Chapter 5

In 1994, England failed to qualify for the World Cup, which made the entire country unusually quiet as the tournament approached. Even though the mainstream media still focused on reporting the World Cup, it was clear that before the tournament officially kicked off, the domestic public was not particularly interested in the World Cup.

Manchester United, having successfully defended their title, were just one step away from achieving the domestic treble, but unfortunately lost to Aston Villa at Wembley.

Blackburn Rovers, heavily funded, performed exceptionally well, and their second-place finish fueled their ambition for the championship in the following season.

Kegan's Newcastle United was a beautiful sight on the Premier League pitch, playing an attractive attacking style of football. Andy Cole scored 41 goals in the season, with 34 in the league, though there were rumors that Ferguson had his eye on him.

Swindon Town won only five games and conceded over a hundred goals...

Arsenal won the European Cup Winners' Cup...

The news about the Premier League had passed, and in the promotion playoffs, Millwall suffered a heavy defeat to Derby County. This was not particularly newsworthy, but when Aldridge suddenly burst into the press conference and announced that the Hall family would take over the club next season, it became a major story. The journalists could tell that the Millwall manager was completely unaware of the situation.

In England, the authority of the manager, or the traditional role of the Manager, is protected and respected.

If the team's owner changes and the manager is kept in the dark, it is a big story.

Especially when the person causing a stir in the Millwall dressing room is just an 18-year-old, the media will be even more eager to cover it.

Aldridge ignored the storm outside, sitting quietly in his study. He could imagine the earthquake that was happening at Millwall FC.

The team had just lost their chance to return to the top flight, and now a new owner was taking over. This affected everyone's future and destiny, so no one could remain calm.

Knock, knock.

The knocking sound rang out.

"Come in."

Aldridge stood up to greet the visitors. Leading the group were Andrew and Barnett, followed by several middle-aged men in suits, who appeared to be Barnett's staff.

Barnett glanced back at his companions, then walked toward Aldridge with Andrew. The three of them stood by the window, speaking in low voices.

Barnett said with a slightly helpless and resentful tone, "Aldridge, I'm your brother, and we are both part of the Hall family. If you need money, just ask. If you need a hundred, I won't give you ninety-nine. Thirty million pounds is a lot, but given some time, I can gather it. Take it, and don't say it's a loan; that would hurt our feelings."

Barnett's current net worth exceeded 200 million pounds, but Aldridge's request for 30 million pounds required liquid funds, which meant he would have to sell stocks or investment properties in the short term.

Although they were not destitute in the past, they were not wealthy either. In eight years, the Hall family had risen to prominence, but the family ties had not been tainted by money. Aldridge was moved by this, but he still said seriously, "Big brother, this is different."

Barnett frowned and looked at him, hoping for a reasonable explanation.

"Millwall FC might be a toy to you, and you might spend whatever it takes to be happy. But to me, this is a club, a football club that requires continuous investment. I want to put the club on the right track, and I need startup funds. Big brother, if you lend me 30 million pounds, I will pay you back 35 million pounds in five years. This will also put pressure on me. If I can't pay you back in five years, I'll sell the club to avoid wasting money. If I can pay you back, it means I have succeeded. Big brother, don't you want to see a successful Aldridge?"

Barnett stared at Aldridge for a long time, then finally nodded. He turned to the men with him, nodded, and then turned back to Aldridge. "No interest, and no five-year deadline. Just sign a contract."

The men he brought were lawyers and business assistants. A loan contract was placed in front of Aldridge, and he signed it without hesitation.

Barnett expressed his regret to Aldridge, as he had hoped to give his brother a team that could reach the Premier League, but Millwall remained in the Second Division.

Barnett, who lived in West London with his wife Lea after getting married, quickly said goodbye and left, leaving behind one middle-aged man.

The man, dignified and refined, introduced himself to Aldridge, "Hello, Mr. Hall. My name is Adam Jane. I have been the chairman of the club for the past two years, and I have been responsible for all non-competitive matters."

Aldridge looked Adam up and down, then shook his hand formally. He gestured for them to sit on the sofa by the wall, and Andrew brought two cups of coffee.

Aldridge did not plan to interfere with the club's operations, but he needed to make his stance clear to Adam.

Anything related to players and matches within the team must be reported to him.

Adam, facing an 18-year-old Aldridge, felt a bit like he was being lectured.

"Aldridge, what are your thoughts on the club's future development?"

Adam put down his coffee and said seriously, "The new stadium project has been put on hold. I think it should be prioritized. A better and larger stadium will significantly impact the club's revenue."

Aldridge nodded in agreement but added, "Let's not rush that. What I mean is the business strategy. First, I have a question, and I hope you won't be offended. Do you understand business football?"

Adam looked puzzled and tentatively said, "Like Manchester United listing the club on the stock market?"

Aldridge shook his head and said calmly, "You've worked at the club for two years, so you must have a general understanding of football. But I ask you, which club in England is the most successful?"

"Manchester United."

"Over the past thirty years?"

"Manchester United."

"Why, when Liverpool became the kings of Europe after Real Madrid, and when Manchester United was relegated to the Second Division, is Manchester United still considered the most successful club in England?"

Adam frowned, finding it difficult to answer.

This was a strange phenomenon. During Liverpool's era of winning four European Cups, even Liverpool fans admitted that Manchester United was more favored by the outside world. Even when Manchester United was relegated, they were still the mighty Manchester United.

It seemed that Manchester United had a certain aura, a belief that their players and coaches were the best, and they deserved to be the best, with a proud and unyielding attitude. This made Manchester United unique in European and world football.

The Manchester United built by the Edwards family was a commercialized Manchester United, not just a Manchester club, but a global club.

In the commercialization process, it was even more puzzling why, in the early 21st century, Manchester United, with only two Champions League titles, could be mentioned in the same breath as AC Milan and Real Madrid, who had impressive European records.

Even in the first two years of Real Madrid's Galácticos policy, Manchester United's jersey sales were ten times that of Real Madrid!

Manchester United reached the pinnacle of commercial value in sports clubs.

Seeing Adam deep in thought, Aldridge said softly, "The commercial marketing of football clubs is based on performance. Currently, the team is still in the second tier of English football, so I won't put pressure on you. However, when my team becomes a prominent force in the top flight, you will play a crucial role. Before that, managing the club will be relatively relaxed. My task for you is simple: learn, learn from Manchester United, and study all their commercial operations. That's it."

As Adam left, he gave Aldridge a deep look, and any initial thoughts of underestimating him were long gone.

Aldridge saw no problem with having Adam learn from Manchester United.

Florentino Pérez, after taking over Real Madrid, learned Manchester United's commercial marketing strategies. When he realized he needed one more piece, Beckham, he brought Beckham to Madrid. From then on, Real Madrid's commercial value grew steadily, eventually rivaling Manchester United.

When Aldridge returned to his study after seeing Adam off, he found Andrew looking through his notebook. Andrew glanced over the densely written tactical notes and then put the notebook down, turning to Aldridge with a serious expression. "The club is about to be in turmoil, and some players have already submitted transfer requests."

Aldridge was not surprised. He sat down and said, "It's normal. Many people probably think an 18-year-old owner will treat the team like a toy. I've already given Adam a list. I'm only keeping two players in the first team: a left-back and a goalkeeper. The rest, those over 22, will be listed for transfer, and those under 22 who want to leave will not be stopped. Those who want to stay will go to the reserve team."

Aldridge had carefully studied the team's roster and ultimately kept goalkeeper Cassley Keller, 25, and 17-year-old Australian left-back Lucas Neil.

The other key players were either too old or lacked potential in Aldridge's view.

Taking over the team, he first needed to address the dressing room.

How could an 18-year-old expect a group of players, with an average age over 25, to listen to him?

Dream on!

So, Aldridge used the simplest method to pave his way.

Sell all those who won't listen.

He had no time to test the players' reactions. This summer, he was destined to be very busy.