Robertson

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"As an amateur team, it is difficult for Queen's Park to attract capable players, but relying on their past influence, they can still bring in some players who have been released by professional teams."

"But even if a player is let go, they will immediately sign with another professional team. This is Queen's Park's biggest challenge."

"Take Alex Ferguson, for example. When he failed to enter a professional team's youth system, he chose to play for Queen's Park while working as an apprentice in a shipyard. His strong performances eventually earned him a move to a professional club..."

Old John was still talking enthusiastically. Older folks just love reminiscing about the past.

But Liam Carter was more interested in a player on the pitch.

The young man played as a full-back, and he was performing impressively.

When Queen's Park finished training and the players rested on the sidelines, Liam walked over.

"Who's this guy? Is he new to the team?" The Queen's Park players started whispering among themselves.

"He looks familiar—I've definitely seen him somewhere before."

"Wait, I remember now! That's the rising star in the Scottish Premier League. His name is Carter Blake. His free kicks are incredible."

"Carter Blake? That's him? What's he doing here?"

…

As the murmurs continued, Liam introduced himself, "Hey, everyone. I'm Liam Carter from Dundee United. I came to visit Hampden Park today. Pleased to meet you all."

After greeting them, Liam walked past the group and sat next to a quiet, slender young man.

"Mind if I sit here?" Liam asked.

The young man pursed his lips, a little reserved, and said nothing.

"I saw you play—you were really good. What's your name?" Liam continued.

"Robertson. Andrew Robertson."

"Why are you playing here?"

Once the conversation started, it was easier to keep it going.

Andrew Robertson was a native of Glasgow, just a year younger than Liam.

In the UK, people often say getting into a top university is like crossing a narrow bridge.

In Europe, breaking into professional football is just as competitive—if not more so.

Every year, thousands of young players join professional academies, but far more are left behind.

Robertson had always loved football and was a die-hard Celtic fan. He first tried out for their academy but was rejected outright.

Still, he didn't give up. He kept playing while focusing on his studies, and after leading his school team to the semi-finals of the national school tournament, Celtic finally accepted him.

But his success was short-lived. After spending two years in their system, he was released at the age of 15.

Celtic believed he didn't have much of a future and cut him from the squad.

Most kids in his situation would have given up and focused on school, eventually finding a regular job.

But Robertson wasn't ready to let go. He joined Queen's Park, playing for free while working at a supermarket to support himself—waiting for another chance.

"Even though I support Celtic, I admire Alex Ferguson—not for his coaching, but for how he fought back after being rejected as a player," Robertson said with determination.

Liam understood what he meant.

Ferguson had been a lifelong Rangers supporter, while Robertson was a Celtic fan—two clubs that were fierce rivals.

But Ferguson had been turned away by professional clubs, only to work his way back and eventually play for Rangers.

That resilience was what Robertson admired—not his club loyalty.

Liam wasn't just making small talk—he recognized this young player. He knew Robertson would one day become a Champions League winner and one of the best left-backs in Europe.

But Robertson's story was even more inspiring than Liam had expected.

If things continued as they had in Liam's previous life, Robertson would stay at Queen's Park for another two years, hoping for a breakthrough.

But now that Liam was here, he had the chance to help—and he had an idea forming in his mind.

※※※

After Liam left, the Queen's Park players immediately surrounded Robertson.

"Andrew, what did Carter Blake talk to you about? You two were chatting for ages."

"Not much. He just said I played well," Robertson replied honestly.

"No way! I played just as well, and he didn't praise me!"

"Yeah, you're so skinny I could lift you with one hand, and he picked you out?"

"Andrew, since he said you played well, did he offer to introduce you to a professional club?" That was the question everyone really wanted to ask.

"No, he just said that if I keep working hard, I'll get my chance someday," Robertson answered, a little nervous.

Liam hadn't explicitly mentioned setting up a transfer, but he had given Robertson his contact details—which gave him a sense of hope.

Still, Robertson had been fending for himself from a young age. He wasn't naive. It was better not to get ahead of himself, and he wasn't close enough to his teammates to share everything.

※※※

On the drive back to Dundee, Old John was at the wheel while Liam scrolled through his phone.

He was setting up a Twitter account. When he exchanged details with Robertson, he realized he hadn't created one yet.

After registering, he added Robertson as a friend and noticed the young man had posted only one status update:

"At this age, if you don't have money, people treat you like you're worthless."

Liam chuckled. So, the quiet guy had a poetic side.

Glancing at Liam playing with his phone, Old John finally spoke up.

"You were talking with that kid for a long time—what was that about?"

"I just thought he played well, so I talked to him," Liam replied.

"Really?"

"Yeah. My mum, just got her agent's license, but she doesn't have many players yet. I figured I could introduce her to a potential client." Liam spoke casually.

A while ago, Kate had called to say she had passed her agent exam and was now officially licensed.

Liam figured if she was going to be an agent, she might as well represent more than just him.

With his knowledge from his past life, he could help identify promising players who hadn't yet been discovered.

Of course, the most famous young talents were already signed with top agencies.

But the late bloomers—the ones who had been overlooked—were still out there.

And Liam knew exactly where to find them.

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