CHAPTER 176: READY TO PLAY

Chapter 176: Ready to Play

November 17th, 2010

The team bus rolled through the familiar streets of Crawley, but something about today felt different.

Usually, the ride was filled with lazy jokes, light chatter, or the hum of music.

But now, a quiet tension hung in the air.

The jokes still came, but they were shorter, more forced.

Most of the players just stared out the windows, lost in their own heads thinking about the game plan, imagining the roar of the crowd, feeling the weight of what was ahead.

There was a shared sense that this game mattered more, and everyone could feel it.

Reece Darby leaned over and gently nudged Dev with his elbow, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Feeling nervous?" he asked, his voice low but warm, like he already knew the answer.

Dev shook his head. "Trying to stay focused," he said, but the word felt heavier than it should have.

Like he was trying it on for size, hoping it would fit.

The truth was, today’s pressure felt different.

It wasn’t about the Europa League or some big international spotlight.

This was closer to home about their league, their people, their pride.

It was about proving that the wins they’d fought for lately weren’t just luck.

That they belonged here.

That they were the real deal.

"Come on, mate," Reece said, his smile spreading. "Your hands are shaking like it’s your first day out there."

He leaned back, still watching him.

"But that’s not a bad thing. You’re an artist. Nervous mean you care about the team. Means you’re about to do something that matters."

A few rows back, Thiago had his headphones in, bobbing his head to some heavy samba rhythm.

Korey turned to him. "Hey... about the lineup..."

Thiago pulled one earbud out, raised an eyebrow. "What about it?"

Korey hesitated. "I dunno. Just... it should’ve been you."

Thiago smiled, not bitter, nor fake, just tired. "Nah, man. Today, it’s you. You earned it and you have been playing really good."

Korey looked down at his hands, still fidgeting. "Still, it doesn’t feel right."

Thiago reached over and lightly tapped Korey’s chest. "That badge doesn’t care how it feels. You’re starting because the coach believes in you. So do I."

Korey met his eyes. "You’re not pissed?"

Thiago chuckled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Of course I’m pissed. I want to play. Every minute, every match. That’s who I am." He paused, voice softer now. "But this isn’t about me. Not today. You go out there and do your thing. Do it for both of us."

Korey nodded, slowly, the weight in his chest easing just a little. "I will."

Thiago leaned back, slipping his earbud in again. "Good. Just don’t miss, yeah? I don’t wanna have to save your ass in the second half."

The bus turned onto the last street, and the stadium came into view.

It was familiar, but the sight still stirred something.

The outside was a wave of red scarves, shirts, flags Crawley’s fans out in full force.

The noise had grown from a distant hum into something heavier, more real.

You could feel it through the windows now, a steady rhythm of chants and cheers.

This was home.

And the crowd was already making sure the players knew they were behind them.

As the players climbed off the bus, the noise hit them all at once. The roar wasn’t just cheering it was pride, excitement, and something new: a sense of expectation.

They weren’t the underdogs anymore.

Now, they were the team everyone expected to win.

Inside the locker room, the mood was different calm and focused, almost like a quiet ritual before the storm.

There were no big speeches.

Niels stood in the middle, speaking in a low, steady voice.

"You know their tactics. You know where their weakness. You know what needs to be done," he said, looking each player in the eye.

"Don’t let the noise distract you. Don’t let their physical play break you down. You’re smarter than them. You’re faster. Trust that."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Just play our game. Trust each other. We are a team. And we’re going to win."

With one last nod, Niels headed toward the door, and the players stood up, ready to follow him.

The tunnel stretched out ahead long and narrow, a quiet space between the peaceful locker room and the buzzing world waiting just outside.

As they walked forward, the fresh, sharp scent of cut grass blended with the cool, damp air, filling their lungs and waking their senses.

The roar of the crowd grew louder with every step, crashing over them like a mighty wave of energy and excitement.

In that moment, their hearts pounded with a mix of nerves and anticipation, ready to face whatever was waiting beyond the tunnel.

Dev was the last to step out, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

The floodlights blazed down, their bright white light turning everything into a blur.

Around him, he caught glimpses of a sea of red and white scarves waving wildly, and the flash of countless camera phones capturing the moment.

The roar of the crowd was overwhelming, a powerful wall of noise that shook his very core.

A lump rose in his throat, and a rush of pure, unfiltered excitement flooded through him, filling every inch of his being.

Right after Dev stepped out, the Southampton players appeared, one by one, emerging from the tunnel with determination in their eyes.

Their faces were a mix of focus and fire, ready to take on the challenge ahead.

The crowd’s cheers didn’t fade instead, they surged even louder, a wave of energy welcoming both teams onto the field.

The atmosphere crackled with tension and anticipation as the players lined up, each feeling the weight of the moment but fueled by the thrill of the game.

The two teams stood lined up on the pitch red and white facing white and blue.

The Southampton players looked calm and professional, almost a little bored, like this was just another day at the office.

One by one, the players stepped forward, shaking hands in a show of respect and sportsmanship.

The crowd watched in quiet anticipation, the tension building as the teams prepared for what was to come.

After the handshakes, the players took a moment to settle into their positions.

The stadium buzzed with energy, the fans eagerly waiting for the first whistle.

Dev took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle over him again.

Around him, teammates exchanged quick glances and quiet words of encouragement.

The referee checked his watch, glanced at the captains, and raised his whistle.

The stadium held its breath.

The match was about to begin.

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