St. Mary's Stadium loomed under gray April skies, its red and white seats filling steadily despite Bradford's dwindling traveling support. The European semi-finals had drained both wallets and energy.
Jake stood in the away dressing room, watching his players prepare. The team sheet reflected necessity more than preference—Thursday's intensity and next week's return leg in France forced rotation.
Ethan Wilson laced his boots with practiced calm. He had already started eleven matches at fifteen this season, but Championship away days still felt significant. There was no nervous energy, just focused preparation learned from shis father's methods.
Bianchi stretched beside Kang, the young Italian center-back earning his chance through months of patient development. His partnership with the Korean had evolved during cup runs and injury cover—understanding built through repetition rather than natural chemistry.
