Chapter 4: A New Era

Yet, Audric found himself entangled in a dilemma

After listening to Andrew's words, Aldrich leaned back in his chair and fell into deep thought

The two children of the Hall family personally came to the venue to watch the game, which is an exciting event

Aldridge gazed up at the ceiling and said softly, "To be honest, I am not a fan of Millwall"

The press conference is currently underway, and the arrival of Aldridge and Andrew did not attract attention. Someone is speaking on stage, and since it is Millwall's home ground, the executives are familiar with Andrew, who holds a casual position within the team

However, now that he owns a club like Millwall, would he still work for other teams as an owner

Aldridge said little, turning and walking towards the exit of the court

This is simply a great absurdity in the world

Clearly, he knows what birthday gift Aldridge received

Moreover, his feelings towards Millwall Football Club are quite complex. On the surface, he rejects this "dirty" team, yet during his days of studying across Europe, a particular image often lingers in his mind—a hypothetical vision of Millwall's transformation

Bushwackers and ICF are both extreme fan organizations, essentially being outright football hooligan groups

The team has just failed to secure promotion, and it is a time of great disappointment. Previously, everyone was aware that the team was under the control of an investment firm, but the internal situation of the team was quite stable. However, the announcement that the Hall family is officially stepping out from behind the scenes to take center stage may have effects that are difficult to assess.

Andrew was taken aback, hesitatingly asking, "At this time?"

A few days later, Aldridge watched the second leg of the first round of the playoffs between Millwall and Derby County live at the Lion's Den Stadium

According to Ba M. Hetushucomcom, Naiter must also be a fan of Millwall. What could be more exciting than giving him his favorite club as a birthday gift

This is the total score for two rounds

Having said this, disregarding the astonished audience, Aldridge set down the microphone and turned to enter the backstage corridor

ICF is associated with West Ham United, referring to the Inter City Firm

Many fans in the stands are grateful to the Hall family, as during the economic downturn, the Hall family helped them keep their jobs and homes

Sigh, it is likely that the people from Poker are causing trouble again

Since World War II, East London has been in decline, with former industrial areas transforming into markets and small factory buildings. However, in recent years, the Hall family has gradually risen to prominence in London. During the economic downturn in Europe and America, the Hall family made large-scale investments in London, even showing signs of revitalization in abandoned docks. It is worth noting that West Ham United and Millwall were born in the shipyards of the docks.

Upon returning from his studies, he did not intend to lead a life of idleness. Since he is to take over the team, he must gain full control.

As this year is a World Cup year, the major leagues have all concluded their seasons. In the English football league system, the second-tier league, which became the English Football League One after the establishment of the Premier League, only has the playoffs remaining to be contested

In the first year after the club changed ownership, the team's performance was average. However, this season, Millwall has made significant progress, ranking third in the league and advancing to the promotion playoffs

Dong dong

When the match concluded, the scoreboard displayed a glaring score

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

Aldrich had a clear understanding in his heart

As the match commenced, Aldridge remained composed in his seat, while Andrew beside him, much like the fans, alternated between moments of exuberant gesticulation and deep sighs of disappointment. What captured Aldridge's attention the most was a small group of fans from Derbyshire in the eastern stands, who appeared like feeble sheep, being taunted and provoked by the Millwall supporters in a corner of the stadium

However, he never harbored any short-sighted ambitions; he planned to proceed step by step, first applying for a regular coaching position with a team in London, and after becoming familiar with the team, gradually working his way up.

As Andrew and Aldridge walked towards the stage, the venue fell silent, with nearly a hundred pairs of eyes gazing curiously at the two young individuals, unsure of their intentions. Even more perplexing was the fact that the security did not stop them.

Aldridge ignored the astonished gazes of everyone, standing straight on stage after taking the microphone, and calmly said: "Hello everyone, my name is Aldridge Hall. Two years ago, the Millwall Club was acquired by BAA Investment Company, which is under the Hall family. Just a few days ago, BAA Investment Company transferred the Millwall Club to my personal name. In other words, I am now the owner of the club. You can verify this, but I want to announce that starting today, Millwall will enter a new era, an era led by me, Aldridge."

Aldridge, on the contrary, appeared calm. He turned to Andrew and said, "Go to the press conference site and announce that the Hall family has become the team owners"

This is probably due to the fact that everyone in the family, except for him, are die-hard fans of Millwall

Aldridge appeared distracted and shook his head, saying: "I never thought about owning Millwall Football Club"

Andrew stated that as long as the team's luck and morale improve, it will be a Premier League team in the summer when it is handed over to Aldridge

Aldridge stopped in his tracks with a serious expression, turned to Andrew, and said in a low voice: "Within a week, I want the entire coaching staff to voluntarily resign. Additionally, draft a contract for me; I need to borrow thirty million pounds from my brother."

The home team is listed first

In the past few years, he has been consistently paying attention to Millwall's performance. He always tells himself that he does not like this club, yet he checks the team's results every week. His actions and thoughts are contradictory, and he cannot find a reason to explain this.

Oh, the leader of the Bushwackers and the ICF are arch-enemies. To put it this way, in more than 80% of the fights that Millwall has with outsiders, there is a shadow of the Bushwackers.

1 : 5

Millwall achieved promotion in 1988 thanks to the emergence of Sheringham, and after entering the top tier, he formed an incredibly efficient forward line with Tony Cascarino to help the team secure its place in the league

He does not believe that relying on memories of watching games in later generations can lead to success in the position of head coach; there are many things that cannot be learned from textbooks or by mere observation

At this moment, Aldridge finally realized that this was the birthday gift his elder brother Barnett had given him

Perhaps the two brothers had never discussed this topic before, as the family had simply assumed that everyone in the Hall family liked Millwall, and Andrew did not expect that Aldridge would turn out to be a "traitor"

It can be said that Millwall has been unfortunate; if they could have stayed in the top tier for two more years, they would have benefited from substantial income with the establishment of the Premier League. Although the first broadcasting contract of the Premier League was less than £200 million, for a team like Millwall, receiving a share of several hundred thousand pounds would have been enough to supplement at least three capable players.

Andrew sat down on the leather sofa against the wall, crossed his legs, and shrugged, saying, "More than two years ago, my elder brother purchased the club under the name of an investment institution. Aside from announcing the change of ownership, nothing else was altered. You know how old you were back then; the team had just been relegated from the top league, failed to promote again, and with the new stadium being a burden, the purchase of the club didn't cost much. My brother wanted to give you a surprise..."

Even if he were to serve as an ordinary coach at Millwall Club, it would be impossible. How would others perceive him? His ordinary opinions would be regarded as edicts, and he might not even have the opportunity for communication

The promoted team is always overlooked. While Shelinham and Cascarino gained widespread fame for their attacking prowess, the following year after successfully avoiding relegation was not the same. Other teams began to devise targeted strategies against this forward duo. Consequently, without significant investment, the underperforming Millwall returned to the second division.

The television broadcast frequently focused on Aldridge and Andrew, but no one knew that Millwall is actually the property of the Hall family now

The study door was slightly ajar. Andrew, dressed in his pajamas, knocked on the door and walked in. Upon seeing Audric, he smiled and said, "Are you so happy that you've gone silly?"

Andrew, with a look of disappointment, patted Aldridge on the shoulder. Just a few days ago, he had mentioned that perhaps the team handed over to Aldridge would be a Premier League club. However, at the Lion's Den Stadium, their own home ground, they received a resounding slap in the face.

After another season of perseverance, Millwall did not show significant improvement in the second division, failing to even reach the promotion playoffs. It was at this moment that Barnet purchased the club

The stands were in disarray as Ao and Tu Shudeliqi turned to the source of the noise, discovering that the Derby County fans were celebrating in a fit of joy, which provoked the extreme fan group of Millwall, leading to a small-scale conflict in the stands

Andrew caught up, clearly sensing the commotion at the press conference. He called out from behind Aldridge, "You are so cool."

He felt very calm; regarding the team's failure to promote to the higher league, he was not at all disappointed. On the contrary, he even considered it a good thing.

Ah?

If it is a successful team, his arrival will inevitably cause turmoil; however, in a failing team, he has the justification and confidence to initiate a rebuild.

He indeed plans to pursue a career as a football coach upon his return after completing his studies

Millwall has once again fallen in the first leg of the promotion playoffs

Andrew was taken aback, and he involuntarily nodded his head

Andrew wore a strange expression and retorted, "What do you mean? Don't you want to be the coach? Are you feeling pressured? Afraid the team's performance will suffer?"

Following the failed upgrade, the establishment of the new stadium is in full swing. The club sold Sheringham to Nottingham Forest for a transfer fee of £2 million, which at that time was already a considerable transfer value

Andrew led Aldrich towards the press conference venue, when Aldrich suddenly turned his head and asked, "Who is the person you just mentioned, Pok?"

Aldridge was seated in the stands next to Andrew, and many fans around them took the initiative to greet them

In the first season after their relegation, Millwall almost made a return to the top league thanks to Sheringham's outstanding performance, but unfortunately, they suffered a devastating 2:6 defeat to Brighton in the first round of the promotion playoffs

Aldridge shook his head and said, "Forget it, discussing that is meaningless. My brother bought Millwall, why didn't I hear about this earlier?"