Afternoon Tea (61.1) New GM

[Narwhal_McClaren]

Dear London Monarch Fans,

It is with great pleasure that I pen this petite communique to introduce myself as the new general manager of this most prestigious and historic organization. First during the early stages of my job search, and then more fervently upon receiving word of my hiring, I have poured through the illustrious record books of the London Monarchs, and I can firmly state that I consider myself immensely fortunate to have this opportunity to steward this club into the future.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the strain the past two years have placed upon your hearts. While the success that preceded them may yet glow like embers in the hearth, it must be admitted that these have been hard, trying times. I hope that by addressing this directly, I express to you one of my chief objectives: to always be straightforward and forthright with you. With this in mind: in all likelihood the next year or two will be equally difficult, and it is my belief that the best way through them is together. It can feel, at times, as though the front office and fans are at odds—but I unequivocally reject this notion. We all want the same thing: the sweet taste of victory. The sweet taste, may I amend, of sustainable victory.

And here is where the news turns promising. While we currently venture through shadowy lands, up ahead there is a cleft in the valley, and beyond it a verdant meadow lit with golden rays waves us onward. For those who prefer fact over metaphor, what I mean is this: our farm system is strong, very strong. We currently have 12 prospects in the top 100—and another 20 in the top 200. We are thus primed to build upon this base and move gracefully into the coming years. We need only exercise a bit of patience in this process, for to rush it would be to risk cracking this most valuable of foundations. Therefore, we ask that you but stoke the hope in your hearts and grant us a bit of goodwill and leeway.

For now, we aim at a simple goal: prepare a team that is sound in both culture and discipline. To this, then, when the time is right, we may effectively add our prospects. In order to achieve this, I shall take a page, as it were, out of Phil Jackson’s playbook. It was nearly 70s years ago that he famously distributed copies of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance to his Chicago Bulls, and now I shall leave in each team member’s locker a copy of Beowulf (translated by Seamus Heaney). It is my sincere hope that from the heroes of old they shall learn how to wield their will against their enemies and leave much woe (along with black eyes and splintered bats) along the path upon which they wage their war. To further encourage this, each player will be forced to weekly memorize passages preselected by me. In this way, I will see whose heart is earnest and deserves a spot on the roster.

The dawn of a new day is upon us. Hwæt!

[Jwalk100]

A man with a plan.

Nice writing!

[Narwhal_McClaren]

Thank you!