A meeting...
01/10/03 | Diversions

This time last week: A meeting is taking place at the City Ground. Paul Hart knocks on the door marked 'Chairman' and enters.

Nigel Doughty: Come in, Paul.
Hart: Hi Nigel. I think we know why I'm here.
Doughty: Yes Paul, we do.
Hart: Another month, another high-profile job comes on the market. And that means you owe me another favour or I'm off to bigger and better things.
Doughty: Well, yes, that's what usually happens...
Hart: So what is it to be? Pay-rise? Money for a new signing? Those monogrammed towels I wanted for my changing room?
Doughty: Well I hate to disappoint you, Paul, but this isn't like the other times.
Hart: What on earth do you mean?
Doughty: I'm afraid you haven't been linked with the Tottenham job.
Hart: I haven't been linked...? But, but... what?
Doughty: The Times think Raddy Antic is a shoe-in for the job, The Guardian have tipped Martin O'Neill, The Sun are saying Alex McGleish and the Daily Star reports that David Pleat wants the job full time.
Hart: But I'm the most promising manager in football! There can be no-one better than me at taking an under-achieving team and turning them around with a small budget!
Doughty: I haven't finished yet - Greame Souness and Alan Curbishley are also in the running. Even David Ginola has been talked about, but no Paul Hart, so you'll just have to wait for those towels.
Hart [Angry]: This is just preposterous. If I'm good enough for West Ham and Leeds, why aren't I good enough for Spurs?
Doughty: That's just the way it goes, Paul. Now would you excuse me, I've got an important meeting with the sponsors in ten minutes.
Hart: Fine, but you and I both know that it won't be long before the Leeds job becomes available again and then you will owe me a BIG favour or I'll be on the M1 before you can say 'Alan Smith'.
Doughty. Goodbye, Paul... oh and if you're really that unhappy here then there's always Reading.

To be continued...