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| Double trouble |
For the second time in just four days Våland Wildcats - manager Eha069 found himself crouched over a mobile phone in a deserted parking lot. Some would say that it could be suspicious behavior from a 40-year-old man. Those who know better understand.
The first time - this Friday - it was the cup title at stake. Third time really turns out to be the charm, and we got to enjoy this weekend in sunny conditions with twenty degrees on the blue side of the scale. The biggest smile in the alpine hills wasn't lucky local heroes scoring at the after ski, it was the odd man with the thin hair sitting in porch intensively staring at his iPad and the written confirmation of his first cup title. It was the first evidence of success since we about four years and fifteen seasons ago decided to go for it. For a long time, it was the private leagues and part friendly, part hostile banter that drew us to Xpert Eleven. The now infamous league "Slekta" fostered not one - but two Pro League cup champions.
After today's thriller we can say that legendary private league "Slekta" also fostered two Pro League league champions. Long overdue, would some say, after losing two cup finals in the last five seasons and marginally loosing the league title last season. Where everything was "sidepost out", as we say in Norwegian, last season, this season turned out to be the exact opposite. Undefeated in 34 games in a row is success. Winning the league with nine wins, five draws and 19 plus goals is success. It is an achievement for the history books. Still, it isn't enough.
When we started this journey, it was all or nothing. It was make it or break it. It was the Xpert Champions League. In addition to skill and cunning tactics, you also need timing and a load of luck. Many legends have tried and failed at the last step before me. Fellow Pro Leaguer and cup finalist Testebo Rivers. Pro League Legend and all-time second-best manager in "Slekta": Elf. The Superior League boss and Xpert-enthusiast FC Portland. All great managers and great teams, and now I will embark on the journey of not only trying to copy them, but also to take that last small step for a team, but a giant leap for the Pro League.
A lot of big words today. Some would say I'm setting my self up for a giant fall from grace, should I loose my first three group matches. Still, those who don't dare, don't win.
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