Chapter 169: Want To Make A Bet? Part 1
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The capital of Wales, Cardiff City, Cardiff Millennium Stadium. Everything that took place there on that afternoon, down to the most minute details, would still be remembered by Tang En clearly, even after many years. That was because this was his first championship title, the starting point of his glorious journey.
He stood at the sideline blankly, and there was already no one around him — all of the Nottingham Forest staff and players rushed onto the field, celebrating their victory with the other eleven players. He felt as though his entire body had been emptied, and he had been completely drained.
He couldn't even go forward and celebrate the victory with the rest of the people, even if he had wanted to. What did he want to do the most at the moment? It would definitely be to find a quiet place alone to sit down, then slowly relishing and savoring the joy from his victory.
But evidently, it was something that he couldn't do at the moment. Tang En was surrounded by loud cheering noises all around him, and the broadcast system in the stadium was still in the midst of announcing the current season's EFL Cup champions. Each time it was announced, it would always be able to cause the Nottingham Forest fans on the stands to echo loudly.
"The champions for the 03-04 EFL Cup are..."
"Forest Forest! We are the champions!!"
While Tang En was still staring blankly by the side of the field, his players and coaching staff ran off the field and raised the defenseless Tang En high up over their heads. This victory belonged to Nottingham Forest, but if not for Tony Twain, and all the hard work that he put in for this match, then perhaps they would be looking at other people's celebrations instead. Therefore, who was the person they should be most thankful for, after attaining this victory? Everyone knew very clearly the answer to that question.
The people standing at the periphery of the crowd were unable to squeeze in, and could only splash their unfinished water at Tony Twain, who was in mid-air. He had been drenched from head to toe, and his suit resembled a wet rag. But he no longer cared, this was the moment for him to enjoy himself to the fullest.
Nottingham Forest players used this method to express their gratitude towards Manager Tony Twain. When Manager Twain first took over the team, this was a team that could not see any semblance of hope, as they were ranked fourth in the League, with six consecutive losses, and their morale was at an all-time low.
But now…they were the champions of the EFL Cup! Congratulations to them, as Manager Tony Twain has managed to nurture a team into one that is now full of fighting power. This is something that his predecessor, Collymore, was unable to achieve, even before he left. This became the line of demarcation of these two managers' fates.
Fourteen years ago, during the 1990 EFL Cup finals, Nottingham Forest had claimed their last championship trophy under the lead of their legendary manager Brian Clough. Today, they have, under the lead of another young manager, once again snatched back the EFL Cup championship title, which has eluded them for fourteen years.
What's more, Nottingham Forest fans have reasons to look forward to more to come. Under Manager Tony Twain's lead, this Nottingham Forest team has given everyone a refreshing feel. A League One team defeating a Premier League Team, what a complete upset! If Nottingham Forest continues to stay in League One by the end of this season, then all will be fortunate enough to see a second division team participate in the UEFA Europa League!
"Martin, why is it that Nottingham Forest will not be promoted to the Premier League by the end of the season? Regardless of whether it is through direct promotion or the play-offs… after seeing today's match, I firmly believe that Nottingham Forest has the ability to do so," Andy Gray said, as though he had become Tony Twain's ardent supporter. "Because they have a very exceptional manager."
At this moment, he recalled what John Motson had said to him previously, "Manager Twain is a very interesting person, in all aspects."
He is indeed very interesting!
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Nobody cared about the fates of the defeated, or about their feelings at the moment. After shaking hands with Tang En, out of routine, McClaren walked back to the changing room. When the match organizers began setting up the podium in the middle of the football field, his team had already finished changing, and appeared by the side of the field.
At that moment, Nottingham Forest's celebration was still ongoing near the Nottingham Forest fans' stands. They were simply too excited to care about how their opponents felt at the moment, as they unleashed their inner joy to their heart's content. The television reporters and staff carried their cameras, and ran after them around the field.
However, Tony Twain was not with them. He had been blocked off by even more reporters by the side of the field, answering the interview their countless questions. Pearce Bruce was also amongst them. This was a treatment exclusive to the victors, and Tang En loved this kind of treatment.
"….Yes yes! We are currently the champions! The south changing room's curse has no effect on us! Why? Because I dispelled it! I'm not afraid of some curse, and reality has proven everything…An upset? No no, not an upset! Any team that has advanced into the finals has the ability and possibility to win the championship title. I don't think that English Premier League teams are necessarily much stronger than League One teams, all these are just nonsense! Who is stronger than who? Whichever team that triumphs over the other is the stronger team!"
Once the big mouth of the excited Tang En opened, all the reporters around him laughed. This kind of manager, one who did not give the losers, his opponents, any face, how long has it been since they last saw someone like this? He was really arrogant…but they loved it!
Without his arrogance and his personality, how could there be news? Without news, how could the reporters earn a living? Not only did this publicize and promote a manager, it also allowed countless news reporters to make a living. If such a schtick could kill multiple birds with one stone, why not?
Nottingham Forest's celebration was very soon restricted to a very small area. That was because the prize ceremony had already started. In order to express sufficient respect to their opponents, no matter how happy they were, Nottingham Forest had to wait until the runners-up collected their medals on the podium, before they could continue with their celebration. So, they had to slightly suppress their emotions for the time being.
There was nothing special with the runners-up collecting their prizes. They accepted their silver medals amidst the Middlesbrough fans' clapping, before walking down the podium sullenly. What ensued was the moment that excited everyone!
The broadcast system in the stadium shouted, "Let us welcome… the champions — Nottingham Forest!!"
"Forest, Forest!" the crowd chanted.
The Nottingham Forest players got onto the podium, one by one, amidst the cheering sounds of their supporters. Against the banner in the background, which had the words "03/04 EFL Cup Champions" printed on it, they received their gold medals from the chairman of the organizing committee, Sir Mosine. This was a moment that many people dared not even dream about — them, becoming the EFL Cup champions, and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League next season!
When they felt that their futures were bleak during the first half of the season, could they have ever thought that they would have such a day? Who was the one who brought them this kind of glorious moment?
When Tony Twain walked up to the podium, the cheering noises from the stands erupted forth, louder than before. All of the Nottingham Forest fans obviously knew the person who brought such a tremendous change to the team. They thanked him and respected him by this showing of support.
After Tang En walked up to Sir Mosine, Sir Mosine grabbed hold of Tang En's hands, and said with a smile, "Well done, Mr. Twain. You have raised the public image of League One matches. Congratulations, champion manager!"
These words made Tang En feel extremely good, especially his last sentence, where he called Tang En a "champion manager".
"Thank you, Sir Mosine." Tang En bent over, allowing the other party to hang the gold medal around his neck. Tang En, with his head lowered, saw a flash of golden light, as soon as his neck sank from the weight of the medal. This was a genuine glory that was hanging around his neck!
I also have a championship title under my belt!
The people lining up behind Tang En to receive the medals were the coaching staff. They had contributed greatly to the team's championship title with their hard work, and therefore, were entitled to gold medals as well.
After the coaching staff received their medals, the person who got on the podium was George Wood. When Tang En was clapping for Wood, he was also rather amused by the sight of Wood, who stood in front of Sir, not knowing what he should do. The other party grabbed his hand and said something to him, but he did not know what kind of expression he should respond with, evidently in distress. After all, he was still a somewhat shy big boy! Ha ha!
After Wood lowered his head and allowed Sir Mosine to hang the gold medal around his neck, Wood walked off the podium, but was soon pulled by Wes Morgan into the group of excited teammates.
"This is very good," Tang En thought, as he smiled.
The last player to get onto the stage and receive his prize was the current team captain, goalkeeper Darren Ward. When he received that delicately crafted trophy from Sir Mosine, the atmosphere in Cardiff Millennium Stadium reached its peak. Red confetti and colored ribbons began spraying out from behind the backdrop, as the stadium started playing that classic song, .
This was Tang En's favorite song from his favorite band.
We are the champions!
"Congratulations to Nottingham Forest! They are the champions of the 03 to 04 season EFL Cup! They are fully-deserving of this title!"
Tang En and Ward each grabbed onto one side of the trophy, raising it high up in the air!
This was really a wonderful afternoon…