Football Dynasty

"I want to thank the club and everyone here for their incredible hard work and support over the past few years," said John Robertson in his farewell interview with Blue Moon MCFC, which covered his departure and new journey ahead.

"During that time, I was entrusted with leading the first team through a demanding period. I'm deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and for the support I received throughout. It wasn't easy behind the scenes, but knowing the team was in good hands allowed us to focus on the broader task of finding the right long-term solution for the club. That stability made all the difference."

"It's been a brilliant two years. I wasn't looking to get back into coaching until I got the call, but I'm so glad I came in." John Robertson added.

Manchester City then released an official statement acknowledging the departure of their assistant manager and expressing sincere gratitude for his contributions.

In football, farewells of this kind are more than just formalities—they are moments to reflect on shared journeys and the quiet but vital influence of those who work behind the scenes. As the assistant manager now moves on to a new chapter in his career, the club took the opportunity to highlight the important role he played—not only in supporting player development but also in helping shape the team's progress and stability during a crucial period.

The next day, sky over Manchester was overcast, a soft grey hanging above the pitch as the players filtered in for light drills.

Robertson stood near the edge of the field, his boots planted in the damp grass, hands clasped behind his back. He looked out over the training session, as he had done for years—but today, there was a finality in his gaze. His trademark whistle—the one the players had come to recognize like a metronome—never came.

O'Neill approached slowly, arms crossed. For a moment, neither said a word. Then he gave a long sigh, his breath visible in the chill morning air. "We've been through a lot together, John. I've never forgotten that."

"I just did what was needed," Robertson replied, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "But it's your ship now. I'm just stepping off before it sails any further."

The two men shook hands, but the grip lingered longer than usual. A mix of mutual respect, gratitude, and something like brotherhood passed between them.

Soon, the players gathered around. None of them said much. A few pats on the back, a couple of half-hearted jokes to lighten the mood—but their eyes said what their words couldn't.

As training resumed, Robertson turned to O'Neill. "I heard it was Richard who'll be bringing in my replacement?"

Hearing that, O'Neill's mouth twitched slightly. After the FA Cup loss, his own recommendation for assistant manager had been rejected by Richard.

Initially, Steve Walford—his long-time right-hand man after Robertson—was the most realistic and logical option. However, when he brought the matter up with the relevant parties, Walford's response stunned him.

Walford looked like a deflated ball. His shoulders slumped, and he lowered his head as he spoke quietly, almost apologetically. "If… if only you'd come to me a day earlier. I've already agreed with Richard to take charge of the City U-17s. My contract runs until June next year. At the time, I didn't think too much of it when he offered me the role."

O'Neill frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I'm just a damn coach," Walford muttered. "Other than running training sessions, there's nothing I can decide. Sometimes I even wish I could run onto the pitch myself. These damned professionals…"

O'Neill went silent, lips pressed tight.

"Where's Domènec?" he finally asked. Domènec Torrent—then head of Manchester City's youth program—might have been another option.

Walford shook his head, indicating he didn't know.

In truth, the decision had already been made. Behind closed doors, Bobby Robson had personally reached out to Manchester City through the club's official channels.

It was a quiet exchange between Barcelona and Manchester City.

A swap—Mourinho for Torrent.

Richard immediately agreed to Barcelona's request.

Domènec Torrent, who had set records with City's U-17 squad—conceding the fewest goals (14) and scoring the most (66)—was already being targeted by several clubs.

Perhaps Barcelona mocked Richard, thinking he had foolishly agreed to an experimental swap—exchanging a promising coach for a mere translator. But inwardly, they had no idea just how much of a favor they were doing for Richard and Manchester City by allowing José Mourinho to come.

Indeed, Mourinho began discussing tactics and coaching with Robson during his time as an interpreter. When Robson was sacked in December 1993, and later appointed as head coach of Porto, Mourinho followed him—continuing in his dual role of interpreter and assistant coach.

After two years at Porto, the duo moved again, this time to Barcelona in 1996. There, Mourinho gradually became a key figure within the club's staff—translating at press conferences, planning training sessions, and providing tactical insights and opposition analysis.

Yet, in the eyes of Barcelona's hierarchy, he was still just a translator—not someone worthy of their full attention.

For Richard, it was the perfect deal. Without hesitation, he instructed Marina to reach out to the Barcelona camp to inquire about Mourinho's availability. The Portuguese coach's meticulous approach to planning and training, paired with O'Neill's commanding man-management style, promised a partnership that could truly elevate Manchester City.

With Richard setting his sights on Mourinho, he immediately rejected O'Neill's recommendation for assistant manager as a replacement for Robertson.

Eric Black, former Aberdeen and Metz striker, was a forward-thinking tactician known for working well with younger squads.

O'Neill, who knew how Richard ran the club, could only nod at the decision.

After the Premier League season ended and Manchester City awaited the start of the vacation break, Richard remained at the club, still working. But today was different. He had just been notified—the man he'd been waiting for had arrived.

The sky hung low with Manchester drizzle as a black van—unmarked and modest—rolled through the gates and came to a gentle stop near the side entrance of the training ground.

The engine shut off. A moment passed. Then the door opened with a soft click.

Out stepped a man few in England would recognize by face—but one who would go on to redefine the game: José Mourinho.

He was young, sharply dressed in a dark overcoat, and carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone who knew he didn't quite belong yet—but would soon make sure he did.

He didn't smile much. Just a polite nod here, a firm handshake there. His Portuguese accent was thick, but his tone was calm and deliberate. Staff members whispered his name.

"The interpreter from Barcelona?"

"He's the new assistant manager?"

Some clubs let players go immediately after the final match. Others required short post-season debriefings or "wind-down" training. Veterans often got early rest, while younger or fringe players stayed longer. It was the same at Manchester City. Even with the season over, short-term training remained, especially during evaluation and transition periods.

Mourinho turned toward the pitch, where City players were mid-session. He didn't wave. He simply observed—eyes scanning the drills with an intensity that made even seasoned coaches glance his way.

From across the training ground, Richard appeared—hands in his coat pockets, his stride brisk despite the drizzle.

As Mourinho stepped forward, Richard extended his hand without hesitation.

They shook hands firmly, their eyes locking for a moment longer than necessary—not out of awkwardness, but from mutual understanding.

"Welcome to Manchester City," Richard said, his voice low but steady. "I hope you're ready. We don't bring people in to play it safe."

Mourinho nodded, his expression unreadable. "I never play it safe," he replied.

And in that quiet exchange, a new chapter in Manchester City's story began.