Chapter 242: Light Session & Recovery

The early winter sun had barely cleared the horizon when Niels arrived at the training ground.

The team stood on the cold grass for the morning meeting. Everyone was excited after yesterday win. Jamal was in his normal training kit, not the bright injured vest.

Jamal jogged past the group, careful but confident. Nate raised a fist. "Good to have you back, Jamal," he said. The quiet cheer that followed made the team feel complete again. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Korey gave a thumbs-up from across the circle as Jamal slowly joined the drills, regaining his confidence.

A few yards away, Reece moved carefully through his side-to-side drills, glancing at the main group with longing.

Niels approached him. "Relax, Reece. The doctor says you’re doing better than expected, don’t risk a month of progress for one day."

Reece nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Seeing Jamal back... makes it hard to stay patient."

"That drive will help you on New Year," Niels said with a small, encouraging nod.

Meanwhile, Max and Dev were key players in the session.

Even though they had rested for the cup game, Niels carefully controlled their training. They joined the tactical drills, but whenever things got too intense, Niels or the coaches would give them a break, keeping them at the right level of fitness.

During a water break, Dev’s phone buzzed in his bag. He took it out and saw a name that always made him a little tense, it was his agent.

He stepped away from the group and leaned on the fence. The call was short, talking about "January transfers," "interest from Laliga and League One," and "possible pay raises."

A week ago, this might have distracted him. But today, after the Mansfield win and seeing Jamal back, a mid-season move didn’t feel as tempting.

He looked back at the team, Nate laughing with Korey, Liam sorting the bibs, Niels pointing at the tactical board.

"I’m focusing on the Boxing Day match," Dev said into the phone, keeping his voice calm. "The rotation is working. I’m rested, I’m playing well, and the project is real. Don’t call me unless it’s something huge."

He hung up and went back to the group. He didn’t tell Niels about the call but gave him a quiet, determined nod. He was staying. For now, this was his home.

As the session ended, Niels gathered the players in a small circle. His reminders were clear: "Even when we rotate, the system stays the same. Your responsibility doesn’t change. If you’re on the pitch, you set the standard."

Then his expression changed. The friendly mentor disappeared, replaced by the strict coach.

"One last thing," Niels said, looking at everyone from the veterans to the youngest players. "It’s December 22nd. Christmas is coming. I know the temptations. I know the invitations."

He paused, letting the silence settle.

"There will be no Christmas parties. No clubbing. No ’just one drink’ with friends who don’t have a game on the 26th. If I see any drop in your fitness or a moment of laziness in training, you won’t just miss the Tranmere game, you’ll be out of the few matches completely."

He stepped closer to the group. "Winning the league means a different kind of Christmas. We celebrate with wins, not hangovers. Everyone must be at 100%, or don’t even bother getting on the bus. Got it?"

A chorus of "Yes, Boss" came back. The holiday spirit was there, but under Niels, it came second to the mission.

The long winter had started, and Crawley was ready to work harder than anyone else while others were busy celebrating.

The players finished the last drills and gathered their gear. Jamal and Dev exchanged a quick nod, both feeling the energy of being back on the pitch.

Reece stayed behind for a few more exercises, his focus sharp, knowing he’d join the group soon.

Niels watched them all, satisfied. The team was ready, committed, and united.

Thomas stepped forward, clapping his hands. "Alright, that’s enough for today. Good work, everyone."

The players headed to the changing rooms, peeling off their gear and taking quick showers. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the room as they cooled down. Jamal and Dev talked quietly, while Reece kept his focus, stretching carefully.

Once everyone was ready, they gathered in the cafeteria for lunch.

Even though the session had been intense, the team felt connected and energized, ready for the next challenge together.

At lunch, the players sat in small groups. Jamal and Dev joined the usual crew, while Reece took a seat a little apart, still careful with his ankle.

Conversations were a mix of football talk and light jokes. Nate laughed at something Korey said, and Liam quietly gave advice to a younger player.

Niels and Thomas moved between tables, checking in, offering a word of praise or guidance.

Even over food, the focus was clear: the team was together, working toward the same goal.

As the players ate, Thiago leaned back and asked, "So, who do you think we’ll get for the FA Cup Round 4 after yesterday’s win?"

A few heads turned, and conversations paused for a moment. Nate shrugged, grinning. "Hopefully not another tricky away game. I’m not ready for another all-nighter like last time."

Max spoke up, leaning on his fork. "We won the FA Cup last season, so this year we should aim for the trophy again. Why not?"

"We’ll see," Dev laughed. "Yesterday showed we can handle it."

Niels, standing nearby, smiled at the table. "That’s the spirit," he said. "Aim high, work hard, and respect every game. The FA Cup won’t give itself away, but I like the attitude I’m seeing here."

The players nodded, some laughing, some quietly motivated.

Niels added, "The Round 4 draw can be unpredictable. We might face League One, Championship... or even a Premier League team."

The players leaned in, imagining the possibilities. Nate raised an eyebrow. "A Premier League team? That would be tough."

Thiago grinned. "Exactly why we should aim for the trophy again. Big challenge means big reward."

Max shook his head, smiling. "I just hope it’s not a Premier League team. We’re in good form and all, but the schedule is really tight, and adding another huge game... it could be rough."

Dev nodded. "True, but that’s part of football. Tough games make you better. We’ll deal with it if it comes."

Nate laughed. "Either way, we’ve got to stay sharp. No slacking, or that trophy might slip right past us."

Even Reece, quietly listening, felt motivated.

Niels nodded at Max. "I understand. The schedule will be tough, but that’s why we prepare the right way. If we stay focused, follow the plan, and keep working together, we can handle any opponent whether EFL League One, Championship, or even Premier League."

Thiago leaned back in his chair, a small smirk on his face. "Just like last season, everyone underestimated us. And who had the last laugh?"

The players chuckled, some shaking their heads at Thiago’s little arrogance.

Niels held up his hand and said, "Thiago, don’t let last season’s win go to your head. Winning once doesn’t mean we win again. Celebrate if you want, but stay focused and work hard. That’s how we win again."

The players nodded. Confidence was good, but too much could be dangerous. The chatter returned, but everyone remembered: the work never stops.

Lunch slowly came to an end.

Niels gave a final nod as everyone stood. "Alright, back to work this afternoon. Rest up, stay sharp and keep the focus. We’ve got a season to win."

The team left the cafeteria chatting and laughing, the long winter had started.