The Premier League was back.
Michael Sterling stood on the touchline. The rain had stopped but the grass was wet and fast.
He looked at the scoreboard.
BARNSLEY vs WOLVES
0 to 0
It was the first minute. The season had officially begun.
Gary ONeil the Wolves manager was standing a few meters away. He looked serious. He knew that coming to Barnsley was no longer an easy trip. It was a visit to the dentist.
Arthur Milton sat on the bench. He was clutching his lucky bag of wine gums.
"I am nervous Boss," Arthur whispered. "First day of school feeling."
"Look at them Arthur," Michael said pointing to the pitch. "They are not nervous. They are hungry."
On the pitch Diego Nunez was marking the Wolves striker Matheus Cunha.
Cunha tried to move. Diego moved with him.
Cunha tried to breathe. Diego breathed on him.
"You are very close," Cunha complained.
"I am your shadow," Diego growled. "Where you go I go. Even to the toilet."
Cunha looked terrified.
MINUTE 15
