Tuesday afternoon at the Sterling Era Training Complex was usually a time for tactical analysis and quiet recovery.
The players would usually sit in the ice baths or play video games in the player lounge.
But today was different.
Today was the FA Cup draw.
In England the FA Cup was not just a tournament. It was the oldest competition in the world. It was the place where small teams became giants and giants became nervous.
Michael Sterling stood in the canteen. He had cancelled the afternoon training session. He ordered the kitchen staff to make pizza.
"Pizza on a Tuesday?" Arthur Milton asked raising an eyebrow. "Boss you are spoiling them. They will get fat."
"It is comfort food Arthur," Michael replied. "We need good vibes. The draw is stressful."
The canteen was packed. Every player was there. The staff were there. Even the cleaner Mrs. Higgins (no relation to Shaun) was standing at the back holding a mop.
