As the big match against Muckleton drew nearer, Jordan walked down the corridors like he was the prince of Caleytown, telling his royal subjects how many goals he would score. Every time he was out of the teachers’ sight, he would turn his collar up.
That’s why, when Jordan shuffled through the school gates with his collar down a couple of days before the game, Calum knew something was wrong.
Things got stranger when the whole football team was called into a special meeting in the new gym hall during morning break.
The hall smelt of fresh paint and varnish. All the sports equipment was still shiny, waiting to be used.
Mr McPride was nowhere to be seen. Instead Mr McKlop walked into the hall. “Thanks for coming, team. I’ve got some bad news, I’m afraid.”
Calum and Leo shared a worried look. They weren’t going to get rid of the team already, were they?
“Coach McPride’s taken a new job out of town,” Mr McKlop went on, “which means he won’t be able to coach the team any more.”
A few groans were heard around the room. How could they be a team without a coach?
“However, I’ve spoken to the Head,” Mr McKlop continued. “As some of you might already know, I used to coach the team at my old school, and I’d be delighted to take over as coach. As long as you lot will have me?”
The gym hall echoed with an excited murmur.
“That sounds like a yes?” Mr McKlop smiled. “Jordan?”
Jordan nodded. Even he knew it was better to have a new coach than no team at all.
“Will the team stay the same for the Muckleton game on Thursday?” Jordan asked in a sulk.
“Well, I’ve promised to do my best for the team.” Mr McKlop paced back and forth in front of the squad. “From what I’ve seen at practice, that involves changing the line-up for our first game…”
Calum’s heart started beating faster.
“…but I never reveal the team until the day of the game,” Mr McKlop finished.
Jordan turned round and scowled at Calum.
Calum sat and stared straight ahead, even though every inch of him wanted to jump up and punch the air with joy.
***
“Are you going to come and watch me play on Thursday?” Calum asked, as soon as his dad came through the door that night. “Mr McKlop has replaced Mr McPride as coach and he’s going to change the team!”
Calum’s dad wasn’t really listening. “Sorry… who – what – who’s Mr McPride? Isn’t Mr McKlop your new teacher?”
“Yeah, yeah, you’re not listening, Dad,” Calum said. “Coach McPride only ever picked Jordan to play up front, never me. Mr McKlop might change things about…”
“Why not let your dad get in the door first, Cal?” His mum appeared in the hall. “You can tell us all about it over dinner, the dinner you’re meant to be setting the table for.”
***
“So you’re not sure if you’re definitely playing?” Calum’s dad asked as they sat down to eat. “Sorry, Calum, but I’d have to leave work early… I don’t think I’ll be able to make it.”
Calum rested his head on his hand and stared at his plate.
“It’s not so easy for grown-ups, Cal,” said Calum’s mum. “We’ve got jobs we need to go to so we can do nice things like take you to see King’s Park Athletic play.”
Calum couldn’t argue with that, but he still wished his parents would be at his first game.
“Cheer up, Cal. We’ll come and see a match soon,” Calum’s dad said. “Whenever we know you’ll definitely be playing. Deal?”
“Deal,” Calum sighed.