Football System: Touchline God
Chapter 60: Month Of The Crown II

Chapter 60: Month Of The Crown II

Darnell Vickers had pace but poor crossing. Jonny Dacres was more solid defensively but lacked pace. Ollie Pritchard was the safe option—not spectacular, but rarely poor.

In midfield, Émile Fournier was guaranteed to start. His passing range and vision were essential for the tactical approach. Beside him, Harvey Quinlan’s work rate and stamina made him perfect for the box-to-box role.

The attacking midfield positions were where the real decisions lay. Ishaan Bhatt’s creativity made him perfect for the number ten role. His vision and through balls could unlock any defense.

On the wings, Declan Whittaker’s pace was suited to the left side. His work rate off the ball would help the team press. Ethan Suleiman’s technical ability and left foot made him ideal for the right wing.

Up front, Luis Navarro was the obvious choice. His movement, finishing, and composure were all superior to Zayn Carter’s. The older striker wouldn’t be happy, but form had to count for something.

"Back to work," Maddox called out.

The second half of training focused on defensive shape. How to press as a unit. When to drop off and defend deep. How to win the ball back quickly and start counter-attacks.

The 4-2-3-1 formation was naturally leaning towards defense than the balance of 4-4-2 that they’d been used to. But it also gave them more control, more stability. Against a strong team like Hastings, they’d need that solidity.

Noah Mbete-Sekou was showing why he’d been rated highly by the system. His interceptions were excellent, his positioning improving with each session. His strength rating of 11 made him impossible to push off the ball.

Toby Kuipers was adapting well to the deeper role. His passing was crisp, his decision-making improving. He was learning when to keep it simple and when to try the ambitious pass.

The session ended with shooting practice. Luis and Zayn took turns, trying to impress the coach with their finishing. Both had their moments, but Luis’s consistency was what stood out.

"Good work today," Maddox addressed the squad. "We’ll have a resting break tomorrow and the next to loosen up the stiff muscles, then a full tactical run-through on Saturday, after we arrive at the Nothencoastal City for our away game against Hastings Coastal Academy."

The players nodded and began to disperse, but Maddox could see the conversations starting between them. Who would make the team? Who would be disappointed? The speculation was natural, but it could also be divisive.

"Remember," he called out, "everyone has a role to play. The bench is just as important as the starting eleven. We’ll need everyone over the next few days."

It was true, but he knew it wouldn’t stop the anxiety. These young players had dreams, ambitions. Playing against Hastings Coastal Academy was a big opportunity. Missing out would hurt.

As the players headed back to the changing rooms, Maddox remained on the pitch. The late morning sun was warm on his face, the grass soft under his feet. In less than a week, he’d gone from unemployed to coaching a team four days away from a crucial match.

The system flickered in his vision, showing updated player ratings based on the training session. Some had improved, others had stayed the same. But the numbers only told part of the story.

What mattered more was the growing understanding between the players. The way Luis and Ishaan were starting to link up. How Marcelo and Declan were coordinating their overlaps. The chemistry that was slowly building.

Sunday would be the real test. Against proper opposition, under real pressure. But Maddox was starting to believe his team could compete. The Crown Month was living up to its name—these next few days would define careers.

He walked off the pitch, already planning tomorrow’s session. There was still work to do, still improvements to make. But for the first time since taking the job, he felt genuinely optimistic.

The pieces were falling into place. Now he just had to hope they’d hold together when it mattered most.

***

The next day, Westfield District...

Maddox woke up in his apartment to the feeling of soft lips trailing down his chest, a warm weight pressed against his side.

His eyes fluttered open to find Elira settled in the crook of his arm, her blonde hair fanned out across his pillow.

He still hadn’t had the time to pack his stuffs to his new place in the Northcastle Rising Stars residential complex. He’d also made plans of buying a car to lessen the burden.

"Morning," she murmured, looking up at him with a coy smile. "I thought I’d surprise you."

Maddox’s hand came up to cup her face, thumb brushing across her cheekbone. "You certainly did," he said softly. "But I’m not complaining."

She leaned into his touch, nuzzling into his palm. "I wasn’t sure if you’d be happy to see me."

"Why wouldn’t I be? Especially when you look like this."

Maddox tugged on the sheet, revealing the creamy expanse of her bare skin. Elira giggled, batting at his hand playfully.

"Hey! You can’t just go exposing me to the world."

"Oh, I don’t intend to let anyone else see you like this," Maddox growled, rolling onto his side to face her. "You’re mine, remember? All mine."

Elira shivered at the possessive words, desire building low in her belly. "Yes," she breathed. "All yours. Only ever yours..."

Maddox captured her mouth in a searing kiss, tongue delving deep to taste her. Elira moaned into his mouth, her hands coming up to fist in his hair.

He pressed her back into the mattress, settling between her thighs. Elira could feel his hard length nudging against her core, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through her.

"Mmmh—ahh—Maddox..." she gasped as he nipped and sucked his way down her neck, across her collarbone.

"Fuck, Elira," he groaned against her skin, hips rolling in a maddeningly slow rhythm. "Love the way you feel... so soft and warm and perfect..."

"Yes—fuck—don’t stop—"

He didn’t stop. He couldn’t if he tried. She was intoxicating, her taste, her scent, the sounds she made. He wanted to devour her whole.

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