c14 - Facing the Calendar
"You can run really fast! If we put horseshoes on you, you'd win a derby!"
At first, Vardy's new teammates were indifferent to the outsider, but once training began, they quickly changed their minds. His speed was simply unreal, almost like a cheat code in a football video game.
There was no denying it Vardy was a standout.
Naturally, Vardy wasn't the type to isolate himself. He didn't know how long he'd be at Manchester United's youth academy, and it would be too odd to stay distant from his teammates. However, after the warm-up, coach Paul McGuinness assigned him a different training regimen than the others. While his teammates worked on tactical drills, Vardy focused on basic technical training.
It was clear that McGuinness wasn't particularly fond of him. By the time a player reached the U18 squad, their fundamental skills were expected to be polished. Having to spend extra time refining a player's technique was, in McGuinness' eyes, a burden on both himself and the team. However, since the head of youth development had approved Vardy's inclusion, the coach had no choice but to follow through.
"If he needs to work on basics, he should train with the U9s!" McGuinness muttered under his breath, watching Vardy.
Vardy, however, didn't let this bother him. He took training seriously, not just because he wanted to improve, but also because he was still adjusting to the changes brought on by his system. While the system could enhance his abilities, it wouldn't maintain his physical condition—only dedicated training would ensure he stayed at peak performance.
According to Langley, Vardy would likely spend the next two months working purely on fundamentals, unable to participate in full-team training or matches.
Off the pitch, however, Vardy quickly bonded with his teammates. His ability to tell hilarious, offbeat jokes from his past life had them rolling on the ground with laughter. That was the moment when he truly felt accepted.
"Jamie, you're lucky," Tom Cleverley said, shaking his head in mock regret. "You have no idea how terrifying the initiation used to be for new youth players!"
Vardy raised an eyebrow. "Initiation? What, some long, drawn-out speech from a club official? Like one of those endless monologues from The Godfather?"
His teammates exchanged knowing glances before Shawcross leaned in and whispered ominously, "No. It was worse. We had to stare at Clayton Blackmore's calendar."
Vardy nearly choked. "Wait—what? You're telling me that Manchester United's initiation involved staring at a calendar?"
Shawcross nodded gravely.
"This has to be a joke. A prank, right?" Vardy asked, his voice full of disbelief.
"It's not," Jonny Evans chimed in. "Even David Beckham had to do it when he joined!"
Vardy's jaw nearly hit the floor. "No way. If that were true, someone would've talked about it in an interview or autobiography."
"Would you admit to something like that?" Evans shot back.
Vardy considered this for a moment and slowly nodded. "Fair point."
His mischievous nature kicked in, and he smirked. "So... did you guys have to do it too? Come on, tell me—what's it like to gaze upon the sacred Blackmore Calendar? Was it a transcendent experience?"
Instantly, the room fell silent.
"Uh… great weather today, isn't it?"
"Yeah, perfect for a stroll outside!"
"Oh crap, I forgot to close my window. Gotta go!"
"Yep, same here—catch you later, mate!"
Within seconds, the entire room emptied, leaving Vardy alone with a satisfied grin.
But deep down, he was genuinely relieved. The initiation ritual had been scrapped due to numerous complaints, sparing him from what could have been a true nightmare.
Vardy couldn't fathom who had come up with such a bizarre tradition. It had to be someone truly deranged.
Staring at a footballer's calendar? Seriously?
If it had been a calendar of a famous actress or supermodel, he might have understood—even if it was still embarrassing, at least it made some sense. But to be forced to gawk at a retired player's photo spread? That was something he never wanted to imagine.
If that had still been part of the initiation, he would have lost sleep for weeks.
A Change in Attitude
At the end of training, as the players left the pitch, Vardy gave McGuinness a quick nod. To his surprise, the coach's attitude had shifted slightly.
"Don't be late tomorrow," McGuinness said, his tone more neutral than before.
It wasn't exactly a warm endorsement, but considering where they had started, it was progress.
Langley was already waiting for Vardy outside the training ground. The club had arranged a homestay for him, and Langley was taking him there.
"How was training?" Langley asked as they got into the car. "I know McGuinness has you working on basics, but don't underestimate it. Even though you've played in an amateur youth setup before, Manchester United's academy is on a completely different level. These fundamentals will shape your future. Take them seriously."
Vardy nodded, only half-listening. His mind had already wandered elsewhere.
"You can't stay in the youth setup for too long," Langley continued. "If you don't make it to the first team within a year, the club will likely send you out on loan. You know about Antwerp, right?"
Vardy snapped out of his thoughts. "Antwerp?"
"Yeah, the Belgian club. They're Manchester United's satellite team. A lot of young players get sent there for experience."
Vardy raised an eyebrow. "Wait a second… isn't that where Dong Fangzhuo went after signing?"
Langley nodded. "Exactly. It's not the worst thing that could happen—at least you'd get game time. But if you want to avoid that, you need to prove yourself quickly."
Vardy leaned back in his seat, deep in thought.
Going on loan wasn't necessarily bad—after all, plenty of top players had benefited from temporary moves early in their careers. But his system required him to be in the spotlight, to be noticed. If he was stuck playing in front of small crowds in Belgium, would he even be able to use the system's abilities effectively?
That wasn't an outcome he wanted.
He needed to make an impact at Manchester United.
And fast.
A small grin formed on his face.
This was going to be interesting.