Chapter 58: The Visiting Team, Millwall Part 2
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
When the match began, Tang En fully realized that what Walker had said was true about the situation from the technical area. Just because their opponent was Millwall, the atmosphere of the stadium had completely changed. The visiting team’s fans were singing excitedly in their stands, constantly changing the lyrics to mock the Forest players during the match. Although they were smaller in number, they had the upper hand in volume.
Unable to withstand the humiliation, the die-hard Forest fans immediately launched a counterattack with filthy words under Mark Hodge’s leadership. Of course, just like there was always roast turkey for Christmas dinner, what was a battle of filthy words without the embellishment of middle fingers?
If someone had heard these lively noises outside the stadium, they would have thought the stadium was full. Tang En had originally thought so, too. But in fact, the attendance for that day’s match was lower than any of the previous matches. Large swathes of the stands were empty. Other than the policemen in bright yellow vests, there was no one else.
It wasn’t that the match wasn’t exciting enough to attract spectators. But for this highly-sensitive match, the field management and the police deliberately deducted a portion of the tickets to free up some space in the stands and use that as a buffer between the opposing groups of fans to ensure safety.
The match itself was not even as exciting as the two sides’ fans in the stands. Millwall tried very hard, but it was of no use. In the face of Nottingham Forest’s ambition to be the Premier League, they were beaten without the power to fight back. When Harewood scored his 25th goal of the season, which was also the third goal of this match, the visiting team, Millwall, lost their fighting spirit, and the match ended prematurely.
At this time, the Millwall fans in the stands were once again in the spotlight. They constantly abused the Forest players on the field and the Forest fans on both sides of the stands. There were even clashes between the fans and police officers in charge of the security work. Of course, the conflicts quickly subsided. It was not only the Millwall team which was fighting in their away match, but also the Millwall fans. They didn’t seem to realize that some hollering and a few curse words were honestly the best way to vent.
Because the situation of the match was already set, Tang En simply watched the show, starring at the fans from the sidelines. He wanted to find Mark Hodge in the stands and was curious as to what he was doing at that moment. But there were so many people in the stands, it was too difficult to find someone who was wearing the same red jersey as the other 20,000 fans.
When the match went into injury stoppage time, Tang En heard a familiar shout from Michael Bernard behind him.
“Tony! Will there be any changes in this match?”
“What do you think will change? We’re in the lead with three goals!”
“That’s good. I have to take my son out of here. Remember what you said. You will get the team in the Premier League next season!”
Little Bernard stood beside his father and wore the red Forest jersey with George Wood’s maiden signature. Tang En wanted to laugh every time he saw that crooked and slanted handwriting, which was not as good as an elementary school student’s.
“The match is not over yet. It’s unbecoming behavior for a loyal fan to leave early.” Tang En was making fun of Michael.
“I don’t want to get involved in a big chaotic fight after the match. Damn it! Tony, if I don’t see Nottingham Forest on the Premier League list in half a month’s time, I don’t mind showing you what a loyal fan’s becoming behavior is.” Michael shook his fist at Twain, but Tang En smiled even more happily.
“You won’t have to. Of course, don’t think that I can’t beat you…” Tang En suddenly remembered the child next to Michael. It was inappropriate to talk like that in front of him. So, he waved to little Bernard. “Good-bye, Gavin. I hope you will not be led astray by your violent dad.”
Little Bernard made a face at Twain, “I will not, Uncle Violence!”
Amid Michael’s laughter, Tang En shrugged with a smile as he watched the father and son leaving. It was an interesting family. Looking at that bright and clever child, he was looking forward to what kind of young man he would become when he grew up.
When Tang En turned his attention back to the match, he heard three sharp whistles and the loud cheers that followed.
Walker stood up, took off the headset over his his ears, and smiled at Twain. “It’s over. Our next opponent is Sheffield United.”
“Excellent! Ever since that day we lost to them, I’ve been looking forward to it.” Tang En gritted his teeth as he spoke. “After we defeat them, we will go to the Premier League!” Then, Twain and Walker shook on it.
Next to them, Bowyer also put his hand in.
“Though I can’t go to the Premier League with you, I really want to see the day when the Forest Team returns to the Premier League.”
Tang En turned to look at the old chap. When he had just become a manager, Bowyer had ridiculed him, stood by irritably, and did nothing to help. He had even wanted to replace him. At that time, he did not think that the three of them would ever put their hands together to work hard for the same goal.
“Thank you, Ian.” These words were sincere.
“If the Forest team really returns to the Premier League in 12 days, I will be the one thanking you, Tony.”
Tang En was in a good mood and did not want to be too formal. So, he smiled and suggested, “When the press conference is over, the three of us will have a few good drinks at Kenny’s bar.”
“That’s a great idea.” The other two men nodded and agreed.
