Into The Team Read Free Page A

felt clean.
    He unbuttoned his coat, and as he did he noticed only three sports bags lying under the benches. He supposed Dixon had picked him up too early. The other candidates must be on their way.
    He figured it could give him an advantage being one of the first players out on the field.
    Once in his shorts and shirt, football boots laced up, he headed past the shower block. Studs echoed off the floor.
    Finding the exit, he pushed the door open.  Dixon and the three guys stood close together in the middle of the field.
    Off he sprinted, warming up his legs with a slow jog. As he approached, he recognized the tall frame and long brown hair of one man. The closer he got, the slower he ran. That shoulder length brown hair was too familiar; so familiar it made his heart leap ahead of him.
    As if sensing his approach, the man turned briefly, and Todd noticed the hard square jaw and distinctive, clean-cut stubble resting on the chin. He’d seen those features before, on national television.
    But it couldn’t be him, not really. He must be seeing things.
    Within ten feet, that tall man with his stubble chin and sharp brown eyes brought total recognition…
    Shit! Today is the fucking day.
    Wayne Maxwell.
    Todd almost dared not stop in front of him, and he felt a strange compulsion to walk in a semi-circle around the man, as if he wasn’t worthy of coming within touching distance. And even though he couldn’t take his eyes off him, Todd wondered if he should have asked permission to even look at the towering figure.
    Wayne Maxwell - captain and midfielder, sometimes striker, for Manford Reds. Todd couldn’t conceal the excitement brewing with what this could mean.
    Dixon clasped Todd’s shoulder and gestured to the player. “Todd, meet Wayne.”
    At six feet two inches, Wayne’s alert eyes looked down at Todd. “I see what you mean about being fit for the club.” Wayne spoke with a strong local accent while smiling. “Pleased to meet you.” He shook Todd’s hand firmly and turned to the other two players. “This is John and Vince; they’ll be trialing with you today.”
    Todd’s throat ran dry, but he was able to nod, and after shaking hands with the other players, whom he didn’t recognize, he turned to Dixon and shook his head.
    “I had no idea….”
    Dixon’s smile broadened as he gave a wink.
    “Just knock ‘em dead son,” he said, patting Todd’s shoulder. “I’ve done my bit by finding you and bringing you here. It’s in your hands now.” He turned and walked across the field.
    Todd watched him go, wondering why this man had come out of nowhere and dropped him into a field with one of the biggest players in the country. Now there he was, walking away as if it were nothing. He wanted to go after him, ask him what was going on and why he’d just shaken hands with a Manford Reds star player. But a hand grabbed his shoulder, stopping him from going anywhere.
    The air shot from Todd’s lungs as he turned to see a stern look on Wayne’s face.
    Fuck me! Today really is the fucking bastard day!
    “You ready to show your moves?” Wayne’s accent was tough.
    Todd took in a deep breath and nodded, trying to settle his lungs.
    Just play , that’s all you’ve got to do, just play. You’ve been playing for years, and just because you’re standing in front of Wayne Maxwell, who earns something like fifty thousand a week, doesn’t mean your legs are gonna forget what they’ve got to do.
    He shook his head to clear his thoughts and took a deep breath of chilled air.
    “I’m ready.”
    Wayne started play by ordering them to run up and down the field, passing the ball between each other. Todd passed to Vince, who passed to John, who’d pass back to Vince, who’d pass back to Todd. Easy and clean. Todd warmed up in minutes and was able to forget about Wayne, who watched them closely.
    After five minutes, Wayne put Vince in net and ordered Todd and John to compete for the ball and go for goal. Todd