Chapter 113: The Empty Space
Friday, July 9, 2010
The morning air at Broadfield Stadium was cool and damp.
The muddy pitches shone slightly under a pale sun peeking through Crawley's thick gray clouds.
Niels arrived early, his boots crunching on the gravel outside.
The smell of wet grass filled his lungs.
The lessons from his time abroad sharp tactical discipline, steady teamwork, a strong sense of club identity, and the vibrant drive of young talent still burned within him, fueling his determination.
But the transfer window brought major upheaval: ow: Luka Radev's departure to Parma was now official, Max Simons was hesitating under pressure from a tempting La Liga offer, and José Baxter's departure had left a big gap in midfield.
His worn backpack, slung over one shoulder, held a notebook filled with plans and names, Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley, Paul Pogba each circled in red, along with his trusted book on football psychology.
