Chapter 5: Paving the Way for Oneself

Manchester United

Adam, what are your thoughts on the future development of the club

Other key members are either older or deemed by Aldridge to lack potential for development

In 1994, England was eliminated in the qualifying rounds of the World Cup, which rendered the entire nation quite subdued as the World Cup approached. Even though mainstream media focused primarily on reporting the World Cup, it was evident that, prior to the official commencement of the tournament, the domestic populace was not particularly concerned with the topic of the World Cup.

The past thirty years

As Adam was sent away and returned to the study, Aldrich discovered that Andrew was flipping through his notebook. Andrew glanced down and quickly scanned the densely packed tactical notes filled with Aldrich's insights. He then placed the notebook down, turned around, and said with a serious expression: "The club is about to undergo a major upheaval, and some players have even submitted transfer requests."

Aldridge specifically studied the team's lineup, ultimately retaining goalkeeper Casali Keller, a 25-year-old goalkeeper, as well as a 17-year-old Australian full-back, Lucas Neil

Please come in

In England, the authority held by the head coach, or rather the role of the manager traditionally, is protected and respected

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

The man, with a dignified and refined demeanor, took the initiative to approach Audrich and introduced himself: "Hello, boss, my name is Adam Jan. For the past two years, I have been the chairman of the team, and aside from the team's competitive affairs, I have been responsible for managing everything within the club."

Why is it that when Liverpool became the kings of Europe after surpassing Real Madrid in titles, and when Manchester United was relegated to the second division, the most successful club in England is still Manchester United

Swindon won only 5 matches this season, conceding over 100 goals

After Florentino took charge of Real Madrid, he adopted Manchester United's commercial marketing strategies. In the end, he realized that he had learned everything except for one thing: Beckham. So, he brought Beckham to Madrid as well. Since then, the commercial value of Real Madrid has increased day by day, gradually beginning to rival that of Manchester United.

Aldrich stood up to greet the group entering the study, led by Andrew and Barnett, followed by several middle-aged men in suits, who appeared to be staff members accompanying Barnett.

A knock sounded at the door

Seeing Adam lost in thought, Aldridge spoke softly to him: "The commercial marketing of the football club is built on performance. Currently, the team is only a second-tier club in England for the next season. Therefore, I will not put pressure on you. However, when my team becomes a highly regarded club in the top tier of English football, you will play a crucial role. Until then, managing the club will be quite relaxed for you. My task for you is very simple: learn. Learn about Manchester United, learn all its commercial operations, and that’s it."

In terms of club management, Aldridge does not intend to intervene; however, he needs to clarify his position with Adam

The Edwards family tirelessly crafted Manchester United as a commercial entity, not as Manchester City's Manchester United, but as the world's Manchester United

The individuals he brought were naturally lawyers and business assistants, and a loan contract was placed before Audridge, to which he unhesitatingly affixed his signature

Aldridge looked Adam up and down, then formally shook his hand. After that, he gestured for him to take a seat, and the two sat down on the sofa against the wall in the study. Andrew wisely brought over two cups of coffee.

Manchester United has ascended to the pinnacle of commercial value among sports clubs

The team has just lost hope of returning to the top league, and immediately afterward, a new owner has taken office. This concerns everyone's future and fate, and naturally, no one can remain calm in such a situation

Dong dong

Under Keegan's management, Newcastle United became a striking presence in the Premier League. With their aesthetically pleasing attacking football, forward Andy Cole scored 41 goals in the season, with a staggering 34 goals in the league alone, although there were rumors that Ferguson had taken an interest in him

If the team owner changes while the head coach remains unaware, this is undoubtedly big news

Thus, Aldridge paved the way for himself using the simplest means

Adam frowned, seemingly struggling to respond

As Adam left, he cast a deep glance at the elegant and refined Aldrich, and the slight feelings of disdain he had harbored before had long since vanished.

An 18-year-old young man wants a group of players with an average age of over 25 in the locker room to listen to him

Dreaming

Arsenal triumphantly clinched the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup championship

He is set to take over the team, starting with the locker room

Barnett's current net worth has exceeded 200 million pounds, but Aldridge requires 30 million pounds. He will need to liquidate assets, and in the short term, this will naturally involve cashing out stocks or selling investment properties.

Sell off all those who do not obey

The perplexity manifested in the commercialization process in later generations is particularly striking. In the early 21st century, why was it that only Manchester United, a club with two UEFA Champions League titles, could be compared to illustrious European giants like AC Milan and Real Madrid, who have remarkable records in European competitions

Adam set down his coffee and said solemnly, "The postponed stadium project should be prioritized as soon as possible. Having a better and larger stadium will significantly impact the club's revenue."

Aldridge was not surprised at all. He sat down and said, "It's quite normal. Perhaps many people think that an 18-year-old owner would treat the team as a toy. I have just given Adam a list; I have only kept two players in the first team, one left-back and one goalkeeper. The others, those over 22 years old, are on the transfer list, while those under 22 who wish to leave will not be stopped, and those who do not wish to leave will go to the reserve team"

Barnett gazed at Aldridge for a long time, and finally nodded. He turned to the few men accompanying him and nodded at them, then turned back to Aldridge and said: "There is no need for interest, nor is a five-year term necessary; just a contract will suffice"

Adam looked puzzled, furrowing his brow as he tentatively said: "Like Manchester United, listing the club as a stock?"

Aldridge nodded in agreement, but he still said, "Let's not rush into this. What I mean is regarding the business strategy. First, I have a question: if you feel offended, please forgive me. Do you understand commercial football?"

Adam felt a sense of being lectured when facing Aldrich, who was twenty years his junior

Having successfully defended their title, Manchester United was just one step away from achieving the remarkable feat of a domestic treble, but unfortunately, they suffered a narrow defeat to Aston Villa at Wembley

Barnett furrowed his brow and stared at him, hoping for a reasonable explanation

Barnett turned back to throw a glance at the people accompanying him, then walked towards Aldrich alongside Andrew. The three of them arrived at the window, speaking in relatively low voices

Especially when the person who shook the Millwall locker room from the inside out was merely an eighteen-year-old youth, such news attracted a flurry of reporters.

It seems that Manchester United possesses a certain aura, an attitude that their players and coaches are the best, and therefore should be the best, characterized by pride and a lack of humility, which makes Manchester United a unique entity in European and even global football

To you, the Millwall Club may be just a toy given to me, regardless of the cost, as long as it serves the purpose of bringing joy. However, to me, it is a club that requires financial investment today, tomorrow, and even ten years from now. I want to put the club on the right track, and I need initial funding. Brother, lend me £30 million, and I will repay you £35 million within five years. This is also a pressure for me; if I cannot repay you in five years, I will sell the club to avoid wasting money. If I can repay you in five years, it means I have succeeded. Brother, do you not wish to see a successful Audridge?

This is a peculiar phenomenon. During the era when Liverpool won the European Cup four times, the fans of the Reds acknowledged that Manchester United received more external favor. Even when Manchester United was relegated, it remained the formidable Manchester United.

Even in the first two years of Real Madrid's implementation of the superstar policy, Manchester United's jersey sales profits were still ten times that of Real Madrid

The news of the Premier League has already passed, and in the playoff match, Millwall suffered a crushing defeat to Derby County. This was not particularly noteworthy news, yet unexpectedly, Audridge suddenly burst into the press conference, abruptly announcing the significant news that the Hall family would take charge of the team next season. This news is worthy of extensive coverage by reporters, as it was evident that the Millwall head coach looked completely bewildered.

Barnett spoke with a hint of helplessness and complaint: "Aldridge, I am your brother, we are both members of the Hall family. If you want money, just say how much you need. I can give you one hundred, but I won't give you ninety-nine. Thirty million pounds is not a small amount, but if you give me some time, I can still manage to gather it. Take it, and don't say it's a loan, as that would hurt our relationship."

Aldridge asked Adam to learn from Manchester United, not seeing any problem with it

Aldridge paid no heed to the tumultuous outside world; he sat quietly in his study at home, imagining that the Millwall club was already in turmoil.

Barnett ultimately expressed regret to Aldridge, as he had hoped to gift his brother a team capable of competing in the Premier League. However, the effort fell short, and Millwall remained in League One.

After getting married, Barnett lived in West London with his wife Leah, as his company's headquarters was located there. Therefore, he quickly took his leave with the others, leaving behind only a middle-aged man

Manchester United

Although they were not completely destitute in the past, they were certainly not wealthy. Over the course of eight years, the Hall family soared to great heights, yet the familial bonds among them remained untainted by the smell of money. This deeply moved Audridge, but he still said earnestly: "Elder brother, this is different."

The heavily invested Blackburn has achieved significant results, and finishing as the runner-up has ignited ambitions for the championship in the coming year

Within the team, any matters related to players and matches must be reported to him

He has no time to gauge the players' reactions; this summer, he is destined to be very busy