The atmosphere in the locker room was so good that Walker did not have the heart to remind everyone that they should play immediately. Ever since the team was relegated to Division One, the team's morale had been declining day by day. Many people even thought that they should just hang around in the lower leagues and had no confidence in their future. David Platt did not change the low morale, and neither did Paul Hart. Who would have thought that the originally gloomy and low-key acting manager would actually turn the situation around?
Looking at the players' trembling facial muscles and the fire in their eyes, Des Walker realized that it was not necessarily a bad thing that he had hit the back of his head. Des Walker realised that it was not necessarily a bad thing that he had hit the back of his head. At the very least, God had given them a decent manager.
"Alright! Go out now! "Tang En stood at the door and clapped, urging the players to go out. The first to pass by him was Jack Lester, who had not performed well in the first half. He was probably still upset about his performance in the first half and was about to walk out with his head lowered when Tang En suddenly slapped him on the back.
"Raise your heads! All of you, raise your heads!" His voice rang out in the locker room again. "We haven't lost yet, why are you lowering your heads? Don't let those East Londoners think we're afraid of them! "
With his roar, all the players unconsciously raised their heads and walked out of the locker room with their chests puffed out.
Only when the last player left the locker room did Tang En turn his head to look at Walker, who was still standing behind him. Only then did a hint of a smile appear on his tense face.
Walker looked at the beads of sweat on his forehead and also smiled. "Tony, you really let me see a good show."
Tang En grinned. "Let's go, Des. The effect still needs to be tested through the match. "
When the two returned to the technical area, the players from both sides were already standing on the field, waiting for the kickoff. Tang En looked at the stands. What disappointed him was that the stands were already empty just after the halftime interval. He did not know if they had not returned to their seats or if they were too disappointed with Forest and did not want to watch anymore. If you guys leave early, I bet you'll regret it!
The same scolding as in the first half rang out behind him again. Tang En did not even turn his head. He did not want to bother with them now. He would wait until the match to see their expressions. Walker seemed to want to argue with the other party, but Tang En pressed him into a chair.
"Ignore them. Watch the match. The match is about to begin. "
The starting line-up for this match was arranged by Des Walker. They were basically the main players of the team, with no injuries or illnesses. This lineup could not be said to be weak in English League One, but they had not played well in the last few rounds of games, which had a lot to do with their low mental state. There were rumors of a manager change, and everyone's future was uncertain. Under the shadow of the economic crisis, how could the players have the mood to play well? How could the coaching staff have the mood to study tactics?
Twain had only reignited the fighting spirit and confidence buried in their hearts. The opponent is a super team? Very good, it's more exciting to play against such a team. Beating a super team can prove our strength! Whether it was the players who were clamoring for a transfer or the players who had already planned to spend the rest of their lives in this kind of low-level league, at this moment, a fighting spirit was aroused — to beat West Ham United in front of them, for themselves! No matter what our motives are, no matter what differences we had in the past, this time our goal is the same, and that is to win, to win!
Michael Dawson observed the West Ham United players from the rear defensive line and found that his manager was indeed able to predict things. Their opponents were absent-minded, their eyes were wandering, and they did not stand properly. They were completely unaware of how terrifying of a beast their opponents had become.
He knew that he was definitely going to win today's match!
The referee blew his whistle, and the second half of the match began. In the television broadcast box, John Mortensen drank a mouthful of water, cleared his throat, and turned away the microphone to begin his work.
"This is a match in the third round of the 02-03 FA Cup. In the first half, the visiting West Ham United leads the home team, Nottingham Forest, by 3: 0. What will we see in the second half of the match … Oh, a foul! "Before he could finish his prepared line, he had to change it midway.
The referee's whistle had just rung off when it rang again. This time, it was because someone from the Forest team had committed a foul. Andy Reid had pushed West Ham United's captain, Joe Cole, in a scramble.
Twain knew Joe Cole's technical characteristics and his future as a star. The player with the most magnificent footwork in England in recent years had not reached the heights that people had hoped for. Other than the fact that his physical characteristics did not conform to the English football tradition, his injury-prone body was also an important reason that limited his progress.
Modern football had very high requirements for physical fitness. If a player with the combined skills of Maradona and Pele possessed a body made of glass, it was basically tantamount to having no chance of any glory or achievements. It was probably the same for Joe Cole. His footwork was outstanding, but he was easily injured.
Genius boy, let me teach you how to face a barbaric defense here. Twain said in his heart. If you can get past me, you'll be an international superstar. If you can't … then just accept your fate!
West Ham United was awarded a free kick. Andy Reid's foul still did not ring the alarm bells for them. No matter how they looked at it, it was just an ordinary foul. To be honest, for a young hero like Joe Cole, who had made his name in life, being violated on the field was simply a common occurrence. It was nothing. We're leading by three goals anyway.
The free kick was sent out, and it quickly landed at the feet of the Forest players. Defoe casually stopped the ball and directly gave it to the opponent. Regarding this mistake, whether it was Manager Glenn Roeder on the sidelines or the West Ham players on the field, none of them took it to heart. They thought they had already won. Roeder even expressed his congratulations to the team in advance during the halftime interval. Glancing at the Forest player who had the ball, the childish young center back, Rode turned his head back to the technical area, ready to discuss the Premier League match with his assistant on the 11th. They would be facing Newcastle United at home, which was a very tricky team to deal with. Newcastle United was in fourth place in the league, while they were in last place.
When Twain saw Dawson get the ball, he knew it was an opportunity. Because of the attack just now, most of the West Ham United players had not returned to the field. They were strolling leisurely on the field. He had to teach them a lesson.
He got up and walked down from the technical area.
Motson, who was in the broadcasting area, saw this scene. "Manager Tony Twain stood up and walked down. This is the first time he has appeared on the sidelines in this game. Could it be that the Forest team has something worth looking forward to in the second half? But I still hope he has to be careful of his own players and not get knocked to the ground again! Haha! "
Dawson also noticed Twain's appearance on the sidelines. He cast his gaze over and saw Twain's right index finger draw a parabola in front of his chest. A long pass?
In fact, he had already seen that West Ham United's formation was in a mess. There were piles and piles of holes in their defensive line. Jack Leicester was at the front. But was he trustworthy after he seemed to be sleepwalking in the first half?
Dawson gritted his teeth and kicked the ball forward.
Twain watched as the ball flew up. Under the afternoon sun, it shone with a dazzling light and fell directly behind West Ham United's defensive line.
The person who appeared there was — Jack Leicester!
Twain clenched his fists. "Shoot! Bastard! "he roared. But Leicester was still outside the penalty area. Twain saw that the opposing goalkeeper, David James, was standing a little forward. Perhaps he did not expect Forest's attack to reach the front of his penalty area so quickly.
Twain saw it. Did Leicester see it?
The 26-year-old striker from Sheffield only had football in his eyes. He saw West Ham United's Czech center back, Tomáš Repka, jump high but did not head the ball that Dawson sent over. He headed the ball!
The football flew towards him. He puffed out his chest and beautifully took it down. Amidst the cheers of the Forest fans, he seemed to hear a voice shouting, "Shoot!"
So, he did not even have time to see the opposing goalkeeper's position before he lifted his leg and volleyed a shot directly from the penalty area line!
The biggest beneficiary of West Ham United's frenzied siege in the first half was the goalkeeper, James. He did not even break a sweat during the halftime interval. He even brought it to the locker room to show off. Now he knew that he was actually the unluckiest person in the first half.
Because when he was about to pounce on the shot, he found that he could not stretch his body because he had not warmed up enough.
The football flew past his hand and spun into the goal behind him!
"Jack Leicester … What a great goal!!" Motson jumped up from his seat. When Dawson passed the ball, he did not expect to see such a beautiful goal.
The City Ground Stadium was immediately ignited by Leicester's goal. All the fans in red jumped up from their seats and waved their arms. He waved his arms. This time, it was the real Sherwood Forest. It was much more spectacular than twenty-seven thousand middle fingers!
After the goal, Leicester looked at the football inside the goal and then suddenly turned around and ran to the technical area. He wanted to thank one person for the goal. That person was … Tony Twain, who was waving his arms and shouting on the sidelines! He was the one who reignited his fighting spirit and confidence. He was the one who told him to straighten his chest and raise his head to face everything. He was sure that the "shoot" just now was definitely Twain's shout.
At this moment, the cursing behind the technical area disappeared. The players and coaches could only hear one voice: "Forest! Forest！ Nottingham`Forest！！” The City Ground Stadium, which could hold up to 32,000 people, finally returned to its identity as the Forest team's home ground.
Tang En seized the opportunity to give a lesson to the Forest players who were crowding around him celebrating the goal. "Look at the stands. This is our home ground! Do you see that? These are our fans! Do well! Now, go back to the field and continue to teach those Londoners a lesson! "
After sending off the excited players, he returned to the technical area. Des Walker stood up and gave him a high five in celebration. "Beautifully done, Tony!"
"Not me. It was Leicester and Dawson who did beautifully." Twain was humble.
"You all did beautifully!" Walker said with a smile.
After celebrating with Walker, Twain looked up and saw Michael and a group of people directly above the technical area. He was very happy to see the awkward expressions on the other party's faces. They wanted to celebrate but were unwilling to appear too happy under his eyes. So, looking at this group of pitiful people who did not know what to do, Twain grinned.
Michael's face immediately darkened. He shouted at him, "Don't be happy too early. We're still behind by two goals! If you can turn defeat into victory for us, I'll treat you to a drink tonight! "
Twain pointed at him and asked loudly, "Are you the one who said that?"
"I'm the one who said it!"
"Just wait to pay up!"
Twain turned around and sat down. He then said to Walker beside him, "Des, go to Burns' bar for a drink tonight. Someone's treating."
Walker nodded with a smile.
"Nottingham Forest's most recent home game against West Ham United was on September 19, 1998. That was also the Forest team's last season in the Premier League. They drew 0: 0 with the opponent at home." Motson began to recount the history of the two teams. It was a very typical English commentary. But after that, Motson changed the topic and began to praise Jack Motson's goal. "Jack Lester's performance in the first half was simply a big 'joke.' But this goal in the second half can be selected as one of the top three best goals in this round of the FA Cup! I don't know what happened in Forest's locker room during halftime, but it's clear that today's Forest team is completely different from the first half. West Ham United can't hold on any longer! Maybe Tony Twain said something in the locker room. Forest's morale is now high, and West Ham has clearly been beaten silly! "
This famous English commentator was right. West Ham had indeed been beaten silly. They did not expect to concede a goal just two minutes into the second half. Moreover, the opponent's goal was so beautiful that it was enough to make the drowsy fans jump out of their seats. They could also make themselves hold their heads in frustration.
Football was so wonderful. A goal could break the balance on the field and tilt the scales of victory.
Lester's goal ignited the passion of the Forest fans and the passion of the Forest players. They were more aggressive in their pressing, more ferocious in their tackling, and faster in their attacks.
Twain knew the strength of West Ham's midfield. Carrick and Eduardo Cissé's defense in the middle was quite successful. If they fought with West Ham in the midfield, they could only let the rhythm of the game return to the opponent's feet. Because as far as the current Forest team was concerned, they were definitely inferior to West Ham in terms of technique. There was no reason to use their own weakness to cater to the opponent's strength. Modern football was, to put it bluntly, a contest of mutual restraint. How to destroy the opponent's technical and tactical system was the top priority. No matter what, they could not let the opponent play what they were best at. This was especially important when a weak team was playing against a strong team.
Since I can't control the ball in the midfield compared to West Ham, I won't go through the midfield. Seventy percent of the use of the four midfielders standing parallel to each other was defense. They would deal with Joe Cole and Lee Bowyer like they were cutting down trees. As long as the two of them had the ball, at least one or two Forest players surrounded them, it would be a chaotic scramble. The final result would either be the Forest team fouling or the two of them losing the ball. There would never be a situation where they dribbled the ball out of the Forest team's defensive formation.
Grasping the ball control, the Forest team's offense was very simple. It was so simple that it could be said to be crude — long passes. In the past, it was the most traditional style of football that England was best at. Tang En had decided to play it this way because Forest had a strong striker in front of them, Marlon Harewood, who had not been able to perform up until now. Standing at 1.86m tall, he had a strong body and excellent footwork skills. Although Tang En was not satisfied with his shooting skills, his physique was still very impactful on the field. It was the best way to deal with the absent-minded West Ham defense.
West Ham's midfield was completely suppressed by the Forest team. Defoe, who had scored twice in the first half, seemed a little redundant at this time. Like him, there was also the veteran Di Canio who lacked movement. The Italian had a minor injury before this game. If not for the fact that the team's forward line was lacking, he would not have let the 34-year-old replace him. Although Kanort was on the substitute's bench, Rod did not intend to let the Malian play. He was here to make up the numbers. Looking at the forward being mediocre at the front, the midfield and defense were beginning to be strained. Rod thought it was time to change the player to adjust.
If he replaced Di Canio, who should he replace? He glanced at the substitute's bench. The winger Trevor Sinclair, the attacking midfielder Don Hutchison, the center back Gary Breen, the striker Kanort, and the substitute goalkeeper Van der Hoop.
What a headache. He scratched his head.
At this moment, he heard loud cheers coming from the stands!
What's going on?
He hurriedly turned to look at the field.
He saw the Forest team's number 18 striker quickly pass through his parallel position of the rear defensive line, and Andy Reid's pass was sent to his feet at just the right time. He had broken through his offside trap so easily …
"Which f * cking bastard made a mistake …" The seemingly elegant "Gentleman" could not help but swear.
He had his back to the field just now, so he did not see his captain, Joe Cole, get the ball successfully intercepted by the opposing team's Garris Williams because he was too glued to the ball. The ball was directly transferred to Andy Reid on the other side of the field. Reid's beautiful straight pass and his diagonal movement, which was in sync with Marlon Hailwood's, easily tore apart the English Premier League's defense.
Tang En stood up from the manager's seat and leaned forward to watch the attack on the field. The people around him also stood up from their seats one after another, ready to celebrate the moment the goal was scored.
Hailwood … I know you're not good at shooting, but if you can't even score this kind of goal, you'll go to the reserve team tomorrow! Tang En gritted his teeth in his heart.
In the quiet Wilford training base, the iron carved door was tightly shut. To the right of the door, a small room opened a crack, and a clear voice came from inside.
"That's a single blade! Hailwood won't waste this opportunity! He's shooting … It's a goal!! "
The door to the small room was slammed open, and the white-haired old man, McDonald, jumped out of the room. He stood at the door with his arms raised and shouted, "Goal!!" His imposing manner caused the leaves on the ground to fly up.
Just as excited as him were the 27,000 Forest fans in the City Ground stands. They also shouted, "Goooooal!!! Forest`Go！ Go！ Go！”
The commentator's voice continued to come from the radio. "This is Forest's second goal in 13 minutes! Their imposing manner is like a rainbow —!! West Ham United did not expect Forest to give them such a heavy blow in the second half. Their three-goal advantage turned into a one-goal lead in the blink of an eye. They're in grave danger! Look at Forest's momentum. They might even be able to tie the game! "
McDonald shouted towards the room, "Sh * t! We can turn defeat into victory! "
That young man fulfilled his promise. The news of our goal came from the radio one after another. Well done, Tony! Come on, Forest!
The stands in the City Ground were in an uproar. The temperature was even higher than the previous goal. Hailwood rushed to the side of the field, to Forest's main stand. There, he was worshipped by the fans. His teammates behind him quickly pressed him under their bodies.
This time, even Tang En, who was at the side of the field, could not suppress the excitement in his heart. He jumped up high and hugged Des Walker tightly. This was really … the 15 minutes of the second half that no one could keep calm! This group of people really did it. The strategy that he, the manager who replaced the prince with a leopard, set up had really succeeded! We're still one goal short! I want to turn defeat into victory!
"Tony! Tony! You're so f * cking amazing! I love you! " Walker roared crazily in his ear. At this moment, he was completely convinced by this acting manager.
"I f * cking love you too …" Tang En did not care if it was wrong to say this. He just wanted to vent the emotions in his heart. "… I f * cking love all of you!"
From the broadcast stand, he saw the roaring stadium and Tony Twain tightly hugging his assistant manager. John Motson shook his head repeatedly. "Unbelievable, unbelievable … This is really an unbelievable 15 minutes of the second half! In the first half, Forest had no fighting spirit at all. They were like a sheet of loose sand. Now, they have pulled back two goals in a row and look like they could swallow West Ham United at any time. What kind of magic did the acting manager cast on the players during the halftime interval? What made them reinvigorated? I think there will be countless people who will be concerned about this after the match ends! But … now! Everyone, please continue to pay attention to the third round of the FA Cup. Let us see if Nottingham Forest can turn defeat into victory! Let us see if this miracle of Forest can be successfully performed! "
When Forest's players returned to the field under the referee's urging and prepared to continue the match. The heat wave in the stands eased slightly, but it was closely followed by a song that had not been heard for a long time in the City Ground.
Tang En could tell that it was the song he had heard before the match, but it was quickly interrupted by the boos.
“We‘ve`got`the`whole`world`in`our`hands！ The world is in our hands! We're the best team in England! We're invincible and invincible! We're fearless! Because we're the best team! Because the world is in our hands!! "
Now, the fans could finally sing out these proud lyrics with a strong sense of righteousness.
Tang En stood by the side of the field and looked around at the thousands of arms and scarves swaying in the stands. The loud singing of the Nottingham fans assaulted his eardrums and his brain buzzed. This was a scene that could only be seen on television in the past. Now, he was really here. This was not a dream! This was not a dream!
I love this sound, I love the smell here, I love this exciting scene!
Thank God, you let me come here and become a manager. Yes, I found the career and position that suits me best. I will not be at a loss, nor will I hesitate. Because this is the place where I am destined to stay!
He opened his arms, leaned back, held his head high and closed his eyes, enjoying the cheers around him.
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