As Coach, Dick Endive, sat on the team bus, on the way back down the M1 from Leicestershire, he raised his eyebrows, gave a little shake of the head and had a smile to himself. What a week that had been. He had got through it all though, and the bonus point win at Jimmy's XV had capped it off pleasantly. He had felt the team building as the week went on and now he was sure that they really could be at the beginning of something big. Could this be the best move (and there had been plenty in his peripatetic career) he had ever made?

 

He was getting ahead of himself again. One step at a time. There were clearly more questions than answers, both on and off the pitch. If he was going to finally win a trophy (he had never actually won anything in his coaching career, but last season was the first time he had been relegated and technically they were already down when he took over, so, he wasn't counting that) he would have to use all his wit, all his wiles. But if 'Del' Shannon's performance today was anything to go by, he was on the right track.

 

One way or another his tyro lock had been on his mind since his meeting with Ivan last week when he had made it clear that Krokov wanted 'Del' gone. The sheer idiocy of this idea had strengthened Dick's resolve to manage the team 'his' way and 'get' results so that no one could argue. But, of course, that resolve would be tested. Monday had brought the defeat, not entirely unexpected, to Takai Tawa, but also the financial director, Michael de Tillsring raised the question of Shannon's future. The next day the doubters were the club chairman, Gene Eale-Stolwut and Houffitt Troodepolls at a dinner at the Chairman's luxurious 'lodgings'. When on Wednesday night in the bar, after a rousing victory in the cup, that was only marred by 'Luigi' Bullock pulling up lame in the ninth minute, Dick had heard the Sales director, Mostyn Boyle-Gett, spouting the kind of nonsense that had earned him he nickname 'The sufferer', call for Shannon to be sold, he knew he had to do something. Why was such an obviously talented, committed player, adored by the fans, deemed surplus to requirements by nearly all the club staff?

 

On Thursday, a beautiful morning, Dick walked into reception at the club early and the following conversation had ensued.

 

DE: 'Morning Charmaine. How are you on this lovely morning?'

C: 'I'm good Mr Endive, thank you, and you?'

DE: 'Very well, thanks. You haven't seen 'Del' Shannon this morning, by any chance, have you?'

C: 'Ernestus? Is he in your parking spot?' She asked with a knowing grin.

DE: 'No. Well, I don't know. It's a lovely morning, I walked in.'

C: 'Just, normally, when people come in asking for Ernestus, it's because he's parked in their spot.'

DE: 'And does this happen often?'

C: 'He's always doing it. Especially since he lost his Captain's spot. I think it started orginally as a bet, you know "Bet you won't park in Ivan's spot" and with his temper I wouldn't, but you know Ernestus, he's not afraid of anyone, well he's never parked in Baallkhup's space. Ernestus, he is a bit naughty. But, I like him.'

DE: 'So, this happens a lot and it is not just Ivan that he has annoyed?'

C: 'It's just a bit of a laugh for them. Boys will be boys.'

DE: 'OK. Thanks Charmaine, and if you see Ernestus. Tell him I would like a word with him.'

C: 'OK Mr Endive.'

DE: 'Call me Dick, please.'

C: 'Yes, Mr Dick.'

 

When he did catch up with Ernestus, later that day, they had a good chat and he hoped everything would sort itself out. He told his young talisman, to park in 'my spot from now on' (Dick would happily walk in) and told him that he was putting him back in the engine room to really solidify the setpiece. He told him that he was the first name on the team sheet and he had only taken the captaincy from him because he wanted him to play unburdened. Besides, as a coach he had to make use of the experience they now had in the squad. But the parking shenanigans had to stop. Well, it seemed to have done the trick because 'Del' had a stormer Thursday night in the comeback win against Koalas in the WCC.

 

That win had really pleased Dick from a coaching perspective. He had asked Nockum Onnderaarshuis and Baallkhup Wittderoids to really work hard with the lads up front this week and the results were there for all to see. Whilst Sly Torvhaans den Bosch had created a clear plan of attack that all the players had bought into and Loïc Chitoorvershœfel and Houffitt Troodepolls had sharpened up the back three. Koalas had come out firing, with their left wing Sloper, doing a passable impression of David Campese in his prime. They had rattled off tries like they were going out of fashion, but his team hadn't been rattled and were still in contention at the half time break. To, then come out for the second half, keep the opposition scoreless, finish looking stronger (kudos to the fitness work of Manny Rhea-Pittishuns) and win the game, meant they were going in the right direction and really pleased all concerned.

 

Friday's coaches meeting, to finalise Saturdays starting XV, had therefore been pretty straightforward. Of course Dick was kicking himself, for bowing to external pressure and picking 'Luigi' in the cup and to now be without him, when he knew he really needed a rest. But, he convinced the others that now there was a chance to try a different combination in the back three. The back line was rejigged and Loïc Chitoorvershœfel said they could 'expect something special from 'Swan Lake' on the left wing. The pack was left as it was and Dick knew he was going to see 'Del' Shannon shine, having told him to go out and silence his critics. When he turned over the ball directly from kickoff Dick settled back into his seat, ready to enjoy watching the side go about their work.