In the end, George Wood chose not to go to Eastwood's room . He left the flowers at the counter on the ground floor, asking the nurse to pass it on to him before leaving .
Tang En noticed that he had written only "Good luck" on the card, and asked, "You're not signing it?"
Wood shook his head . "No . "
Tang En knew how he felt and smiled . "But it doesn't matter . Within the team, only your handwriting is that unique . Even if you don't write your name down, he'll know who it is . You're the only one with such terrible handwriting that even your name is hardly legible . "
Wood paid no attention to Tang En's joke . He placed the card among the flowers and gave them to the youthful and pretty nurse .
The nurse had long ago recognized the man who stood before her . After receiving the flowers, she put them aside . She then picked up a piece of paper and presented it to Wood, asking somewhat nervously, "I… I'm a fan of yours, George . You- You… Could you sign for me?"
Wood hesitated briefly, perhaps thinking it was not a suitable time for him to be giving out signatures .
However, Tang En coughed behind him, reminding Wood not to disappoint his fans . Wood obediently picked up his pen again and wrote his name on the piece of paper . Slanting awkwardly, the signature showed no bearing of a star at all . But the girl liked it very much and carefully put it away .
Tang En and Wood walked out of the building . Tang En looked up towards the fourth floor and asked Wood, "You're really not going up?"
Wood shook his head . "No . "
"That's a shame…" Tang En retrieved his gaze . "This was a pretty good chance . You… why can't you just be a little more honest? Where did the courage you used to tackle Rochemback go?"
Wood stayed silent . There were some things that he truly did not know how to say .
He rarely said "I'm sorry" to anyone . Even if he knew that something was his fault, he did not know how to bring himself to say it .
"Never mind . I'm not going to force you . From watching you tackle Rochemback and his departure from the field with an injury, I'm sure Freddy already understands . " Tang En shrugged . Some things were better left unsaid; let them just keep it in their hearts .
"Do you have anything urgent to attend to right now?"
"No . "
"Very well; walk with me . "
"Where to?"
"Anywhere . " Tang En pointed towards the small path before the hospital gates . "Let's just walk along this path . We can go anywhere . A stroll . "
※※※
"George . . . By tomorrow at the latest, I believe the notification for your punishment will be out . Do you have any thoughts on it?"
Strolling on the small, quiet path, Tang En and Wood began chatting casually .
"Thoughts?"
"It's been almost a full day since what happened . Do you regret it? I mean… do you regret receiving a red card for taking revenge on Rochemback?"
"No . It's already done . "
Hearing such a response, Tang En could not help but burst out laughing .
"If you met with that situation again, would you still choose to tackle him?"
Without any hesitation, Wood nodded .
"Hm…" Tang En rubbed his chin . "You can ask for some guidance from the older members on our team . About how you could… you know . . . without getting fouled out . I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about, right?"
Wood looked at Tang En and indicated his understanding . "I get it . "
Tang En sighed again . "But I know that this is a little difficult for you… you're always so direct . It wouldn't really be you if you were to use such underhanded tricks . "
Wood finally broke and asked a burning question on his mind . "So… how is his injury?"
"Not too great . " Tang En glanced at Wood . "To receive such a serious injury twice around the same area… It would be the greatest victory if he could return to the field at all . I can't ask for more than that…"
Wood bowed his head as he listened to what Tang En said . He obviously knew who the culprit was behind the first of his injuries . If it wasn't for the first, the second injury would perhaps not have been as severe .
"Will he… retire?"
"I don't know . We'll have to look at how the surgery goes, and his post-surgery recovery . " Tang En told him the truth . Who could know anything for certain about the future?
Looking at the somber expression George Wood had, Tang En gave him a smile .
"Don't mind that . As a football athlete, it's common to get injured . This has nothing to do with you . "
Even with Tang En saying that, George Wood's expression remained unchanged . Eastwood's situation today had originated from the foul that he had committed when he was on the Youth Team . There was no way he could just forget it .
Seeing him that way, Tang En did not try to further persuade him and let him be . Perhaps it would be good for him to have some pressure . But there was still something that needed to be said .
"George, do your best . Now, you're not just playing for yourself alone . Freddy may not be able to participate in any matches for half a year . Let's work harder together on his behalf . "
Wood nodded vigorously at his words .
※※※
The next day, UEFA sent a punishment notification regarding George Wood . Based on the recording of Wood's tackling of Rochemback, there was no conclusive evidence to show his act was malicious or to purposefully seek revenge . When Rochemback had received the ball, it originally lay between him and Wood . Wood's foot must have been going for the ball . Unexpectedly, in an attempt to lure Wood to commit a foul, Rochemback pushed the ball aside and allowed his own ankle to directly receive Wood's tackle, thereby causing his injury .
In conclusion, Wood's punishment was a four-match ban from the European tournaments . That punishment was not considered harsh . Usually, a red card would result in a two-match ban . Wood was only barred for two additional matches . In comparison to previous guesses from the others of something like a half-year ban, this was much better . Such an extreme contrast made it seem as if Wood had not received any punishment at all .
Following that, the UEFA evaluated the referee of the match and found nothing unusual . They also had no doubts about the yellow card awarded to Rochemback .
It could basically be viewed as a move against Tony .
As expected, after the explanation the UEFA warned Nottingham Forest's manager, Tony Twain, not to cast doubts on the referee's judgment . The referees in the UEFA were chosen through strict selection criteria .
The UEFA Referees Committee was extremely displeased with Tang En's words . They felt that Tang En was disrupting the referee's work and had made attempts to influence the refereeing world . He was perceived as trying to use his perspective to influence the judgments made by the referees . Tang En, however, cared nothing for their anger . In his viewpoint, since it was all a kind of work, the referee's job should also be open to criticisms from other people . Getting it wrong meant getting it wrong . There was no need to cover up the matter .
Before he could relate that to them, Evan Doughty approached him . Evan hoped he would not go against the UEFA at such a crucial point . Tang En understood that Evan was saying that for his own good, so he could only swallow his unhappiness with the UEFA Referees Committee and suppress it in his heart . He would wait for another opportunity to vent .
Nottingham Forest Football Club accepted the result of the punishment . What else could they do if they did not? Nottingham Forest's era of great reputation within the European Football scene had been over for a long time . Currently, their words carried little weight . UEFA was already considerably lenient for not barring Wood for half a year .
With the loss of two core players, Forest's journey against Sporting CP was not looked well upon .
Despite having various options and combinations for their forward line, Tang En found himself at a loss when it came to the position of the defending midfielder . After a search, Tang En found that there was truly only one George Wood, and there was no suitable substitute for him . The home match against Sporting CP already showed that Gunnarsson was unable to effectively replace George Wood . If the same arrangements were made for the away match, Tang En reckoned that his team would perish even more horribly .
As the team's main manager, Tang En was already considering selling Gunnarsson after the season ends and finding a suitable substitute for Wood .
Tang En was not worried about Wood's physical condition developing problems . However, the red card set off blaring alarms for him . Wood was not a nice guy with a good temper . The battles within the English Premier League were fierce, and such clashes were inevitable . Wood's collection of foul cards in the future would certainly be more than just a few . And when Wood got barred from matches because of an accumulation of yellow cards, or from receiving a red card, there needed to be a substitute that Tang En could have confidence in . He did not have to perform as well as Wood, but he could not perform too poorly either .
In truth, it was often more difficult to choose a substitute than a core player . While a core player needed only the ability to perform . A substitute not only needed ability but also the mental toughness to sit on the bench . They had to be able to withstand the loneliness . Being a substitute for someone like Wood it was even tougher; Wood was the kind of player who rarely got injured .
What player would willingly sit on the substitutes' bench for a majority of the time? Almost none . Yet, the team could not function without an able set of reserve line-ups . Though rotation may be a feasible method, it was only a possibility . The stability of the formation and a rotation system ran directly counter to each other .
Furthermore, to do a rotation on the position of a defensive midfielder already sounded ridiculous . The most essential requirement of a defensive midfielder was stability . With changing here and there, it would not only be the rotating players who felt uncomfortable; the entire team would be at a loss .
In Tang En's heart, if Forest team in the future truly became strong enough to require a rotation system for competing in multiple leagues, there were two positions that he would not implement rotation on: one was the goalkeeper, and the other was George Wood .
Chapter 301: As Expected Part 1. Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio In the end, George Wood chose not to go to Eastwoods room . He left the flowers at the counter on the ground floor, asking the nurse to pass it on to him before leaving . Tang En noticed that he had written only Good luck on the card, and asked, Youre not signing it? Wood shook his head . No . Tang En knew how he felt and smiled . But it doesnt matter . Within the team, only your handwriting is that unique . Even if you dont write your name down, hell know who it is . Youre the only one with such terrible handwriting that even your name is hardly legible . Wood paid no attention to Tang Ens joke . He placed the card among the flowers and gave them to the youthful and pretty nurse . The nurse had long ago recognized the man who stood before her . After receiving the flowers, she put them aside . She then picked up a piece of paper and presented it to Wood, asking somewhat nervously, I… Im a fan of yours, George . You- You… Could you sign for me? Wood hesitated briefly, perhaps thinking it was not a suitable time for him to be giving out signatures . However, Tang En coughed behind him, reminding Wood not to disappoint his fans . Wood obediently picked up his pen again and wrote his name on the piece of paper . Slanting awkwardly, the signature showed no bearing of a star at all . But the girl liked it very much and carefully put it away . Tang En and Wood walked out of the building . Tang En looked up towards the fourth floor and asked Wood, Youre really not going up? Wood shook his head . No . Thats a shame… Tang En retrieved his gaze . This was a pretty good chance . You… why cant you just be a little more honest? Where did the courage you used to tackle Rochemback go? Wood stayed silent . There were some things that he truly did not know how to say . He rarely said Im sorry to anyone . Even if he knew that something was his fault, he did not know how to bring himself to say it . Never mind . Im not going to force you . From watching you tackle Rochemback and his departure from the field with an injury, Im sure Freddy already understands . Tang En shrugged . Some things were better left unsaid; let them just keep it in their hearts . Do you have anything urgent to attend to right now? No . Very well; walk with me . Where to? Anywhere . Tang En pointed towards the small path before the hospital gates . Lets just walk along this path . We can go anywhere . A stroll . ※※※ George . By tomorrow at the latest, I believe the notification for your punishment will be out . Do you have any thoughts on it? Strolling on the small, quiet path, Tang En and Wood began chatting casually . Thoughts? Its been almost a full day since what happened . Do you regret it? I mean… do you regret receiving a red card for taking revenge on Rochemback? No . Its already done . Hearing such a response, Tang En could not help but burst out laughing . If you met with that situation again, would you still choose to tackle him? Without any hesitation, Wood nodded . Hm… Tang En rubbed his chin . You can ask for some guidance from the older members on our team . About how you could… you know . without getting fouled out . Im sure you understand what Im talking about, right? Wood looked at Tang En and indicated his understanding . I get it . Tang En sighed again . But I know that this is a little difficult for you… youre always so direct . It wouldnt really be you if you were to use such underhanded tricks . Wood finally broke and asked a burning question on his mind . So… how is his injury? Not too great . Tang En glanced at Wood . To receive such a serious injury twice around the same area… It would be the greatest victory if he could return to the field at all . I cant ask for more than that… Wood bowed his head as he listened to what Tang En said . He obviously knew who the culprit was behind the first of his injuries . If it wasnt for the first, the second injury would perhaps not have been as severe . Will he… retire? I dont know . Well have to look at how the surgery goes, and his post-surgery recovery . Tang En told him the truth . Who could know anything for certain about the future? Looking at the somber expression George Wood had, Tang En gave him a smile . Dont mind that . As a football athlete, its common to get injured . This has nothing to do with you . Even with Tang En saying that, George Woods expression remained unchanged . Eastwoods situation today had originated from the foul that he had committed when he was on the Youth Team . There was no way he could just forget it . Seeing him that way, Tang En did not try to further persuade him and let him be . Perhaps it would be good for him to have some pressure . But there was still something that needed to be said . George, do your best . Now, youre not just playing for yourself alone . Freddy may not be able to participate in any matches for half a year . Lets work harder together on his behalf . Wood nodded vigorously at his words . ※※※ The next day, UEFA sent a punishment notification regarding George Wood . Based on the recording of Woods tackling of Rochemback, there was no conclusive evidence to show his act was malicious or to purposefully seek revenge . When Rochemback had received the ball, it originally lay between him and Wood . Woods foot must have been going for the ball . Unexpectedly, in an attempt to lure Wood to commit a foul, Rochemback pushed the ball aside and allowed his own ankle to directly receive Woods tackle, thereby causing his injury . In conclusion, Woods punishment was a four-match ban from the European tournaments . That punishment was not considered harsh . Usually, a red card would result in a two-match ban . Wood was only barred for two additional matches . In comparison to previous guesses from the others of something like a half-year ban, this was much better . Such an extreme contrast made it seem as if Wood had not received any punishment at all . Following that, the UEFA evaluated the referee of the match and found nothing unusual . They also had no doubts about the yellow card awarded to Rochemback . It could basically be viewed as a move against Tony . As expected, after the explanation the UEFA warned Nottingham Forests manager, Tony Twain, not to cast doubts on the referees judgment . The referees in the UEFA were chosen through strict selection criteria . The UEFA Referees Committee was extremely displeased with Tang Ens words . They felt that Tang En was disrupting the referees work and had made attempts to influence the refereeing world . He was perceived as trying to use his perspective to influence the judgments made by the referees . Tang En, however, cared nothing for their anger . In his viewpoint, since it was all a kind of work, the referees job should also be open to criticisms from other people . Getting it wrong meant getting it wrong . There was no need to cover up the matter . Before he could relate that to them, Evan Doughty approached him . Evan hoped he would not go against the UEFA at such a crucial point . Tang En understood that Evan was saying that for his own good, so he could only swallow his unhappiness with the UEFA Referees Committee and suppress it in his heart . He would wait for another opportunity to vent . Nottingham Forest Football Club accepted the result of the punishment . What else could they do if they did not? Nottingham Forests era of great reputation within the European Football scene had been over for a long time . Currently, their words carried little weight . UEFA was already considerably lenient for not barring Wood for half a year . With the loss of two core players, Forests journey against Sporting CP was not looked well upon . Despite having various options and combinations for their forward line, Tang En found himself at a loss when it came to the position of the defending midfielder . After a search, Tang En found that there was truly only one George Wood, and there was no suitable substitute for him . The home match against Sporting CP already showed that Gunnarsson was unable to effectively replace George Wood . If the same arrangements were made for the away match, Tang En reckoned that his team would perish even more horribly . As the teams main manager, Tang En was already considering selling Gunnarsson after the season ends and finding a suitable substitute for Wood . Tang En was not worried about Woods physical condition developing problems . However, the red card set off blaring alarms for him . Wood was not a nice guy with a good temper . The battles within the English Premier League were fierce, and such clashes were inevitable . Woods collection of foul cards in the future would certainly be more than just a few . And when Wood got barred from matches because of an accumulation of yellow cards, or from receiving a red card, there needed to be a substitute that Tang En could have confidence in . He did not have to perform as well as Wood, but he could not perform too poorly either . In truth, it was often more difficult to choose a substitute than a core player . While a core player needed only the ability to perform . A substitute not only needed ability but also the mental toughness to sit on the bench . They had to be able to withstand the loneliness . Being a substitute for someone like Wood it was even tougher; Wood was the kind of player who rarely got injured . What player would willingly sit on the substitutes bench for a majority of the time? Almost none . Yet, the team could not function without an able set of reserve line-ups . Though rotation may be a feasible method, it was only a possibility . The stability of the formation and a rotation system ran directly counter to each other . Furthermore, to do a rotation on the position of a defensive midfielder already sounded ridiculous . The most essential requirement of a defensive midfielder was stability . With changing here and there, it would not only be the rotating players who felt uncomfortable; the entire team would be at a loss . In Tang Ens heart, if Forest team in the future truly became strong enough to require a rotation system for competing in multiple leagues, there were two positions that he would not implement rotation on: one was the goalkeeper, and the other was George Wood .
Chapter end
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