Trials & Tribulations

While Ryan makes his Premiership debut against Bolton Wanderers at Robbie's expense, Patrick is quietly celebrating the news that Phil is selling shares to save his marriage.

Training is on the agenda for the Harchester team and all of them are having a good time and training well, Ryan, with a rash tackle, takes down Robbie Walsh, who is taken off to be looked at. Stuart hints to Ryan that he's blown his chance playing for Harchester, then minutes later, Patrick Doyle tells Ryan to go and see him when he is changed. Robbie is told that he'll have a 50/50 chance to play in next Saturday’s game. Ryan makes his way to Patrick’s office to be told that he's in the squad for Saturday.

Phil Wallis, the chairman is desperate to see Jacqui again after she has found out about the 2 million being used to buy Roberto Mendoza, and is furious. Phil apoligises, but to no prevail. He is gutted.

Ryan, back at the club, is chuffed with the news that he is in the squad and boasts to the other players. Robbie is furious that Ryan has been picked because it surely means he is going to miss out. Phil is desperate to get hold of Jeff Stein who he wants a word with, and is not in a very happy mood. In Patrick’s office, Stuart is asking the manager if Ryan should actually play as it could be too much too soon. Patrick disagrees and Robbie, who is standing at the door, overhears Stuart say that Ryan is not ready for a first team call-up. The club manages to get hold of Jeff Stein and he goes to see Phil. Mr Wallis asks Jeff if he can help him get his wife back as he is the only one who can help. Phil tells him that he wants to sell some shares, roughly 2 million quid’s worth. He tells Jeff that he wants it done as soon as possible. Robbie goes back to see the manager and explains that his ankle is fine and that he can play. Patrick though, tells Robbie that he has alot to prove and not just on his fitness.

Together, Curtis, Fletch and Sullivan tell Ryan that as it's his first call up to the squad, he's needs to wear a suit to the evening meal. Ryan explains that he hasn't actually got one. Tara also wants to give Ryan 'Greene' and interview about his life for HUTV. Back down at the changing rooms Ryan catches up with Robbie, still over excited about being picked for the team. Robbie breaks the news with the youngster how Stuart does not feel he is up to the job. Ryan is not happy.

Jeff, back at the office, tells Patrick that Phil wants to sell shares desperately. Robbie has made his way from the club and gone to visit Tash for someone to talk to. Across the road, Ryan is about to start his interview with Tara when Stuart walks in. He is asked if he can also feature. Back over at Tash's, Robbie is trying to get it back on with her, but she's having none of it. Jeff, Tash's father, has some brilliant news for Phil that he has found a buyer already! He explains that the buyer wants alot more than 2 million. Phil has no idea the buyer is actually his employee and the team's manager, Patrick Doyle. The interview does not go to well with an unhappy Ryan. He has a word with Tara and explains that he cannot go to the dinner without a tuxedo. Tara gets one for the moody Ryan, sorting everything out.

Meanwhile, Phil tells Jacqui that he is going to sell part of the club to get the club back. She tells him that she will believe it when she see's it goes off to leave Phil to talk to out-of-favour Robbie Walsh. He asks Phil if he has a future at the club and a confused Phil does not give a very good reply. Ryan goes down to the meal to realise the whole tux thing was a joke and he had fallen for it. He manages to take it on the chin though and does not cause a scene. Upstairs, Patrick bumps into Jacqui and tells her that all bets are off, he's obviously in an ecstatic mood. Jeff tells Phil that the consortium will pay more than two million pounds; he explains that they'll pay whatever they can to get a controlling interest which is 51%. This means he will no longer be in charge and asks for time to think about it.

The next morning, Phil and Ryan meet each other outside The Grange and have a chat. Ryan explains that he is very nervous even though he probably won't even play. He tells Phil that all his life he has wanted to do this and now the times come he must make sure it doesn't pass him by. This makes Phil think has it relates exactly to his situation.

It's just before the match and Robbie is told his injury hasn't cleared up and he will not be able to play. Patrick reads out the team and Ryan Greene is shocked to hear that he is in the starting eleven. He is so nervous he is even sick in the toilet beforehand. The first goal comes in brilliant fashion. Greene sends a superb ball up to Alexander who lays off Fletcher for the first goal of the game. Robbie leaves after the goal with Tash taking them back to The Barons. Even after Ryan's bright start, he makes a mistake in defence causing Kevin Nolan to equalise. Phil realises the offer isn't all it's cracked up to be up in the boardroom, back on the pitch, Ryan does a terrible tackle and thankfully only gets a yellow card. He is brought off at half time and feels that he has blown his chance at securing a contract. Jacqui tells Phil he is forgiven back up in the boardroom after some heavy thinking. The full time whistle blows with the final score at 1-1.

Back at home, Phil tells Jacqui he cannot sell the club. She is furious but Phil persuades her by saying that if it hasn't worked by the end of the season he promises he will sell the whole club. Ryan is at the training pitch, letting his anger out, taking shots at the goal. Stuart explains to his son that he did a good job and that Patrick has offered him a 3 year contract. Stuart asks Ryan if he could sign the contract under the name Naysmith, Ryan agrees and the pair share a big hug. Stuart gets his Man of the Match Champagne out and the pair celebrate with it.

Notes:

Soundtrack: Moguai: "U Know Y", Shakedown: "At Night", Oasis: "Stop Crying Your Heart Out", The Calling: "Wherever You Go", Oakenfold: "Southern SUN", Fatboy Slim: "Right Here, Right Now", Badly Drawn Boy: "Something To Talk About", The Vines: "Homesick"

Season 6 Guide