The Rise of Millwal

Chapter 16: Misunderstand

The British media might well be regarded as the most unreliable in all of Europe, if not the entire world, fabricating sensational news to capture attention and prying into the depths of personal privacy with ease.

What status does football hold in the UK? Which sport reigns supreme in popularity?

First is football.

Second is football.

Third is football.

Thus, football is intricately entwined with the media; we can assert that the media has the power to forge a glorious team. For instance, the era of the Busby Babes at Manchester United coincided with the advent of football broadcasting into countless British homes, laying a foundational fanbase for Manchester United. Had different teams dominated during that time, the landscape of English football today would undoubtedly be starkly different.

Aldrich is acutely aware of the media's influence and rationally understands the necessity of leveraging media support to promote Millwall. Consequently, he recognizes that elevating the team's profile is paramount.

On the eve of the League One season opener, Millwall's officials convened a press conference, during which Aldrich hoped to provide the team with an opportunity to make a striking appearance, thereby enhancing their visibility.

However, Aldrich could not help but feel a bitter smile creeping across his face as he surveyed the press conference's sparse attendance.

Major British newspapers, including The Times, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Sun, had not dispatched a single reporter to cover the event.

In Britain, there are no prominent specialized sports publications; most outlets are general newspapers with a sports section. Consequently, not every occurrence within the football sphere garners attention; only news that captures eyeballs draws the paparazzi's interest.

Regrettably, Millwall's first team lacked appeal for these journalists, save for the noteworthy mention of Southgate's defection from Crystal Palace, which had already been sensationalized for over a week and thus lost its novelty.

Previously, Aldrich had stirred the Millwall club into a frenzy, even making headlines in major newspapers, especially during the transfer window. Yet, as time marched on, the spotlight on Aldrich waned, unless he performed something extraordinary once more.

The press conference was attended by scarcely a dozen reporters, appearing much like Aldrich himself—young and seemingly scavenging for stories, hoping to stumble upon something worthwhile at Millwall.

Aldrich particularly inquired about the reporters present. Though there were representatives from The Sun, The Mirror, and The Daily Mail, they were all interns, sitting uncomfortably like obedient children. Eventually, it was the seasoned colleagues who posed questions to Aldrich.

"What are Millwall's objectives for the upcoming season? You have invested over ten million pounds in the transfer market, making your club the biggest spender in England this summer."

With a serious demeanor, Aldrich responded, "We are a youthful team, and many players still require competitive experience to flourish. Thus, our objective for the upcoming season is quite practical: to remain in League One."

The handful of reporters exchanged puzzled glances, one incredulously retorting, "Millwall has spent over ten million pounds just to avoid relegation? If so, why offload so many key players? They achieved third place in League One last season!"

"It's quite simple: the previous squad lacked the potential for growth. That team could merely survive in League One year after year, but my current team has the capacity to stay afloat this year, mature next year, and perhaps challenge for promotion to the Premier League thereafter. I envision that, in three years, the average age of my squad will not surpass 24 years."

Aldrich's face beamed with enthusiasm.

Internally, he hoped for a greater media presence to propagate his "relegation avoidance" narrative, reaching the ears of his competitors in League One, thereby feigning weakness to lull his opponents into complacency.

The reporters exhibited increasing disinterest; although Millwall had caused a stir in the summer transfer market, their manager's sole ambition was merely survival—hardly a riveting story, at best a source of mild amusement.

The starkly quiet press conference evoked a twinge of sympathy among the journalists, prompting one of them to half-heartedly suggest, "Could you please share your thoughts on the forwards Ole Gunnar Solskj?r, David Trezeguet, and Henrik Larsson?"

Aldrich engaged with these reporters, fielding their questions with ease; eventually, they ceased to inquire about any matters regarding Millwall and instead grew more fascinated by Aldrich himself.

Given Aldrich's background as a wealthy scion, there was an element of legendary allure associated with him.

He had traversed Europe, aspiring to become a football coach, and his youth and charm only added to his mystique...

Aldrich answered every question posed, bantering with the interns. As for the articles that might follow, he scarcely cared; what he sought was recognition, for his renown would in turn benefit Millwall. So long as no vile defamation led to legal entanglements, he was indifferent to speculative insinuations masked as journalism.

True to form, the following day, those tabloids featured Aldrich prominently, providing more coverage of his personal details than of Millwall itself, albeit subtly insinuating that he treated the football club as a mere toy...

On August 12th, at 3 PM, the den of lions was packed to capacity, with Millwall's team anthem echoing throughout the intimate stadium.

Millwall, fighting at home, stood poised in their dressing room, ready for battle.

The tactical board in the locker room remained blank as Aldrich, dressed in a sleek suit with buttons undone, stood with his hands in his pockets, observing the spirited players who awaited his final pre-match instructions.

Today, however, Aldrich had refrained from discussing any game-related topics; he simply inquired about the players' physical condition.

"I have reiterated countless strategies in training. Now, I see no point in excessive repetition. Simply perform at the level you have demonstrated during practice, adhere to the tactical requirements, and maintain your focus and determination—that will suffice. But before we commence, there is something I wish to articulate."

Aldrich's gaze swept across each player's face as he intently declared, "I believe in you all, even if it means putting my life in your hands. Ask me a hundred times, and I will respond a hundred times: you are the best! However, like me, you and this club, with over a century of history, possess nothing! As you exit this room and step onto the pitch, you embark on your journey here. I hope you share my sentiments as we face the moments ahead. You must, you must leave your mark here. Do not come and go in obscurity; fight for Millwall, for yourselves, inscribe your names into the annals of victory, and ensure your presence is forever etched in the glorious history of this magnificent sport. I steadfastly believe in you—all of you are the finest, despite the vast room for improvement that remains. As long as we persist, I genuinely believe we will overcome all obstacles that stand in our path to ascend the pinnacles of Europe and the world. Let us unite to realize such dreams. Go for it!"

Once Aldrich concluded, he turned and flung open the locker room door, leading the way onto the field, while behind him, the youthful team members echoed in unison, "Let's go!"

The players of Millwall emerged, spirits high and reminiscent of unleashed lions, as Aldrich stepped briskly to the entrance of the player tunnel where the officiating crew stood ready, while the opposition, Shrewsbury Town, lined up in anticipation.

The Shrewsbury players fixed their gaze firmly upon Aldrich.

Curiosity lingered in their eyes, assessing what this young, affluent figure was capable of, with some displaying derisive smirks, almost foreseeing Aldrich's impending failure.

Aldrich halted abruptly at the tunnel's exit, closing his eyes to take a deep breath.

Time appeared to slow, and the slightest sounds elongated into a symphony, crystal clear in his ears.

The rhythmic thud, the whoosh of breath.

He felt the weight of his own heavy yet steady breath, the slow, powerful beat of his heart, and then the electrifying anthem of the team began to resonate in his ears. Keeping his eyes shut, he felt as if he were in the stands, with Millwall's fans raising their scarves and singing in unison...

Aldrich exhaled deeply, repressing his anxiety; this was a sensation he had never encountered—an invisible weight pressing down on his shoulders, rendering him momentarily breathless.

He understood that stepping out of this tunnel would lead him into the authentic arena of professional sports, where the support of the crowd would instill in him an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

As he opened his eyes, he donned a confident and composed expression, striding forth from the players' tunnel. The radiant sunlight illuminated his path, intensifying the electrifying atmosphere that enveloped him.

Yet, concealed tension betrayed his actions.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Aldrich appeared at the sidelines, only to wander towards the opposing team's bench amid curious glances from the spectators...

After taking three steps, Aldrich realized he had approached a group of unfamiliar coaches and players, finally grasping that he had veered off in the wrong direction.

However, he chose not to promptly turn away, opting instead to approach the visiting head coach, Peter Dawson, who stood at the helm, engaged in hushed conversations with his assistants.

Aldrich intended to mask his blunder with a respectful greeting towards the opposing coach, but it seemed that events would not material