of open honesty he said,
"But how do I score if they injure me illegally?"
Realizing that this young player was no airhead, Rodo said in a challenging tone,
"Are you ready to train under me as your attack coach?"
Surprised at this bluntness Simon replied in a soft tone,
"I would be honored to learn from you."
Laughing Rodo said,
"Well don't thank me too quickly. The training you will have to do is painful and tedious. For instance you will not be allowed to score one goal for the whole session."
Simon had not gone goalless at a training session in a very long time. But he still said in a definite tone,
"I will train my heart out to help me keep scoring goals."
Rodo smiled wickedly when he said,
"Well good for you. Now to our first training week I want you to bring in a pair of gum boots. Oh and a lot of padding for your legs. You may also want to but some anti-bruising cream and some muscle relaxing salts. The first week of this training regime can be brutal."
Not sure how to respond to this, Simon restricted himself to thanking this football idol from his youth. They parted on friendly terms. Which was all for the better for their future relationship. Simon would need Rodo when he reached a much higher level of football fame.
Chapter 6
The final was the spark which ignited Simon's sports fame.
Replays of his goals were shown in every soccer loving country. Some very rich International clubs suddenly became interested in this young Australian striker. Tanun was inundated with calls from talent scouts. The money on offer was very substantial and Simon was hot property on the global football market. Yet among all of this clamoring for his signature, Simon remained calm. He said to his father,
"Dad, I don't want to change clubs. I am happy living in Sydney with my friends and family close by. My teammates are familiar and they all respect my abilities, even if they don't all like me."
Nodding, Tanun replied,
"It would be nice to have you around, but I have to point out the opportunities you are passing up. Big money is on offer. You can earn more in one season that I have earned in my lifetime. One club will offer you an apartment in Paris and more money than many players get. Another club will offer you your own personal trainer, a high performance car and lots of money. You are the flavor of the moment, but that may pass if you don't take up what is on offer. "
Shaking his head, Simon said,
"No, they all want to put me on ice. One of the clubs has stated that I would not play for a year while their current strikers' contracts are played out. I don't want to loose a year, particularly when I am playing so well at the moment Who knows what will happen in a year."
Tanun pleaded,
"At least let me find you a professional manager. You are nio longer a schoolboy. Some of the contracts from those clubs were very confusing. I am out of my depth."
Simon was more than happy to let his father continue as his manager. He trusted and respected his father and knew that whatever advice his father gave him would be best for him. But he also respected his father's judgement and accepted that if his father thought he needed a professional manager, then he probably did. So, hesitantly, he said,
"Dad, If you think that I need a professional manager, then so be it. Do you have the time to find the right person for the job?"
Smiling warmly, Tanun said,
"Of course Simon, anything to help your career set into a firm footing. I will advertise for one immediately."
True to his word, Tanun obtained a short list of reputable managers from the players' association. Tamum was looking for someone who would care for Simon as a person and not just a player who they could charge a fee.
One candidate, Christopher Saltos, who had cared for many young stars as their careers took off, stood out. Knowing that eventually Simon would have to play overseas if he was to realize is full potential, Tamum asked,
"How would you protect Simon if he has to compete Internationally?"
Chris Saltos replied,
"There are many traps and pitfalls for a young player overseas. Bookmakers, vice peddlers and criminals prey on the inexperienced, looking to milk them of their playing fees and control their lives. I know who is good for Simon to be with and who he should avoid at all costs. A few have tried to get their hooks into my players. Having been in the special forces in a previous life, I was able to convince them with extreme prejudice to back off."
Tanun felt the chill of Saltos' words matched by his steely look and the set of his face sink in and knew that this man would protect Simon with his life . He said enthusiastically,
'You, sir, are hired."
Saltos met with Simon, determined that he and Simon would be the best of mates as well as workmates. Saltos asked,
"Well Simon, what are your long term goals."
Without hesitation, Simon replied,
"To be the best player I can be, to play for Australia and in the World Cup, if I am good enough."
Chris Saltos said warmly,
"Fine goals Simon. I have seen you play. You have what it takes to represent our country. When you do play for Australia, what number will you play under?"
Simon shot back,
"Number 4 and I will do all in my power to emulate the feats of our finest player who wore that number."
Nodding seriously, Chris Saltos said,
"Simon, you will go far in football and I am here to make sure that happens."
Chapter 7
The impact of Rodo's specialist training was obvious from Simon's next outing. The whole game some seasoned professional defenders tried to bottle him up but Simon defeated all their defensive ploys. Then when they decided to sideline Simon for the match he was able to escape all their ambush plays.
After the match Simon rang Rodo on his smartphone once he was back home with his Dad. Firstly he thanked his new trainer for his timely advice. In a tone of grateful admiration he said
"All your stratagems worked out perfectly. Those defenders never saw me switch sides into their blind spot. That is a great way to avoid close marking."
Rodo was pleased with his new prodigy so he said in an expansive tone
"Yes I was watching the match. They were no match for your new cunning. But you almost got boxed in when you chased that ball into the far corner. Leave those alone in future. Like a boxer caught on the ropes any striker trapped in a corner can be easily nullified.'
Nodding his head at this new piece of wisdom Simon realized that he had many things still to learn So he said in a hopeful tone
"When is our next session? I can hardly wait."
In a tone similar to a schoolmaster Rodo said
"Be at the training oval at first light. We will train before your team's recovery sessions. I have cleared it with your coach."
Accepting that this man was going to be a hard taskmaster but not resenting it in the least Simon said in a positive tone
"I'll be there coach!"
Crossly but with a touch of humor Rodo snapped back
"Don't call me coach. I am still a player. Its just That I am waiting for a game that befits my stature. Now get to bed early then get up an have a good breakfast. I am going to run you into the ground."
Simon could not help responding to such a forceful command.