From Winger to Manager (Pro Rugby Manager 2005)

[MacroGuru]

With me able to watch Rugby almost non stop on Setanta Sports on DirecTV I am into it again, and I found that Pro Rugby Manager was one of the better games out, I bought it and I am going to run a career with it.

I am debating on where I want to manage, but I am going to write the story to lead up to it, so I have some time.

[MacroGuru]

To say I have lived a privileged life would be a farce, the only talent I posses is that of Rugby. My family knows nothing of the game, just that it keeps me focused, drives me to succeed at everything.

I picked the game up, watching some of the local Polynesians kicking it around at the park across the street, to them I was just a skinny hoalie boy that ran fast. But for some reason, I understood the game immediately, and the tactics, brutality and intimidation involved in the game. To me it was a natural order of life, everything slowed down for me on the pitch.

You see, I am the son of an Italian immigrant who was into the true football and constantly pushed me to play it but I just could not get into it. It was to slow for me, and I blame that on the American society. It was always gridiron this or baseball that. All the movies, games, and music was fast paced always moving, I just needed that in my life.

Fast forward to college, I have been playing rugby religiously for the past 5 years and our college team was a club team, one of the better ones in the U.S. and after the club playoffs in New Mexico, I was approached by someone, his accent was thick and Irish at a local pub.

"You Jeff Placido?" he says...

"Excuse me?" I say,I could barely understand him.

"Are you Jeff Placido?" he repeats, much slower this time.

"Ahh, yes I am." I turn to face him, taking a big swig off of my Guinness. "Who wants to know?"

"The name is David Smith" He extends his hand out, I take it and shake.

"Nice to meet you, um....Mr. Smith, what can I do for you."

"I represent an Irish Rugby club and we have interest of retaining your services as a winger in our organization."

That ass Solo, I know he set this poor sap up to this, I have to play along, see how far he takes it. "Oh really, and what club is that." I smile and take another drink from my Guinness.

"I represent Leinster Provincial"

I had a mouthful of Guiness and spit it out, spraying one of my club mates. There is no way Solo created this one.

"The Leinster, Irish Rugby?" I manage to stutter out.

"Yes sir, what do you say?" He sets down, handing me a plane ticket and an offer letter from them.

[MacroGuru]

"Mr. Placido"

Well the letter starts off decently, I quickly scan it, and notice the club shield on it and continue reading.

"We ate Leinster Rugby are prepared to offer you £50,000 to play right wing for us at Leinster, granted you would enter our academy initially, but we look for you to be up in the squad quickly"

£50,000 to play the game I love...I look up at Dave with a large smile on my face.

"Solo did not put you up to this did he?"

"Solo Massina?" He asks. "Nope, although we have extended an offer for him to come play with us as well."

Oh, even better Ireland, with a club mate. It's definitely intriguing.

"As you can see Mr. Placido, the date on the plane ticket is coming up, we need a decision right quick. They have about 8 of us all across the world grabbing new talent for the next season. The faster you make a decision, the less chance there is I tell you the position is filled."

Ahh, the pressure but there was desperation in his voice, I could hear it.

"Tell you what Mr. Smith, I will let you know tomorrow morning."

"Great, I am in the same hotel as you guys, room 348"

And with that, he left the pub, but I caught Solo sitting there with a dumb founded look on his face, but he looks up and we both smile. Right then and there, I knew I was going to Ireland to play rugby.

[MacroGuru]

Breaking News:

5th year Right Winger Jeff Placido suffered a career ending knee injury in the Leinster Rugby recent match versus Connacht. Leinster Club mate and U.S. player Solo Messina stated "Rugby lost a good player from the pitch today, but I expect to see him in management role soon"

So thats how my career ended, a blurb about me on Setanta Sports, The Leinster website, and the local news channels.

I received a flurry of cards, emails, letters, flowers, stuffed animals all from my fans, I knew the minute my knee popped that was it. It was nothing malicious, just a great tackle that caught my spikes in the pitch followed by a pile on. It was a freak accident.

The team is paying for the recovery, but I made enough in my 5 years here to take care of myself very well. The one thing to keep me out of my depression was the immediate phone calls from several clubs world wide checking up on me, seeing if I was willing to take a managers role. You see as a winger, I did something unusual, I took control of the team, became a captain, and helped guide the squad. Tactically, I broked down game film with the coaches, and helped provide the input to help us on our wins. I made a name for myself.

I told them all, thanks but check back in a year after I am able to walk at least with the help of a cane and not crutches.

[MacroGuru]

It's hard to believe that it has been close to the year mark. I am able to move about, the leg still hurts, and I can definitely tell you when it is going to rain, much makes life miserable sometimes.

My mom flew out and stayed with me for about 3 months, she was afraid I would go into a major depression, and you know what, she was right. If it wasn't for her sticking through it, I would have.

But the biggest help was my father. You see, my decision to drop out of college and come here to play a sport he considered barbaric never sat well with him to the point he stopped talking to me when I called. He was cordial, but he wasn't accepting of the fact I walked away from my scholarship and my degree.

When he showed up holding a rugby ball signed by the USA Eagles and a card written by the coach, stating I was on the pick list this past year and it's a shame we wouldn't be able to play together, but he was working his hardest with USA Rugby to have me help the national team was big.

But the better part was the fact he took me to the pub, and we talked, not man to man, but father to son. How truly was prideful of me, how he cried when he saw the injury, how he was angry at Connacht for taking me out, but most of all he expressed disappointment that his disappointment in my choices kept him out of my life and he never got to view a game live.

"Dad, there's nothing stopping us from watching a game together"

"Son, I never got to watch you though, that is my main regret."

"Well, you will still get a chance dad."

"What do you mean? You use a cane to move about right now, when do you expect to get back out there?"

"This season, I am accepting a position as Manager for Connacht."

"You what? They hurt you! They ruined you" he shouted, the entire pub looking at him.

"It was an accident dad" I placed my hand on his arm, trying to assure him "They offered me a great chance at trying to rebuild their club, and I am going to do it. In fact, I want you and mom to move here and stay around, help support me and be there for the games."

He didn't say a word, just smiled and hugged me, and then we started talking about things to do here.

[MacroGuru]

The press release was short and sweet. "Connacht Rugby has hired former Leinster Rugby right wing Jeff Placido to take over operations for their team immediately."

The local press had a field day of it though. Almost one year to the day I am hired since my injury. They brought out pity, favoritism, and in fact some of them brought out some anti-american sentiment.

But it doesn't matter, I am hired and we are off and running.

Obviously the board must think highly of me my objective this season: Fight for First Place.

[SirFozzie]

Fair warning. PRM has the one of the more virulent forms of copy protection out there, Starforce.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Fair warning. PRM has the one of the more virulent forms of copy protection out there, Starforce.

Yeah I know, but for some reason, the digital download did not install it on my laptop, could be because I am on Vista or enough complaints.

But it did not install...(I am talking about Starforce)

[MacroGuru]

The alarm goes off shattering the amazing dream I was having that involved me and several supermodels in compromising positions, I reach up and hit the snooze button closing my eyes, hoping to get back to the dream but only frustrations hit as the fact today is my first day as the manager.

I groggily climb out of bed stumbling towards the bathroom, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting up from downstairs wakens me a little more as I remember Mom is still here.

After the shower I turn on the tele and start watching the news and find out I am one of the hot news topics and the fan negativity is at an all time high, they are slightly pissed at the board. A winning manager was released for my hire and there was absolutely zero reasons as to why.

"Placido better hopes he doesn't put this squad in a downturn or the ire of the fans will backlash against not only him but the Connacht board. They are standing on perilous ground that they may lose their fan base."

With that last statement I shut the tele off and head downstairs, nothing like a positive not to send you off for your first day.

Arriving at the office I am greeted by my staff...they seem friendly enough, but I am not to sure if they will be around for the start of the season, but I need to review a lot of materials today before that decision is made.

As I walk to my office I am greeted by my secretary and she hands me a cup of tea, the one thing I need to get used to more and more now.

"Mr. Placido the phone has been ringing off the hook today for interview requests, and I have been logging the calls."

I smile at her, I figure it would happen, but time to set myself apart from the press.

"Great you have done right, but from now on, route all calls like that to the marketing and pr team, they need to handle it our job is to run this team not look pretty in front of the camera."

"Yes sir" she says, a slight smile displays as she seems to relish in the delight of the hell that is about to be unleashed on the PR section. "Oh, and the chairman is in your office waiting for you."

I now know whose Beamer was in the lot. I quickly open the door and the chairman rises

"Jeff we are excited to have you here" he says, his strong munster dialect more pronounced than anything. "You have a great squad and everything, but realize with any of the changes you make there will be a public outcry."

I laugh, he must have forgot I have been an American playing Irish Rugby for the past 5 years.

"I understand your meaning, make them, but not to drastic. Sorry sir, things are going to get turned on its head here this week."

"Thats what I thought, just thought I would warn you." he got up and left, muttering under his breath, the words "crazy bastard" were stated a few times. I call my secretary and tell her to hold all calls and reschedule all meetings and I begin reviewing the game tapes.

[MacroGuru]

The first thing I notice is the staff is in wretched shape. I wonder if its related to the income, but I also notice it's all distinctly irish. Time to shake it all up and tilt the world of Connacht on its respective ear.

I call the chairman promptly up.

"Jeff" he answers, the next phrase had me laughing "So when do I need to have the staff escorted out of the offices."

Well I didn't realize I was that transparent.

"Now is a good time, we have 4 months to ensure our squad is ready for the cup, and weneed the staff for it."

"It's done, don't blow the bank on a new staff and save the cash for incoming talent"

"No worries" I rattle off and hang up the phone. I grab the hot sheet and start looking at coaches. Time to wake up some agents

As for a new coach, I ring up Welsh coach Chris Smothers he is great with Forwards and the attack, which is what I am key in, but I want to bring in a cheaper coach to help with the youth and maybe defense.

I find an irish hopeful named Alan, and he will be in charge of that area, and I now have spent a total of 24,000 in coaches salaries

As for the doc, I call and offer the one that did my surgery a spot and he was excited and promptly took it. Irish Dr. Gary Rogan.

As for a physio I hire a good friend of mine Justin Gage, we met at a local pub and the man knows his stuff.

As for the scout, I went out and found one of the best irishmen I could find and it was Geoffry Brady.

Not a bad days work, tomorrow is player time. I submit the new payroll to the board and head home.

[MacroGuru]

I have not even got halfway home and my cell phone is begins to ring, I look at it, the damn chairman...guess he doesn't like my new changes yet.

"Jeff Placido" I answer, all smug, as if I don't know who is on the other end.

"Are nuts? Daft? Did your mother drop you on your head as child?" comes out of the receiver immediately in that thick accent of his. "You just increased our staff payroll by about £25,000 and you didn't think to clear this with me?"

"I was under the impression I was here to run a team, not be baby sat!"

"Baby Sat? Why you ungrateful little bastard, we brought you on because of your injury and knowledge of this game and you do this?"

There it was, out in the open just like the rumors that were swirling around..

"Listen, I will tender my resignation immediately if that is what you want. You told me you wanted to make this team a contender and I am doing just that...and I will still allow the club to be profitable just not £1,2 million of it."

"So help me, your ass is gone if none of this works.."

"Fine" and I hang up...

Wait tell he sees the shopping list for players I have lined up tomorrow.

When I get home, I get an email from the marketing departing that two of our players have posed nude for a calendar for the benefit of underprivileged children. It's one calendar I won't be buying.

Then my secretary just notified me two other players are ill, no worries..we will be shocked if any of them are still around within the week.

[MacroGuru]

Heading into work the next day one thing did cross my mind and that was the facilities, they are not the best and mentally add that to my list of things to check on this week.

I have a previous scout report on the team I am going to have to use on the squad, and I am instantly shocked at some of of the players attitudes and moods.

Our Senior Club:

Peter Bracken, Irish, Ill (Flu), Wants to play abroad in England
Stephen Knoop, Souh Africa, Wants to go back home
John Fogarty, Irish, Wants to play abroad in France
Ray Hogan, Irish, Wants to play abroad in England
Andrew Farley, Irish, Wants to play abroad in Wales
Mike Swift, English, Wants to go back home
Paul Neville, Irish, Wants to play abroad in England and our scout feels he has reached max potential
John Muldoon, Irish, Wants to play abroad in France
Matt Lacey, Irish, Wants to play abroad in France
Michale Walls, Irish, Scout feels he has reached max potential
Conor O'loughlin, Irish, Wants to play abroad in France and scout feels he has reached max potential
Paul Warwick, Irish, scout feels he has reached max potential
David Slemen, Irish, Wants to play abroad in Scotland
Eric Elwood, Irish, Scout feels he is on the decline
Ted Robinson, Irish, Ill(flu), scout feels he has reached max potential
Matt Mostyn, Irish, Wants to play abroad in France
Mark McHugh, Irish, Wants to play abroad in France
Justin Meagher, Irish, Wants to play abroad in France
Conor McPhillips, Irish, Wants to play abroad in England

A lot of guys on this squad are thinking with the wrong head it seems wanting to play in France. Well, I will start digging through the transfer list and see what I can do as for our 2 international guys I will try and get them back home and get something in return for them.

I also call up a Canadian friend of mine, he is an agent now and represents a scout I want, Gaspare Reda I am going to bring some talent over here from the North American content, I would bring some U.S. players but some deal with the union won't allow it.

I decide to call it a day early, I am going to head to the golf course its the best place to get my mind around things, on the way out I ask the secretary to provide me a list of trustworth contractors for the facilities that I want to upgrade.

[Calis]

Good timing. I recently got the itch to get back into Rugby, I don't have Setanta sports which I'd love, but I found some places I can see the occasional game.

I was looking for a decent game, but the pickings are pretty slim. I didn't realize this one was available for download purchase so I'm grabbing it now.

I will be following.

[MacroGuru]

Originally Posted by Calis

Good timing. I recently got the itch to get back into Rugby, I don't have Setanta sports which I'd love, but I found some places I can see the occasional game.

I was looking for a decent game, but the pickings are pretty slim. I didn't realize this one was available for download purchase so I'm grabbing it now.

I will be following.

Very cool, it's a bit outdated but it is completely mod able. I just don't have the time...but right now, this dynasty is a slow mover for me as I play when my free time allows.

[Calis]

Yeah I was hoping I could find some updated rosters, but looks like no one has the motivation to do that much work on it. Luckily I know so little about the players that it doesn't matter to me much.

Also, this game didn't install Starforce on my machine. I think they've patched that out, as I know I read even in the retail version that the latest patch removed the need for the CD, so I think they got enough complaints and took it out.