital signs. Finally he shone a torch into Luke's eyes – never speaking throughout the examination. Finally he seemed to come to a decision and turned to speak.

“Well the good news is that there is no sign of concussion – but I'm sure the medics at the ground have told you that?”

Luke nodded.

Harry continued, “All your vital signs seem good and your reflexes also seem to be performing as expected. However, this is all a bit confusing.”

“How do you mean?” Luke asked.

“Well, the last time we spoke about this subject I told you not to worry because sometimes the treatment needed a stimulus to start things going – but I didn't mean a bang on the head!” explained Harry. “The kind of stimulus I was referring to included smells, memories or perhaps a shock – but certainly not a physical blow.”

“I'm sorry if I don't conform but I've always been a bit of a rebel.” joked Luke – who then turned a bit more serious. “Having said that – do you think this will cause any problems?”

Harry tried to reassure Luke. “Oh no – don't worry, I'm sure everything will be fine, I just need to keep a closer eye on you in future but I have to admit that it isn't the best news.”

“Why?” Luke asked again. “It looks as if the treatment may finally be working?”

“I agree,” replied Harry, “but it won't be a very popular method of treatment if I give someone medication and then bash them on the head to activate it!”

“Oh.” Luke said. “I hadn't thought of that!”

Harry instructed Luke to continue filling in his diary and he also said he would now try to spend more time at the training ground to personally asses Luke's condition. It now seemed that Luke's reaction to the plant extract was associated with football so that was where Harry needed to be.

True to his word, Harry made several excuses so that he could attend several training sessions over the next few days. He pretended to watch all the players but he spent the majority of his time watching Luke play – and it seemed that Luke's suspicions were correct. He seemed to have picked up an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time on the football pitch. He began to score in most practise games he played in and he was also becoming invaluable in defence. He would often pop up on his own goal line to head the ball to safety – he just seemed to always know where to stand. The goals he scored were rarely spectacular – they were mostly tap-ins or easy headers – but they were happening with increasing regularity.

Soon it wasn't just Harry who was watching Luke closely – word began to spread and quite often Sandy could be seen on the touchline when Luke was playing. Finally, Sandy called Luke into his office.

“Sit down lad – I just want a quick chat to see how you are doing.”

They spoke for a few minutes about the training Luke had been doing with some of the injured players and Sandy seemed anxious to check that Luke was enjoying his time with the club. Luke wondered where this was going – he even began to suspect that Sandy was getting ready to try to get rid of him when Sandy suddenly changed tack.

“I've been watching you in a few practise matches recently son and I have to say that I'm impressed at how much you have improved since you first started training with us. Your fitness was always sound but recently you have started scoring goals – and that doesn't happen for many players. For someone of your age you have become quite a good player.”

“Thanks for the compliment – I think.” grinned Luke.

“I'm sorry if that seems rude,” laughed Sandy, “I was always suspicious about having a fan wandering about the place but I'm happy to say that you've proved me wrong – you've actually been a pleasant surprise.”

Luke didn't know what to say so he kept his mouth shut as Sandy continued.

“In fact – you may be able to help us a bit more.” he said slowly.

Luke sat up straighter in his chair.

“As you know, we've made a great start to the season and I want to do whatever I can to keep the run going.” Sandy explained. “But we are moving into a period that's always very busy – cup games are coming up and the squad gets stretched to the limits.”

Luke still didn't have a clue where this was going.

“Andy and some of the boys have been nagging at me for weeks – so what do you think?” asked Sandy.

“About what?” Luke had no idea what Sandy was talking about.

“About you perhaps playing a game or two for the reserves!” Sandy grunted. “Have you not understood a word of what I have been saying?”

Luke just shook his head in amazement. “Me – the reserves – are you sure?”

“Don't get carried away son.” Sandy said. “You're not exactly Lionel Messi – you're old, slow and stubborn but you do have a couple of things going for you.”

“It's always nice to be flattered.” Luke joked.

Sandy ignored him and continued. “You seem to able to run all day, you are very hard to knock off the ball, you have a nice touch for a big man – and even more importantly – you have started to score goals.”

Sandy sat back and waited for Luke to say something. Finally he opened his mouth.

“OK – so what happens next?”

“Well we don't tell the chairman anything for a start.” Sandy said. “I don't want to be blunt but if this goes badly wrong then we want as few people as possible to know about it. The reserves are playing Middlesbrough away next week – it's a long drag and I need to keep some of the better players here as cover for a cup game a few days later. I propose sending a few youth team players with the squad – and you.”

Luke nodded and once again Sandy continued. “We won't announce the squad until just before the kickoff and all being well you will be one of the substitutes. You may not even get a game but if you do then it will all be low key and hopefully you won't embarrass us – or yourself.”

“That doesn't exactly fill me with confidence.” Luke said.

“Don't worry.” Sandy replied. “I'm not Father Christmas – I'm not giving you this as a thank-you – I'm giving you this chance because I really think you can hold your own at that level. Just don't let me down.”

Luke took that as a dismissal and wandered outside. Andy was waiting for him wearing a wide grin.

“Well?” he said.

“Well what?” asked Luke.

“Well you don't seem too happy after receiving good news?” said Andy.

“I'm just worried that it's happening for the wrong reasons.” said Luke.

“Don't be an idiot!” Andy growled. “I don't mind admitting you've surprised us all. You know I was against you when you first arrived but you've turned it round. You're fit, you're a natural leader – and now you've started scoring goals – you can actually play a bit! This is not some reward for being a good boy – this is serious – this is a squad game and you may be able to help.”

Luke seemed to accept that and finally began to relax – perhaps this was something that he could actually enjoy. Then he began to worry about letting everyone down and he began to have second thoughts. Andy sensed the indecision and started to laugh.

“I don't believe this. You always seem so much in control and now you are worrying because you may get 10 minutes playing for the reserves! There won't even be anyone watching you – these games usually attract a couple of old men and maybe a dog or two!”

Andy seemed to be enjoying winding Luke up and finally Luke began to gain a sense of perspective – Andy was right – he should just concentrate on enjoying himself – but he decided that it wouldn't do any harm to say an extra prayer at mass on Sunday!

The family were surprised when Luke said he was travelling up to the North-East with the reserve team, it was the first time he had been involved with the club away from Wishton. Luke explained that he had been asked to talk about the away game for his weekly piece in the paper and they seemed to accept that. Sandy had asked Luke not to tell anyone that he may be playing – just in case Ed Tierney got wind. Sandy didn't think that Ed would interfere but he knew that he would make it a big media event and that was the last thing that anyone wanted. Luke didn't even tell Sam what was happening – and Sam travelled up to the game on the same coach as Luke.

Craig Sett was in charge for the evening and Sandy had passed on his instructions – Luke was to be named as a substitute but wasn't to be used for more than 10 minutes if necessary. Craig gave the team sheet in to the referee 30 minutes before kickoff time and he told Luke to get changed with the rest of the players. The team news was published on the internet and back in Wishton an incredulous Tom Linden was soon running around the house shouting.

“Mum, Lexi – dad's on the bench for the game tonight!”

No-one would believe him and when Sue tried to ring Luke to find out what was going on he had wisely turned off his phone. He knew he needed to concentrate and the last thing he needed at the moment was an interrogation from his wife. He ran down the tunnel and warmed up with the rest of the team – it was a strange sensation because, as Andy had predicted, the stadium was empty. The referee called the two captains together and seconds later the game was underway.

It seemed to Luke that after all the anticipation of the last few days the first half was something of an anticlimax. Both sides struggled to make an impact and after a lack lustre 45 minutes even the referee seemed happy to blow his whistle and go inside for a cup of tea. Craig tried to rouse the Wishton reserves and explained how he wanted to try a few different things in the second half. Sadly they didn't get much of a chance to put his plans into action – within a few seconds of the kick-off Middlesbrough swept down the pitch and slotted the ball in the net.

Luke and the rest of the substitutes groaned and Craig ranted but nothing seemed to make much difference. For the next 10 minutes the Middlesbrough players started to take control and another goal seemed inevitable. Just as Craig was considering making a substitution one of the Wishton defenders fell to the ground as if he had been shot. The physiotherapist ran onto the pitch and within seconds it was obvious that the player couldn't continue.

“Hamstring.” the physio announced and Craig signalled a reserve defender to warm up and get onto the pitch. Things worsened a minute or so later – the other Wishton central defender collided with the Middlesbrough centre forward and was left in a pool of blood on the floor. It seemed accidental but the Wishton player obviously needed to come off for stitches – which left Craig with only one choice.

“Luke,” he said seriously, “get stripped – you're on.”

Luke felt strangely calm as he ran onto the pitch – he didn't feel out of place and some of his team mates called out words of encouragement as he took his place in the heart of defence. He glanced up at the stadium clock, twenty minutes to go – looks like Sandy's plan for maybe an easy 10 minutes had gone out of the window.

Luke was immediately under pressure.

“Run at the old man!” someone from the Middlesbrough bench screamed from the touchline. “He'll never be able to keep up!”

Luke was hoping that he didn't need to keep up – he had no intention of letting anyone get past him. For the next ten minutes Luke played like a man possessed as Middlesbrough threw everything at Wishton. He tackled on the floor and out-muscled the forwards in the air and after a few minutes the Middlesbrough players realised that he wasn't going to be a pushover so they switched their pressure to Luke's central defence partner. Pleased that he had weathered the early storm Luke began to encourage his team mates to press for an equaliser.

Slowly but surely the Wishton players began to push forward until they managed to win a corner. Luke advanced and he felt compelled to stand right in front of the goalkeeper – more or less on the goalkeeper's toes. Craig moaned.

“What the hell is Luke doing there? He'll never score standing so close to the goalkeeper. If he touches him the referee will give a foul!”

Sure enough, the ball was swung in and the goalie leapt above Luke – easily beating him to the ball. However, maybe the fact that the Middlesbrough goalkeeper had seen little action during the game meant that he had lost concentration, because he fumbled the ball and dropped it straight onto Luke's head! The ball bobbled for a second and then trickled into the net!

The Wishton players didn't know whether to laugh or cheer but they all congratulated Luke as they ran back to restart the game. Luke chuckled to himself as he received the thumbs-up from Craig but then he immediately got his mind back on the game and urged his team mates to concentrate. The goal seemed to have stunned the Middlesbrough players and Luke sensed that Wishton may get another opportunity.

The players lined up to kick off and Luke started to run forward – even before the ball had been kicked.

“What's he doing now?” Craig asked of no one in particular.

The Middlesbrough player touched the ball to his team mate to restart the game – completely unaware that an opposing player was bearing down on him. He was completely surprised when Luke nipped between the two Middlesbrough players and pinched the ball. Luke dodged around the next player and was surprised to find himself in acres of room. He advanced another few yards, then he noticed that the Middlesbrough goalkeeper was frantically trying to get back onto his line. Luke sensed his opportunity and from fully thirty yards out he lifted the ball over the keepers head and watched in glee as the ball bounced up into the roof of the net.

This time there was no laughing from the Wishton players – they went mad and swamped Luke under a melee of bodies. Luke finally emerged, punching the air but he still had his wits about him to shout at the players to get their minds back on the game as the Middlesbrough players trudged disconsolately forward to kick off again. However, there were only a few minutes left to play and Luke and his new team mates comfortably saw the game out.

Back in the steamy atmosphere of the changing room, Luke's ears were ringing with praise and he simply sat with a stupid grin on his face. He had just scored a goal for the team he had supported since he was a young boy! Of course he knew that it was just a reserve team game in front of about ten spectators but that didn't matter – he had worn the club shirt with pride, scored two goals and they had won the game. He switched his phone back on to find a barrage of text messages and missed calls. He figured that he had better call home first so he tried to speak to his family but he couldn't get much sense out of them – they seemed to alternate between screaming and crying – but he got the impression they were pleased for him!

He finally made it back onto the coach for the long trip home and as he sank down into his comfortable seat, Craig presented him with a cold beer and the whole team gave him three cheers. To make a perfect day complete Luke joined in a game of cards with Craig, the physio and the kit man and the hours seemed to fly past. A taxi was waiting to take him from Wishton to home and he was pleased that Sue was waiting up for him.

“I made the kids go to bed but I was too excited!” Sue said. “I couldn't wait to see you! Two goals – it's unbelievable – I'm so proud.”

“I can't believe it myself.” Luke smiled as they hugged. Seconds later the sound of running feet could be heard as both Lexi and Tom flew into the room. Lexi pushed her mum out of the way as she flew into her dad's arms.

“You're fantastic!” she squealed as Luke whirled her around. Tom joined in by jumping on his dad's back.

“Well done dad – not bad for an old man!”

Luke pretended to hit Tom but he dodged deftly out of the way and the whole family fell about laughing. Sue finally made everyone go to bed but Luke couldn't sleep – it was hours since the game ended but he kept replaying the game in his mind. Consequently – for the first time in many years – Luke Linden didn't get up at 6am the following morning – it was nearer to 9am when he finally opened his eyes.

Strictly speaking, the players didn't need to go into the training ground the day after a game but Luke decided to drive in after lunch to loosen up. He'd already done a shortened version of his daily exercise routine at home but he told himself that it would do no harm to run a few laps – get the stiffness out of his legs. In truth he wanted to see Sandy and Andy and thank them for giving him a night he would never forget.

As soon as he stepped out of his car at the training ground he began to receive congratulations and slaps on the back – everyone seemed genuinely pleased about his debut performance. One or two people however, seemed slightly unhappy.

“I can't believe you didn't tell me!” moaned Harry. “I would have loved to see you play!”

“I had no idea until a few minutes before the kick off.” Luke said innocently.

Just as they were speaking, Ed Tierney appeared.

“Luke,” he oozed, “wonderful performance – I'm gutted that we didn't cover it properly – it's like a fairytale – we should have had it on the news! I'm not happy that Sandy kept it quiet.”

“I'd hardly call it a fairytale.” Luke grimaced – noticing that behind the chairman some of the players were pretending to be fairies and were waving imaginary wands around!

Ed didn't seem to notice – he was obviously frantically thinking how he could cash in on this unexpected turn of events. When he had agreed to let a fan become part of the Wishton team squad for a year he had no idea that they may end up with someone who could actually play football. Luke decided that he would work equally hard to make sure that Ed didn't exploit the situation. He thanked Ed and hurried away to find Sandy – leaving Ed bending Harry's ear with all sorts of weird plans.

Luke smiled as he walked towards Sandy's office – he had no intention of letting Ed make this into something bigger than it actually was – but he knew he would have to be on guard for the next few days. Sandy seemed very pleased to see him.

“Well done son, well done!” he cried, jumping up to shake Luke's hand. “I knew you wouldn't let us down!”

Luke stared at Sandy for a second. “Did you really think I would do OK boss?” he asked.

Sandy thought for a second and then grinned. “Do you want me to be honest?” he asked.

“Please.” replied Luke.

“Well then no, I didn't think that you would play as well as you did.” replied Sandy. “I knew you wouldn't disgrace yourself otherwise I wouldn't have put you forward but I didn't think you would be such a success! In fact you've given me a bit of a problem.”

“In what way?” asked Luke.

“Well the chairman has already been in to see me and he wants me to name you again in the reserves next week.” said Sandy.

Luke groaned. “What did you tell him?”

Sandy grunted. “What do you think I told him? I pick the team – not Ed Tierney or Luke Linden! I think he got the message. But I have to say that I do think he has a point. I've just finished watching a recording of last night's game and I'm impressed. That first goal was pure slapstick but your second goal was very good. That wasn't what impressed me though – your overall play and leadership was excellent for a 46 year old amateur.

Luke didn't know what to say so he just shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

“Anyway,” Sandy continued, “it's my problem so you don't worry about it. I just want to make sure that all this doesn't turn into a distraction. What are you doing here today anyway? Seems like you can't keep away from the place!”

Luke laughed. “I don't know really,” he admitted, “coming here almost every day has become addictive, I guess I'm making the most of it while I can.”

“Well, as long as you keep playing like you did last night – I'm sure I can find you a game here and there.” Sandy promised.

He proved to be as good as his word. Sandy began to use Luke mainly for the reserve team away games – he felt there was less pressure that way. A couple of times Luke came on for just the last 10 minutes and once he just sat on the bench for the whole 90 minutes but he managed to score in both the games he played in – and the Wishton reserves won both games.

Finally, the inevitable happened – Ed put Sandy under intense pressure to play Luke in a home reserve game and reluctantly he had to agree. Luke found himself on the bench facing Bury reserves and he had to pinch himself – he was in the squad for a game at the Wishton stadium! Although the crowd was tiny compared to first team match day, there were still more spectators in the stadium than usual. As far as Luke was concerned, the most important fans were his family and friends who were gathered behind one goal. Luke noticed that there also seemed to be a lot more journalists and cameramen in attendance than usual.

After 80 minutes Wishton were 2-0 up and cruising to victory. Craig turned to Luke and nodded.

“Warm up – you're going on.”

Luke trotted up and down the touchline, stretching and twisting as he moved. The fans behind the goal noticed the movement and began to cheer. A few seconds later the ball went out of play and Luke was waved onto the pitch. He had been instructed to play in the centre of defence and for the next few minutes he played adequately without particularly standing out. With a few minutes to go Wishton won a free kick near the corner flag and Craig waved his central defenders up.

“Let's see if Luke can do it again.” he announced to no-one in particular.

As the ball was crossed into the area the wind seemed to catch it and move it away from the intended target – which was a mass of competing players. Instead, the ball dipped towards the front of the penalty area and the only player who had run into that space was Luke. He dived towards the dipping ball and headed the ball past the outstretched arms of the Bury goalkeeper!

Luke's supporters went ballistic and up in the stand even Ed was on his feet cheering. This was the first reserve team match that Ed had attended all season and he was very pleased that he had decided to come along. Luke and the rest of the players trotted back to their own half and turned to face the kick off. The game continued for another couple of minutes until the referee blew the final whistle and then Luke ran across to his family.

The cameras flashed as Luke hugged Sue and the kids as other members of Luke's family and his many friends tried to join in. Finally Luke dragged himself away to get changed but Lexi shouted him back.

“Dad,” she shouted, “there's one more thing we need to talk about!”

Luke turned to listen.

“If you keep scoring like this we are going to have to find a trademark celebration for you!”