Growing Reputation

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During this period of October, the biggest news in British football was that Liverpool had finally changed ownership.

Fenway Sports Group from the United States acquired Liverpool for nearly £300 million, including the club's existing debt of around £200 million.

This acquisition attracted attention not just in England but also in Scotland, partly because the deal was backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Liam Carter, however, didn't pay much attention to such matters—he was still far from the world of billionaire football owners.

November 6 – The 11th Round of the Scottish Premier League

This round marked the end of the first cycle of league matches this season.

The most shocking result came from Celtic, who, after losing the Old Firm Derby in the previous round, took out their frustration on Aberdeen.

At Celtic Park, they crushed the visitors 9-0, with two players scoring hat tricks.

Aberdeen must have felt hard done by—losing to Rangers was their own issue, but why did they have to suffer Celtic's wrath?

Meanwhile, Dundee United fans had plenty to celebrate—not just because their old rivals were humiliated, but because their own team secured another victory.

Dundee United defeated Hamilton 1-0 away, with Goodwell dribbling into the box and finishing off the goal himself.

Goodwell had been in superb form lately, scoring 8 goals in 11 league matches, making him the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership so far. It was rumored that both Rangers and Celtic were already keeping an eye on him, possibly considering a move next season.

Another upset occurred when newly promoted Inverness secured a 1-1 draw against Rangers away from home.

Even though Rangers had just played a derby and were balancing Champions League commitments, Inverness became the first Scottish team this season to take points off them.

This result proved that Inverness, despite being newcomers, were dangerous—Dundee United had already learned this the hard way after suffering a 4-0 home defeat to them earlier in the season.

Standings After 11 Rounds

With 5 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, Dundee United sat in fourth place with 18 points.

Rangers – 31 points

Celtic – 30 points

Motherwell – 19 points

Dundee United – 18 points

Hearts – 17 points

Inverness – 15 points

Liam Carter had featured in 9 of the 11 league matches, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists, making him the team's second-most productive player after Goodwell.

With the first cycle of matches complete, the manager gave the squad a two-day break before their next game.

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"Liam, let's go—everyone's heading out," said teammate James Moon, one of the club's academy graduates and a well-known face in the squad.

The team's older players had planned a night at a club, and Liam Carter had been invited along.

"Hey, Liam, don't tell me you're still a virgin?" teased the taller Joan Daley, who wasn't much of a force on the pitch but had a reputation as a partygoer.

"Of course not," Liam scoffed. "I'm just worried I'm only 17—what if security doesn't let me in?"

"Don't worry," Moon laughed. "We're going to a club that knows us. They won't turn you away."

That was how Liam Carter found himself experiencing a Scottish nightclub for the first time.

The next day, he slept until noon. When he finally woke up, he was met with a disapproving look from his caretaker, John Senior.

"Liam, you've been playing well lately, but if you don't stay disciplined, your form could suffer."

Liam thought back to the night before—he had downed a lot of champagne, and, encouraged by Moon, had brought two stunning blonde women home.

By the time he woke up, they were gone. It seemed John Senior had handled everything, likely covering the cost himself.

"Well, I was just unwinding," Liam muttered. "Got anything to eat? I need a meal before heading to the training ground."

Although he was talented, Liam knew his endurance needed work. Since joining Dundee United, he had been focused on strength training, and it was paying off—he felt stronger and even suspected he had grown taller.

But at 17, it was natural to still be growing.

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While Liam Carter trained in Scotland, discussions about him were spreading across English football forums.

His stunning goal against Liverpool had already caught the attention of British football fans, and his continued performances at Dundee United had drawn even more interest.

However, watching him play wasn't easy. The Scottish Premiership wasn't widely broadcast outside Scotland, and even finding highlights online was difficult.

Still, dedicated fans managed to find footage, sparking debates on football forums.

"This kid has serious potential. He could be a real star in the future."

"He's only 17 and already making an impact in Scotland? That's impressive."

"Dundee United is a small club, but this is just the beginning. If he keeps playing like this, he'll move to a bigger team soon."

"His goal against Liverpool wasn't a fluke—his technique is outstanding."

"Could he be eligible to play for England someday?"

"If he keeps progressing, he might even get an international call-up."

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November 13 – Round 12 of the Scottish Premiership

Dundee United played St. Mirren at home.

St. Mirren wasn't a club known for big ambitions. Since their promotion to the Premiership in 2006, their league finishes had consistently been near the bottom—either second to last or third to last.

Fortunately for them, the Scottish Premiership only had one relegation spot, which had allowed them to survive year after year.

Currently, St. Mirren was once again among the teams battling relegation. They had only collected 8 points in 11 matches, sitting just above the bottom of the table.

That said, there was a legendary figure tied to St. Mirren's history—Sir Alex Ferguson.

St. Mirren was the first club Ferguson officially managed in his professional coaching career.

While still playing, Ferguson had worked as a part-time coach, but his first full-time managerial role came at St. Mirren. It was there that he made a name for himself, leading the club to a championship and securing promotion. However, due to a falling-out with the board, he was dismissed.

Ferguson then moved on to Aberdeen, where he built an extraordinary legacy, winning multiple titles, including breaking the dominance of Celtic and Rangers. His success at Aberdeen eventually led him to Manchester United, where he became one of football's greatest managers.

Interestingly, Ferguson only managed three clubs in his official managerial career: St. Mirren, Aberdeen, and Manchester United. Despite his brief time there, St. Mirren was a crucial stepping stone in his journey.

Ferguson also had a stint as Scotland's national team coach.

In the 1986 World Cup qualifiers, Scotland faced Wales in a crucial match. They needed at least a draw to qualify for the playoff round.

Playing away in Wales, Scotland conceded early when Mark Hughes found the net in the 13th minute. However, in the 81st minute, Scotland won a penalty, which they converted to secure a draw.

Tragically, Scotland's head coach, Jock Stein, suffered a heart attack on the sidelines and passed away during the match.

Jock Stein wasn't as globally famous as Ferguson, Bill Shankly, or Sir Matt Busby, but he was one of Scotland's greatest managers. In the 1966-67 season, he led Celtic to a historic quadruple, making them the first British club to win the European Cup.

Stein had been Ferguson's mentor. After Stein's passing, Ferguson took charge of Scotland's national team and successfully guided them through the playoffs, securing a place in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico—the same tournament where Diego Maradona made history with the infamous Hand of God goal.

Despite Ferguson's efforts, Scotland were eliminated in the group stage after one draw and two losses. A few months later, he left the national team role and took charge at Manchester United.

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Back to the present—Dundee United didn't start the match well against St. Mirren.

In the 25th minute, St. Mirren capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, with their English midfielder Michael Heaton scoring with a header.

In the 41st minute, Heaton struck again, finishing from close range after receiving a pass inside the penalty area.

"This is shocking! The relegation-threatened St. Mirren are leading Dundee United 2-0 away from home, and we're only just past the halfway mark!"

"A newspaper recently reported that some Dundee United players were seen partying at a nightclub. Looking at how sluggish they are now, maybe they had a bit too much fun."

At halftime, manager Peter Houston was furious.

"You lot have left your boots in the club, have you?" he shouted in the dressing room.

"This is Tannadice Park, not a Dundee nightclub dance floor!"

"We're getting battered 2-0 by a team fighting relegation! If we were playing Celtic today, would you lose 9-0 like Aberdeen did?"

"If this continues in the second half, I swear you won't be setting foot in a nightclub again this season!"

Houston's rage was justified. Though he hadn't singled anyone out, Liam Carter felt guilty. He had been part of that nightclub outing, and he wasn't playing well.

He stole a glance at James Moon, who looked equally ashamed. However, veteran players like Joan Daley—one of the club's more experienced heads—seemed indifferent. They lowered their heads but clearly didn't care much.

At that moment, Liam made a decision—he didn't want to become a player like Joan Daley, who wasted his talent and career.

That didn't mean he'd avoid nightlife forever, but he'd make sure he was disciplined about it.

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When the second half kicked off, Houston wasted no time making changes. He substituted Joan Daley for Jonny Russell, a talented young forward.

The change had an immediate effect.

Just five minutes into the second half, Dundee United pulled one back.

James Moon played a long pass to Liam Carter on the right wing. Carter, instead of attempting to control the ball, smartly headed it into the box.

Robertson rushed forward, controlled the ball, and flicked it back toward the penalty spot. Russell, fresh off the bench, made a well-timed run and slid in to stab the ball into the net.

With the score now 2-1, St. Mirren shifted into full defensive mode.

For a relegation-battling side, securing three points was the priority. Their fans, sensing an upset, began chanting loudly in support.

In Britain, loyalty to football clubs was unmatched. Even lower-tier teams had passionate followings, and St. Mirren was no exception.

As the clock ticked on, Dundee United struggled to break down their deep-lying defense. Despite the home crowd roaring them on, they couldn't find a breakthrough.

Then, in the 88th minute, Goodwell was fouled near the edge of the box, earning a free kick in a central position.

"This is Dundee United's last chance. They've pushed hard in the second half but have struggled to break down St. Mirren's defense."

Since his spectacular free-kick goal against Liverpool, Liam Carter had taken over set-piece duties for Dundee United.

But free kicks weren't easy. Since scoring against Liverpool, Liam had taken several more—some close, some way off. So far, he had only scored one other free kick, in a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.

This was his moment.

As the referee's whistle blew, Liam took a deep breath, stepped forward, and struck the ball with precision.

The ball curled beautifully around the wall, bending toward the top corner.

"It's got the curve, but is the angle right?"

St. Mirren's keeper reacted a fraction too late. He got a fingertip to the ball but couldn't keep it out.

GOOOOOOOAL!

"Liam Carter with another perfect banana kick! A stunning free kick to rescue Dundee United!"

"Samson was too slow to react! If he had moved sooner, he might have saved that!"

"But that's what makes Liam Carter's free kicks so dangerous—the pace and precision make it nearly impossible to judge in time!"

"That's his third free-kick goal this season—Dundee United's very own Beckham!"

With that dramatic goal, the match ended 2-2.

For Dundee United, it wasn't the best result, but given how poorly they had played in the first half, salvaging a draw was acceptable.

For St. Mirren, however, it was a crushing disappointment.

After the match, stadium staff discovered that the toilets near the away section had been smashed—presumably by St. Mirren fans venting their frustration.

Ironically, John Senior, the stadium director, would now have to deal with the mess.