Steven glanced away. “When I was at Newcastle there was aguy who had come over from Japan. First time playing in the UK. It was a shock to his system in so many ways.”
Udo took a swig from the Brockton FC water bottle he had in front of him. Howard would give him points for branding.
“What did you do?” Udo asked, wiping his bottom lip with his thumb.
“Helped him to become part of the team,” Steven replied. “We’re not that different deep down. We found out he loved ten-pin bowling. Like really loved it.”
Udo chuckled. “You won’t catch me in rented shoes. That’s for sure. Did it work?”
Steven looked mock hurt. “You mean you never heard of the Newcastle FC A-team winning the Tyneside Bowling League in 2018?”
“That passed me by, I’m afraid. Did it work though?”
“Like a dream.”
A faint whisper of amusement swept across Udo’s face. “Really?”
Considering the number of billboards he’d been on, Udo didn’t come across as particularly sure of himself. Truth be told, Steven had expected someone far more confident.
“Of course. A lot that is down to you.”
Udo frowned. “Not sure what you mean.”
“Have you made any effort to get to know us here?”
It was harsh but true. Udo turned up in physical form then went home again. It took more to be part of a team.
Udo blushed.
“We’re not a bad lot,” Steven continued. “I’ve played for a few clubs over the years. None of them had an atmosphere like Brockton. I don’t know what it is, but I love it here.”
“Perhaps it’s the country air?”
“Perhaps it is,” Steven replied, grinning.
“I guess I could make more effort. I’m here to work hard, Steven. Not coast.”
“Great. Now to more business stuff. We’re playingWinterbourne this weekend. I’ll email you some videos. I’ve put together a load of clips for each player. By Saturday, I want you to know them inside out. Keep an eye on Noah Farman. He gets bloody everywhere.”
Udo nodded. “I’ll watch them every night.”
There it was. The tiniest flash of excitement.
“Can I say something fundamental?” Steven continued.
“Yes,” Udo replied, warily.
Steven took a breath. “This is going to sound like the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do,” he said. “I need you to try and relax a little. You’re overthinking everything and it’s paralysing you.”
Udo bowed his head again.
“And this has to stop.”
“What?”
“Your head goes down like a dead weight,” Steven replied. “You’re psyching yourself out. Keep it up.”
Udo did as he asked and stared into Steven’s eyes. “Like this?”
