Chương 35: International talks and Agent

The coaching staff room at St. George's Park buzzed with the usual low murmur of conversation, laptops open and phones on silent as the national team coaches pored over footage from recent matches. Gareth Southgate, always composed, scanned through a few player profiles on his tablet, occasionally making notes.

"Alright, gents," Southgate began, looking up from his screen. "Let's get into the business. We've got a few names on our radar for the next round of international fixtures. Some real talent to consider."

Chris Powell, one of the assistant coaches, spoke up with enthusiasm. "There's been a lot of talk about a young talent at Derby County—David Jones. He's only sixteen, but he's been absolutely on fire this season. His ability on the ball, his vision, and the way he's stepped up in the senior team have been impressive."

Southgate raised an eyebrow but kept his tone neutral. "David Jones, you say? I've heard the name come up a few times, but we need to be careful. It's easy to get caught up in the hype around young players. I'm not sure he's at the level we need right now."

Chris leaned forward. "I get that, Gareth, but his performances are more than just hype. He's scoring goals, creating chances, and he's been able to handle the pressure of senior football, even at his age. This could be someone we want to look at more closely."

Southgate let out a slight sigh, clearly unconvinced. "I'm not saying the kid doesn't have potential, but potential is not enough for international football. We need players who are already performing consistently at the highest levels. We've got a squad that's already built for competition at the very top, and that's where our focus has to be. It's not about gambling on someone who's still learning the ropes."

Paul Ince, another assistant coach, gave a firm nod. "But Gareth, sometimes you've got to take a chance. Look at Vardy—he wasn't always in the Premier League mix, but he proved himself when it mattered."

Southgate shook his head, dismissing the comparison. "Vardy was an exception, not the rule. He's one of those rare cases where everything aligned. We can't afford to base our judgment on anomalies. We need consistency, players who are showing they can handle the pressure on the biggest stage. Jones hasn't had that opportunity yet, and until he does, we can't afford to get ahead of ourselves."

The staff exchanged a few glances, but no one pushed further. Southgate was resolute in his decision. "We'll keep an eye on him, but right now, it's a matter of sticking with the players we know and trust. If Jones keeps improving and shows he's ready, then maybe we'll talk again. But for now, let's keep focused on our current squad."

As the discussion shifted to other players, the staff couldn't help but wonder: Was Southgate making a mistake? David Jones' talent was undeniable, but would it be enough to earn him a spot in the future? Only time would tell, but for now, Southgate had drawn a clear line.

Jonathan Cartwright adjusted his scarf as the brisk Derby wind bit at his neck. From his seat near the halfway line, he had a clear view of the pitch, but it wasn't the game he cared about—it was one player. David Jones.

The teenager danced past defenders with ease, his movement calculated yet fluid. When David executed the rainbow flick, leaving his marker stranded, Jonathan caught himself murmuring, "That's filthy." He scribbled into his notebook:

"Creativity. Fearless. Marketable."

The final whistle blew, and the stadium erupted in cheers, but Jonathan remained seated. As fans poured out, he took his time packing up, his thoughts racing. The kid was a gem—raw but undeniably brilliant.

After the match, Jonathan found a spot by the players' exit, blending in with the parents and die-hard fans hoping for autographs. He wasn't here to make contact, not yet. Timing mattered, and approaching too soon could shatter the fragile beginnings of trust.

David emerged with his teammates, laughing at something Jason Knight said. The boy had a lightness about him, a natural charm that Jonathan noted. He's got the crowd; now he just needs the right stage.

Jonathan didn't approach. He didn't call out. Instead, he turned and walked away, hands in his pockets, his mind already forming a plan.

In his modest hotel room, Jonathan sat at the desk, his laptop open to a replay of the game. The grainy footage didn't capture the crowd's electricity, but it was enough. He rewound the rainbow flick, watching it over and over.

"Who even thinks of that under pressure?" he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

A notification pinged on his phone—a reminder of an overdue bill. Jonathan swiped it away without looking. This wasn't the time to dwell on personal setbacks. He had work to do.

Opening a new tab, he began researching. Articles on Derby County, interviews with Wayne Rooney, social media reactions to the game. Everywhere he looked, David's name came up.

Jonathan's agency wasn't a powerhouse. He didn't represent the sport's glittering stars or land headline-grabbing deals. His clients were journeymen players, hardworking but often overlooked.

He picked up the phone and called an old scout he trusted. "You see that Jones kid at Derby?"

"See him? Everyone's talking about him now. He's the real deal, Jonathan."

Jonathan leaned back, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Reckon he's got Premier League potential?"

"Mate, if you're asking, you already know the answer."

After the call, Jonathan sat in silence for a moment. This was it. David wasn't just talent—he was an opportunity.

The next morning, Jonathan emailed a contact at Derby County:

"Would love to discuss young David Jones and how we can work together to ensure his future reaches its full potential."

He kept the tone professional, the language carefully neutral. Ambition was one thing; desperation was another.

Jonathan spent the day juggling calls from his current clients—fielding frustrations, managing expectations. It was the grind he'd grown used to, but something about this week felt different.

Later that evening, as he watched David's highlights for the umpteenth time, a flicker of determination sparked in his chest. He wasn't in this game for fame or glory. He was in it because he believed in talent, in stories waiting to unfold.

Or so he told himself.

Jonathan closed his laptop and stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. David Jones could be the turning point. Not just for the boy's career, but for Jonathan's.

"Let's see where this goes," he murmured, allowing himself a rare moment of optimism before shutting out the light.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVRYONE THANKS FOR READING I LOVE YOU ALL AND IF YOU HAVE ANY OPINIONS, PLEASE SHARE THEM THANKS