The Next Big Thing
Chapter 84: Locker room clash II

Chapter 84: Locker room clash II

Wayne Rooney stood silently, his eyes fixed on Curtis Davies, the captain of the squad, who had just voiced his disapproval of Rooney’s arrangements for the team. Curtis, a man of considerable influence among the players, met Rooney’s gaze without flinching. The tension was palpable as the rest of the squad stood frozen, unsure of how to react. On one side was their coach, a living legend of the game they all loved. On the other was the player they had trusted and looked up to since joining Derby County—a leader who had been a constant presence in their journey. Torn between loyalty and respect, the players could only watch the confrontation unfold.

David stood off to the side, glancing between the two men before finally speaking up. "It’s fine, gaffer. I’ll just play with the subs," he offered, his tone neutral. But before anyone could process his words, Wayne’s authoritative voice cut through the room.

"No," Wayne said firmly. "You’ll play with the starters, and that’s final."

He swept his gaze across the room, locking eyes with each player, one by one. "And if anyone has a problem with that, they’d better keep it to themselves," he added, his tone brooking no argument. His final words hung heavy in the air as he turned his focus back to Curtis, who met his gaze with a long, measured stare.

Curtis was no stranger to locker room politics. A seasoned veteran, he’d survived in the game not just because of his abilities on the pitch but because of his skill in managing dynamics off it. He knew how to rally the team, how to stir them when needed, and most importantly, when to step back. Now, as he studied the determined glare of his coach, Curtis knew it was time to yield.

With a shrug, he threw his arms in the air, signaling his retreat. Rising from his seat, he grabbed his shirt and offered a small, knowing smile. Turning to the players, he said, "You’ve heard the gaffer. Let’s get moving."

As he passed Wayne, Curtis gave him a sidelong glance, his smile lingering as if to say, You’ve won this one, but I’ll remember. Then, without another word, he left the room, his calm demeanor diffusing the tension.

When the last of the players had filed out, David lingered behind, his gaze fixed on Wayne, his expression a mix of emotions. Finally, he said, "Thank you."

Wayne shook his head slightly. "You don’t need to thank me," he replied. Then, after a moment’s pause, he sighed and added, "Just don’t overdo it in today’s training. Protect yourself. Don’t dribble too much, and don’t provoke anyone."

David nodded, taking the advice to heart. Wayne clapped his hands sharply, a small grin tugging at his lips. "What are you waiting for? As of now, you’re a Derby County player. Like I said—everyone should be on the field! Chop-chop!"

David chuckled at the coach’s tone and started heading toward the door. Just as he was about to leave, he turned back one more time and said, "Thank you, gaffer."

Wayne looked up, exasperated but amused. "I told you already—don’t thank me," he said, waving him off.

David smiled and turned to go, but just as he stepped through the door, Wayne’s voice called out again. "One piece of advice," Wayne said, his tone now serious. "If you thought the players were tough, just wait for the fans. My advice? Be extra careful, David."

David hesitated, standing still in the doorway. Noticing this, Wayne raised his voice with mock sternness, "I said head to the field! Go, go, go!"

The sudden command startled David, making him jump slightly before he quickly jogged off, laughter escaping as he headed to join the others on the pitch.

Wayne stood there, a small smile lingering on his face as he watched David’s antics. "That kid," he muttered to himself. But as quickly as the smile appeared, it faded. In the short time Wayne had known David, he had grown attached to the boy. Maybe it was pride—pride in being the one to recognize and nurture such an extraordinary talent. Still, Wayne didn’t want to take too much credit. He believed that if he hadn’t found David, someone else eventually would have.

Now, even though he hadn’t had the chance to teach him everything he knew, David was moving on. Wayne sighed deeply, his thoughts heavy. Maybe it’s for the best, he reasoned. He’ll be under a more experienced coach and on a much bigger stage.

Wayne had been vocal about his reservations regarding the move, but he wasn’t worried about David’s ability to adapt. The boy was a generational talent—Wayne had played alongside one of those to recognize the signs. Players like David didn’t just survive; they thrived, regardless of circumstances.

David, in particular, was drawn to the spotlight, performing his best when the stakes were highest and the crowd the loudest. Wayne had no doubt in his mind—the boy was destined for greatness.

No, it wasn’t David that worried Wayne—it was the club he was going to. Manchester United, once the undisputed kings of English football, was now a shadow of its former self, riding on the coattails of past glories. The problems ran deep: owners more focused on siphoning funds into their own pockets than investing in the club’s success; an endless carousel of coaches and staff, each bringing a different philosophy but no lasting stability; questionable recruitment policies leading to a bloated squad filled with players more interested in fat paychecks than the badge on their chest; and a toxic atmosphere in the locker room where egos clashed and accountability was absent. The club, once an example of excellence, was now a cautionary tale.

Wayne sighed, the weight of his concerns pressing down on him. He wished David the best and hoped the young player’s words about Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s support were true. In a chaotic club like Manchester United, David would need all the support he could get.

His mind drifted back to David, his prodigy, and the thought of him leaving brought a bittersweet smile to Wayne’s face. Snickering to himself, he said aloud, "I guess this is what the gaffer felt when He left for Real Madrid."

Shaking off his thoughts, Wayne headed toward the training field. He knew the players were still bitter and angry about David’s departure. He also knew how some players could be during moments like this—aggressive, testing boundaries, looking for an outlet for their frustration.

And Wayne Rooney was right. Today’s training would be the hardest session David had ever faced in his career. But the advice Wayne had given earlier—about protecting himself, not over-dribbling, and avoiding provocation—would prove invaluable.

Also, a bigger issue than bitter players the fans of Derby County had also gotten wind of the news, and their reaction only added fuel to the fire. Their star boy was leaving, and emotions were running high. Wayne could only hope that David was ready for what lay ahead.

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