Chapter 36

In England, the loyalty of a fan is measured by their willingness to travel to away matches to support their team. Unlike hooligans who use football as a guise to vent violence, true fan organizations organize supporters to travel to away matches. Although "Lion Roar" is a relatively new fan organization, Brady managed to organize a group of over two hundred people to travel to North Yorkshire. After a significant home victory over Luton, "Lion Roar" gained more supporters, and Brady, as the leader, quickly established a positive image among the fans. He also set behavioral guidelines within the fan organization, strictly prohibiting fighting and excessive drinking.

After the Taylor Report, Middlesbrough built a new stadium, Riverside Stadium, which was scheduled to open the following summer. The 94/95 season was Middlesbrough's last at Ayresome Park, which, after being converted to all-seats, had a capacity of just over 20,000. However, the historical significance of Ayresome Park was not insignificant; it was one of the venues for the 1966 World Cup in the northeast region, along with Sunderland's Roker Park.

Brady and over two hundred fans, dressed in Millwall's dark blue jerseys, arrived at Ayresome Park and entered through the away supporters' entrance. They stood orderly on the terraces, not sitting down. It was a common practice to separate home and away supporters, and the Middlesbrough fans near the away section watched Brady and his group with tension.

The Millwall hooligans have arrived!

Last season, Millwall hooligans caused trouble here, exchanging insults and provocations with Middlesbrough fans, and even throwing objects at each other. Almost no club in England welcomed Millwall fans.

It's no wonder the home supporters were on high alert, ready to counter any provocation from Millwall.

However, today, they were surprised to see these young fans standing on the away terraces, their heads held high, suddenly breaking into a rock-rhythmed team song, singing in unison and with great energy.

"Wherever you go, we'll follow you to the end!"

"No one likes us, we don't care!"

...

The old English stadium was small, and the voices of these two hundred people easily filled the entire Ayresome Park. Most of the Middlesbrough fans breathed a sigh of relief.

Let them sing, as long as they don't cause trouble and watch the game properly.

Soon, the Middlesbrough fans also started singing, and the pre-match tension between the fans was evident in the songs.

As the two teams prepared to take the field, Audrich was already at the sidelines, clearly hearing the Millwall fans' song.

The song "No One Likes Us, We Don't Care" was actually quite good in itself, and the slogan was somewhat extreme, reflecting a stubborn and resilient spirit. This was in stark contrast to their arch-rivals, West Ham United, whose fans always sang about blowing bubbles, a symbol of optimism and positivity.

Perhaps this was the charm of football beyond the game itself. East London had been in decline since World War II, unlike the prosperity of West London and North London. The people in Southeast London were either resilient and tenacious or optimistic and positive.

Middlesbrough's head coach, Bryan Robson, also came out. It was clear he had no intention of playing today. He was dressed neatly and walked steadily, first approaching the away team's bench.

As the home team's head coach, it was appropriate to greet the away team's head coach before the match, a gesture of hospitality on the pitch. It was normal for coaches with a good relationship to chat before the game.

Middlesbrough and Millwall were just playing a regular match, and exchanging greetings was nothing to be criticized.

"Mr. Hall, the old man Ferguson told me to be extra cautious with you."

Bryan Robson smiled and extended his hand to Audrich, who returned the smile and, after shaking hands, leaned in and whispered, "Is that old fox interested in my players?"

Audrich didn't believe Ferguson would target his team for no reason. Although the team had two players on loan from Manchester United, in the First Division, Beckham and Neville didn't even make the substitute list. After all, England only allowed five substitutes at the time.

Moreover, Manchester United's performance this season was not good. Audrich, who occasionally followed Premier League news, knew that Manchester United was in a transition period, about to undergo a significant overhaul. If Ferguson had said such things to Robson, it was likely because he was closely observing a few new players at Millwall.

Bryan Robson was somewhat surprised but nodded and smiled, "Yes, the old man is very interested in Henrik Larsson of Millwall."

Audrich's eyebrows raised slightly, and he understood. Manchester United's forward line was currently Cantona and Mark Hughes, but Hughes was over thirty and his goal-scoring efficiency had declined. Manchester United needed a new striker, which was no secret.

"Hey? Isn't he interested in Andy Cole? Why is he eyeing my players?"

Bryan Robson smiled bitterly, "Newcastle United's asking price is too high, and Keegan won't let the old man have his way."

Audrich nodded in understanding. The rivalry between Kevin Keegan and Ferguson was well-known in England, especially since Keegan had Liverpool roots.

Larsson's goal-scoring efficiency in the First Division was impressive. His performance on the pitch exceeded expectations, given that his transfer fee this summer was significant. Was he being targeted by Ferguson?

Audrich winked at Bryan Robson and whispered, "Well, let's see at the end of the season. Maybe Larsson will be a free agent by then."

Bryan Robson's eyes widened in surprise, finding it hard to believe!

Millwall had spent a lot of money to bring in such an efficient striker, and they would only use him for one season?

However, he didn't press further. The two men shared a smile, and Robson turned to walk back to the home team's bench.

Audrich smiled to himself. He couldn't stop Manchester United from poaching, but he could set up many obstacles, including player salaries.

If they were promoted this season, Larsson's weekly salary would exceed £10,000. Audrich planned to sign new contracts with all the players in the summer, especially since the Bosman ruling would take effect at the end of next year. He wanted to secure the players with long-term contracts.

As for Manchester United's salary structure, well, Manchester United was a public company, and the club was operating in a corporate era, responsible to its shareholders. Salary expenses were strictly controlled, and it was rumored that Cantona's retirement was partly due to unsatisfactory contract terms.

Today's match was a top-of-the-table clash in the First Division, and the evening TV broadcast was a major event.

As the players took the field, the commentator began to introduce the lineups with great enthusiasm.

"Welcome to Ayresome Park. Tonight, we have a top-of-the-table clash in the First Division between two teams that have surprised everyone this season. Middlesbrough, who finished ninth last season, have had an impressive start under new head coach Bryan Robson, winning six, drawing two, and losing one in the first nine matches. But even more surprising is Millwall, who were predicted to be relegation candidates but are now at the top of the table after nine matches, with only one loss and two draws. Their goal-scoring is second in the First Division, just one goal behind the more prolific Wolves, but their defense is nearly impenetrable, having conceded only two goals in nine matches. How will the 18-year-old head coach, Audrich Hall, and his young team perform this season? This is what everyone is eager to find out, and today's match will be a true test for Millwall!"

Audrich looked at Middlesbrough's starting eleven, which matched his predictions from the pre-match meeting.

This was the limitation of Bryan Robson as a head coach, unable to field a surprise lineup. He could only use the most stable and powerful formation.

Middlesbrough lacked strong midfielders but had a solid defense, so Robson opted for a five-man backline and moved the wingers to central midfield, giving the central midfielders more space to operate freely in the attacking third.

Regardless, this tactical setup, though a necessity, was reasonable. Even Audrich might not have made better changes, especially given the age of the players, who were set in their playing styles and habits.

"The home team, Middlesbrough, are wearing their traditional red jerseys. Their starting lineup is: goalkeeper, Alan Miller; defenders, Curtis Fleming, Durek White, Nigel Pearson, Steve Wicks, and Neil Cowse; midfielders, Clayton Blackmore, Robbie Mustoe, and Craig Hignett; and forwards, 30-year-old John Hendry and 20-year-old Graham Cavanagh."

"Now, let's look at the starting lineup of Millwall, who are wearing blue jerseys. Their average age is about four years younger than Middlesbrough's. The lineup is: goalkeeper, Casely Keller; defenders, Lilian Thuram, Gareth Southgate, Jaap Stam, and Lucas Neill; midfielders, Bernd Schneider, Claude Makélélé, Pavel Nedvěd, and Robert Pires; and forwards, Henrik Larsson and David Trezeguet. Notably, the forward duo of Larsson and Trezeguet is the highest-scoring in the First Division, and they are still young. Let's see what they can do against Middlesbrough's strong defense. Ladies and gentlemen, the top-of-the-table clash in the First Division is about to begin, with Millwall taking the first kick!"

With the referee's whistle, Trezeguet gently tapped the ball, and Larsson kicked it back to the defensive half.

The tenth round of the First Division, the top-of-the-table clash, has begun!