I went to bed at 11 pm, but my mind was racing. Not just about Rebecca's interview. About the fans. About the pressure. About proving I belonged. Tomorrow was Rebecca's interview. I needed to make sure I asked the right questions, assessed her properly, and made the right decision.

This wasn't just a hire. It was a piece of the puzzle. And every piece had to fit perfectly.

Rebecca Thompson arrived at 9 am Tuesday morning. She was in her early 30s, athletic build, sharp eyes, and an energy that filled the room the moment she walked in.

"Thanks for coming in," I said, shaking her hand.

"Thanks for the opportunity. I've heard good things about what you're building here."

We sat in my office: me, Sarah, and Rebecca. I'd learned from the Sarah interview: let the candidate talk, ask good questions, listen more than you speak.

But I also had my fifteen prepared questions and my scoring rubric.

"Tell us about your approach to fitness coaching," I said.

Rebecca didn't hesitate. "Evidence-based, load-monitored, injury-prevention focused. I believe in pushing players hard, but smartly. Every session is tailored to the individual's age, injury history, positional demands, and even personality. Some players respond to being pushed; others need encouragement. My job is to know the difference."

Sarah nodded approvingly.

I glanced at my notes. Question two: "What's your experience with academy players?"

"Six years at Southampton. Worked with their U16s through U23s. Helped develop three players who are now in the first team. My proudest achievement was reducing soft-tissue injuries by 40% over two seasons through better load management and recovery protocols."

I made a note. Exactly what she'd claimed in her CV. Consistent.

"What do you know about our setup here?" Sarah asked.

"I know you're implementing a high-press system. That's physically demanding requires explosive power, repeated sprints, and quick recovery. Your players need to be in peak condition or they'll break down. I also know you're new to this level, which means you're probably learning as you go. I can help with that."

She wasn't wrong.

I went through my questions. About periodization. About recovery protocols. About how she'd integrate with Sarah's coaching. About how she'd handle a player who resisted her training methods.

She answered every question thoughtfully, confidently, and with specific examples.

By question twelve, I knew. She was the one.

But I had three more questions prepared, so I asked them anyway.

After the interview, Sarah turned to me. "Hire her."

"I haven't interviewed the others yet."

"Hire her. She's perfect. You know it, I know it. Don't overthink this."

She was right. Again.

But I'd already scheduled the other interviews. I had to follow through.

That afternoon, I went for another run... 5k recovery pace. My legs were tired, but I pushed through.

[SYSTEM] Recovery Run Complete. Fitness: +0.3%.

That evening, I went back to the pitch. More ball work. This time, I focused on movement receiving on the turn, playing one-twos with the wall, working on my weak foot.

[SYSTEM] Technical Skill: 53/100 → 54/100. Movement: Improving.

I was sweating, breathing hard, but it felt good. I was improving myself while improving the team.

Wednesday morning, 5:30am. Another run 7k steady pace.

[SYSTEM] Long Run Complete. 7.02km, 44:12. Fitness: +0.7%. Cardiovascular Endurance: 43/100 → 44/100.

At 9 am, Michael Steele arrived for his interview. He was older, 41, with the weathered look of someone who'd spent decades on training pitches. He had a firm handshake and a direct gaze.

I'd prepared ten questions for him. Different from Rebecca's, goalkeeping was specialized, required different expertise.

"Michael, thanks for coming in."

"No problem. Gary spoke highly of you. Said you're doing interesting things with the U18s."

We sat down. This time it was just me goalkeeping was specialized enough that Sarah didn't need to be involved.

"Tell me about your coaching philosophy," I said.

"Simple. Goalkeepers are different. They need technical work, but they also need confidence, decision-making, and mental resilience. My job is to develop all of that. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all coaching. Every keeper is different."

I made notes. Specific. Thoughtful. Good.

"What's your experience with academy players?"

"Six years at Fulham. Developed two keepers who made it to the first team, three more who got professional contracts elsewhere. I focus on fundamentals first positioning, handling, footwork. Then we build from there."

"Why'd you leave Fulham?"

He didn't hesitate. "I wanted more freedom. Fulham's academy director micromanaged everything. Every session had to be approved, every drill justified. I'm too old for that. I know what works. I need a head coach who trusts me to do my job."

I appreciated the honesty. "I'm learning to delegate. It's not my strength, but I'm working on it."

"Good. Because if you hire me, I'll need autonomy. I'll keep you informed, I'll align with your tactical approach, but I need space to coach my way."

"That's fair."

We talked tactics how goalkeepers fit into a high-press system, how to train distribution under pressure, how to build confidence in a young keeper like Ryan Fletcher.

By the end, I liked him. He was experienced, confident, and direct. He wouldn't need hand-holding.

"Michael, I'll be honest. I'm interviewing one more candidate, but I'm leaning toward offering you the position. Can I get back to you by Friday?"

"Take your time. But I'm interested. This feels like a good fit."

After he left, I sat in my office, thinking. Two strong candidates. Two potential hires. Two more pieces of the puzzle.

That afternoon, I went to the pitch again. This time, I worked on finishing. Set up cones as defenders, dribbled through, shot on goal. My accuracy was poor. My power was weak. But I kept going.

[SYSTEM] Finishing: 48/100. Accuracy: 62%. Keep practicing.

By the end of the session, I was exhausted. But I'd improved.

[SYSTEM] Finishing: 48/100 → 49/100.

That evening, I prepared for Thursday's interview with Tom Fletcher. I researched his background, watched videos of Charlton's training sessions, prepared questions.

But I already knew. Rebecca and Michael were the ones. Tom Fletcher was just due diligence.

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