Jamie stood up and volleyed a tennis ball at the wall. He felt sick. What was all this business about Dillon Simmonds? At school, Dillon had been a bully of the worst kind. It seemed to have been his personal mission to make Jamie’s life as miserable as possible. And now, not only was he helping decorate the new house, but he was spending time with Jack too! Where had all this come from? And, as for that stupid comment she’d made about Dillon being “handsome” now, well that was just too ugly for words.

It had made Jamie so angry that he almost didn’t read the last couple of lines of the email but, when he sat back down at the computer and caught sight of those final words – “Coming back home for a game” – he almost leapt straight back out of his seat.

Going back to Hawkstone? That could only mean one thing! But it couldn’t be true … could it?

Instantly, Jamie opened up a new browser window on his computer. His home page opened: the official website of Hawkstone United FC. And there it was. In huge letters.

The most perfect football match that Jamie Johnson could ever hope to play in.

HAWKSTONE GET BARÇA

Hawkstone United have been drawn in the same group as Barcelona as we prepare for our first-ever taste of the Champions League.

Also in Group D are Galatasaray and Rosenborg (Champions of Turkey and Norway, respectively). However, it is the presence of Barcelona which has already captured the imagination of the fans, management and players alike.

“It’s a tough group but we have to believe that we can progress,” commented Hawks manager Harry Armstrong directly after the draw, which took place in Switzerland. “It’s no secret that, as a club, we need to make some money this season, so progressing past the group stage becomes an even greater goal.”

The two clubs have already been in close contact this summer, agreeing the largest transfer of the window to see Jamie Johnson trade the white and black of his hometown team for the blue and burgundy of the Catalan giants.

This was a fact not lost on skipper Glenn Richardson, who is looking forward to locking horns with Jamie when Barça come to town.

“The Champions League is the tournament every football player wants to be a part of,” he admitted. “And I know Jamie is no different. When the games were on last season he used to come around to mine to watch it on my big screen. We always used to talk about what it would be like to play in it.

“I know our fans were disappointed to see him go but I’m sure, after everything he’s done for this club, they’ll give him a great reception when he comes back.

“But that’s when the niceties will end. It’ll be our job to stop him on the night – though we know better than anyone else how difficult that is going to be.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP D
BARCELONA
GALATASARAY
HAWKSTONE UNITED
ROSENBORG

Hawkstone United v Barcelona on September 26 is SOLD OUT. Tickets for all other home matches still available. Please contact the ticket office for details.