Free Journeyman by Ben Smith Page B

big way.
    I re-joined the Yeovil Town squad for training a couple of weeks after everyone else. Except for bringing up the rear during the running in my first training session, I actually seemed to be getting away with my lack of preparation. I performed relatively well in my first pre-season game against Plymouth and continued that form to be selected for the first game of the season away at Kettering Town.
    My manager and his staff were still talking really positively about me before the game and referring to me as one of the ‘go-to’ players in the team – this satisfied my ego. We won the game 2–1 and I remember performingfine, but I missed a great opportunity to score in the first half. The ball had sat up perfectly and all I had to do was lift it over the stranded keeper from around 20 yards. I did that part expertly, but I also managed to clear the crossbar and the chance was gone.
    The good start sadly did not continue as we lost at home to both Kingstonian and Hednesford Town. I remember learning a footballing lesson against Kingstonian. They had Gary Patterson and Geoff Pitcher in midfield, both really experienced midfielders who complemented each other perfectly, treated me like the nipper I was and totally dominated the game.
    Those two losses were followed by a draw at Hayes and then a win at Dover, where I played poorly and was substituted. We then beat Kidderminster Harriers 3–1 at home on the August bank holiday and I played a more advanced role just off Warren Patmore. I got my first goal of the season and, more importantly, my club car.
    I did not stipulate what type of car I wanted but I cannot say the green Seat Ibiza, complete with tow bar, was what I had envisaged. I was a young eligible bachelor and this was not the sort of transport a ‘man about town’ should have been driving – not in my opinion anyway. It was probably very cool in rural Somerset, though, and it was in club colours.
    I was hoping that bank holiday performance would kick-start my season and bring on a consistent level of performance after a so-so beginning. Our next game was at home to Rushden & Diamonds and it was the first time we’d meet after their rumoured interest in me the previous season. I was determined to impress.
    We lost the game 1–0 but I felt I had been our most effective attacking player throughout. You can imagine my surprise therefore when, with fifteen minutes left and us chasing the game, I was taken off. I could not believe it when my number came up and I showed my anger by telling the manager what I thought of his decision as I left the pitch. He was a lovely man but I was really frustrated. We were playing with three central defendersand had two defensive-minded midfielders on as well. The general gist of my argument was that he should have taken one of those defensive players off and left me on as we needed a goal. I had a strong case but my reaction was unprofessional and must have looked terrible to the supporters, not to mention the manager in the other dugout who I was trying to impress.
    I felt vindicated though when, with five minutes to go, the sponsors named me ‘Man of the Match’. Quite often the announcement of the sponsors’ player of the game is met with bemusement, but I obviously agreed this time.
    After the game Colin took me into the office and gave me a bollocking, which he was totally entitled to do. He told me he ‘couldn’t care less who I thought I was’ and that I had ‘no right’ to question his decision. I accepted that point but still could not agree with his rationale for the substitution.
    On this occasion we had to agree to disagree. I wonder what he thought of me after that meeting – some chubby nineteen-year-old who had only been playing first-team football for six months telling a man of vast experience what he should be doing.
    Colin did not hold a grudge though and continued to play me. In return, my performances were acceptable … until the end of