Chapter 4

At this moment, Audrey realized that this was the birthday gift his older brother Barnett had given him.

He sat in the armchair behind his desk, frowning in deep thought.

He had indeed planned to become a football coach after completing his studies.

However, he never had the idea of seeking quick success and instant benefits. He intended to start as a regular coach in a London team, familiarize himself with the team, and then gradually climb the ranks.

He did not think that relying on his memory of watching football in the future would make him a smooth operator as a head coach. There were many things that could not be learned from textbooks or by being a mere observer.

But now that he owned a club like Millwall, would he, as the owner, go to work for another team?

That would be utterly absurd!

Even if he were to be a regular coach at Millwall, how would others perceive him? His ordinary opinions would be treated as edicts, and he might not even have the chance to communicate.

Moreover, his feelings towards Millwall were very complex. On the surface, he rejected this "dirty" team, but during his studies in various parts of Europe, he always had a vision in his mind, a vision of Millwall's transformation.

This was probably because everyone in the family, except for him, were die-hard Millwall fans.

Barnett must have thought that Audrey was also a Millwall fan. Giving him his favorite club as a birthday gift, what could be more exciting?

But Audrey was caught in a dilemma.

Knock, knock.

The study door was slightly ajar. Andrew, wearing his pajamas, knocked and then walked in, smiling at Audrey, "Are you so happy that you're speechless?"

Clearly, he knew what Audrey's birthday gift was.

Audrey seemed distracted and shook his head, "I never thought I would own Millwall."

Andrew's face showed a strange expression as he asked, "What do you mean? Don't you want to be a coach? Is it the pressure? Afraid the team won't perform well?"

Audrey leaned back and looked at the ceiling, saying calmly, "To be honest, I'm not a Millwall fan."

"Ah?!"

Perhaps the brothers had never discussed this topic before. The family had always assumed that everyone in the Hall family liked Millwall, and Andrew did not expect Audrey to be a "traitor."

Audrey shook his head and said, "Forget it, it's meaningless. Why didn't I hear about it when my brother bought Millwall?"

Andrew sat down on the leather sofa against the wall, crossed his legs, and shrugged, "More than two years ago, my brother bought the club under the name of an investment firm. Apart from announcing a change in ownership, nothing else changed. You know, you were so young back then. The team had just been relegated from the top league, failed to get promoted, and the new stadium was a burden. The club didn't cost much. My brother wanted to give you a surprise..."

After listening to Andrew, Audrey leaned back in his chair and fell into deep thought.

In the past few years, he had always kept an eye on Millwall's performance. He always told himself he didn't like the club, but he would check the team's results every week. His actions and thoughts were contradictory, and he couldn't find a reason to explain it.

Millwall successfully promoted in 1988 thanks to Teddy Sheringham's emergence. After entering the top division, Sheringham and Tony Cascarino formed a highly efficient forward line that helped the team avoid relegation.

Promoted teams are often overlooked. Sheringham and Cascarino's goals made them famous, but the second year after promotion, other teams began to target their forward line. Without significant investment, Millwall, lacking in strength, was relegated back to the second tier.

It was also unfortunate for Millwall. If they had stayed in the top division for two more years, they would have benefited from the formation of the Premier League. Although the first Premier League TV deal was less than £200 million, for a team like Millwall, a few million pounds would have been enough to sign at least three strong players.

After relegation, Millwall almost returned to the top league in the first season, thanks to Sheringham's outstanding performance. Unfortunately, they lost 2-6 to Brighton in the first round of the promotion playoffs.

After the failed promotion, the construction of the new stadium was in full swing. The club sold Sheringham to Nottingham Forest for £2 million, which was a significant transfer fee at the time.

Millwall struggled in the second tier for another season, failing to even reach the playoffs. It was at this time that Barnett bought the club.

In the first year after the change in ownership, the team's performance was average. This season, Millwall made significant progress, finishing third in the league and entering the promotion playoffs.

Since this year was a World Cup year, the major leagues had already concluded. The second-tier league, which became the Championship after the formation of the Premier League, only had the playoffs left.

Andrew said that if the team had a bit of luck, Audrey would inherit a Premier League team in the summer.

A few days later, Audrey watched the second leg of the first round of the playoffs at The Den, Millwall vs. Derby County.

Sitting in the stands, Audrey was accompanied by Andrew, and many fans greeted them.

East London had been in decline since World War II, with former industrial areas turning into markets and small factories. However, in recent years, the Hall family had gained prominence in London, making large investments during the economic downturn in Europe and America. Even the abandoned docks showed signs of revival. After all, West Ham United and Millwall were born in the shipyards of the docks.

Many fans were grateful to the Hall family, as they had helped them keep their jobs and homes during tough times.

The presence of the Hall family's two children at the match was a cause for excitement.

The TV cameras frequently focused on Audrey and Andrew, but no one knew that Millwall was now a Hall family property.

As the match began, Audrey remained calm, while Andrew, like the fans, was sometimes excited and sometimes disappointed. What caught Audrey's attention most was a small group of Derby County fans in the east stand, who were being taunted and provoked by Millwall fans, like weak sheep in a corner.

When the match ended, the scoreboard showed a glaring score.

1:5

This was the aggregate score.

Home team first.

Millwall had once again failed in the first round of the promotion playoffs.

The stands were in chaos. Audrey looked around and saw that Derby County fans were celebrating, which infuriated the Millwall extreme fan groups, leading to a small-scale conflict.

"Ah, it's probably Pogue's people causing trouble."

Andrew, looking disappointed, patted Audrey's shoulder. A few days ago, he had said that Audrey might inherit a Premier League team, but now, at The Den, their home ground, they had been slapped in the face.

Audrey, however, remained calm. He was not at all disappointed by the team's failure to promote. On the contrary, he felt it was a good thing.

He had not returned from his studies to just get by. If he was to take over the team, he needed full control.

If it were a successful team, his arrival would cause turmoil. But with a failing team, he had the reason and confidence to rebuild from scratch.

Andrew led Audrey to the press conference. Audrey suddenly turned and asked, "You mentioned Pogue, who is he?"

"Oh, the leader of the Bushwackers, a mortal enemy of the ICF. To put it simply, in 80% of Millwall's fights with outsiders, the Bushwackers are involved."

Audrey understood.

The Bushwackers and ICF were extreme fan groups, essentially football hooligan organizations.

The ICF was from West Ham United, the Inter City Firm.

The press conference was ongoing. Audrey and Andrew's arrival went unnoticed. Someone was speaking on stage, and since it was Millwall's home ground, the administrators recognized Andrew, who held a nominal position in the club.

When Andrew and Audrey walked to the stage, the room fell silent. Nearly a hundred pairs of eyes looked at the two young men in confusion, not knowing who they were, and even more strangely, the security did not stop them.

Audrey ignored everyone's surprised looks, stood straight on stage, picked up a microphone, and said calmly, "Hello everyone, my name is Audrey Hall. Two years ago, Millwall FC was acquired by BAA Investment Company, which is a subsidiary of the Hall family. A few days ago, BAA Investment Company transferred Millwall FC to my name. In other words, I am now the owner of the club. You can verify this, but I want to announce that from today, Millwall will enter a new era, an era led by me, Audrey Hall."

After saying this, Audrey ignored the stunned audience, put down the microphone, and walked backstage.

Andrew followed, clearly feeling the noise in the press conference room. He called out to Audrey, "You're so cool, man."

Audrey, however, stopped with a serious expression, turned to Andrew, and said solemnly, "Within a week, I want the entire coaching staff to resign voluntarily. Also, draft a contract for me. I need to borrow £30 million from my brother."

Andrew's expression froze, and he nodded involuntarily.

Page break for AD start

Page break for AD end