NOVPUB
Chapter 155: Italy Once Again
Arsène Wenger is perceived by some as the trailblazer who introduced continental European methods to England.
His emphasis on nutrition and improved training techniques at Arsenal, starting in 1996, is often credited with raising the bar.
It was a similar story with Pete Edwards at Nottingham Forest. Just think about it—how could a team that had only just been promoted to the Premier League suddenly trail just behind Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United the following season?
But Nottingham Forest did it.
In 1993–94, they were newly promoted, and in 1994–95, they finished third. No other newly promoted club has achieved such a high finish in the Premier League era.
So how did Forest manage to pull it off?
The answer lies with Pete Edwards, Nottingham Forest’s Head of Performance.
The way they terrorised the Premier League falls into the second category. Edwards was the catalyst behind Forest’s success in the 1994–95 season. He was essentially augmenting his knowledge by learning from fellow coaches during his trips to Italy, including time spent with Gian Piero Ventrone at Juventus..
So, Gian Piero Ventrone is the key answer to all the questions running through Richard’s mind.
The one who later became known for his ’The Marine/Ventrone Method,’ was a member of Marcello Lippi’s coaching staff at Juventus.
When City needed to bust a gut in midfield to get through the running necessary to support either Ronaldo, Solskjær, or Larsson in the next season, he knew Ventrone was the right man to instill the discipline of ’The Marine.’
Having served in the San Marco battalion of the Italian Navy and undergone gruelling training in the US, his methods became the foundation of a ’revolution’ in football fitness.
So Richard parted ways with O’Neill, choosing Juventus as his destination.
Visiting Juventus during the 1990s, when Serie A was the world’s strongest league, was an easy thing, but meeting one of their coaches was definitely not.
Thankfully, at the end of each season, top clubs like Juventus usually host special events, such as media days, where fans, journalists, and professionals from other clubs can interact with the team and staff.
Today’s event is focused on coaching seminars and workshops.
After Juventus secured their first league title in nine years, they were determined to make the most of the moment, celebrating a long-awaited achievement.
Some coaches participated in coaching seminars, and there he is, Richard, already eyeing the man who is currently in a moment of silence, mourning, in the wake of defender Andrea Fortunato’s death from cancer during the course of the season.
Juventus wanted to use this moment to dedicate their Scudetto to the 23-year-old, who had been firmly established in the starting line-up before he fell ill.
After the mourning period, the coaching seminars began, and Richard definitely participated, as it was also an opportunity for him to expand his knowledge.
The session focused on the importance of meticulously planning the squad’s preparation and carefully managing players’ workloads to minimize injuries. Fitness, flexibility, and strength work were all tailored to complement on-pitch training.
Richard rubbed his chin as he listened to Ventrone speak.
’Hmm... personalized training plans, individual diets, and double sessions—in English football, where many players are still more accustomed to spending afternoons in the pub or playing golf... this will definitely catch the First Division off guard.’
RING~
While he was still relishing the seminar, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID—Miss Heysen.
He answered the call. "Hello, Chief. Did I forget to file my expense report again, or are you just calling to hear my charming voice?"
"I suppose your voice is marginally better than the workload you’ve thrown at me lately," Miss Heysen replied dryly.
Richard coughed at her sharp comeback. "Alright, alright—you win. What is it this time? What’s got you calling me?"
"We’ve received offers for Keith Gillespie, Jeff Whitley, Tony Vaughan, Nick Fenton, and Keith Curle. But for Curle, the highest offer is only £250,000. The price you set was £500,000—no one’s willing to pay that."
"And the others?"
Keith Gillespie received an offer from Hull City for £25,000.
Jeff Whitley has a bid from Mansfield Town for £60,000.
Tony Vaughan has a bid from Swansea City for £80,000.
Nick Fenton received an offer from Hull City for £50,000.
Richard paused for a moment, deep in thought.
Curle’s wages were admittedly high, but selling him for half the price they had set didn’t sit right with him. Then there was Keith Gillespie—an offer of just £25,000. His mouth twitched at the absurdity of the figure.
He leaned back and replied, "Sell Whitley, Vaughan, and Fenton. But hold off on Curle and Gillespie. We won’t let Curle go unless the offer meets our minimum valuation. As for Gillespie, he still has three years left on his contract after promotion—there’s still time to develop him."
"Understood."
"By the way, Miss Heysen..." Richard cleared his throat before asking carefully, "How’s the recruitment going?"
While Richard had gone to meet with Ventrone and O’Neill regarding Materazzi and Zambrotta, Miss Heysen had been assigned by Richard, as the new CEO, to oversee City’s new U19 team.
After being briefed by Miss Heysen, here are the 11 players who have currently agreed to terms with Manchester City:
Chris Kirkland – stolen by Miss Heysen from Coventry City (Age in 1995: 14)
Jonathan Woodgate – from Middlesbrough (Age: 15)
Ledley King – from Senrab (Age: 15)
Wes Brown – from Fletcher Moss Rangers (Age: 16)
Wayne Bridge – from Oliver’s Battery (Age: 15)
Scott Parker – from Charlton Athletic (Age: 15)
Michael Carrick – from Wallsend Boys Club (Age: 14)
Owen Hargreaves – from Calgary Foothills (Age: 14)
Gareth Barry – from Brighton & Hove Albion (Age: 14)
Kieron Dyer – once again from Ipswich Town (Age: 16)
All of them have essentially agreed to pre-scholarship terms with City, as part of Richard’s long-term first-team development project that he previously briefed to Miss Heysen.
Until they become eligible for YTS contracts at 16, they’ll be registered as schoolboy players—with the exception of Kieron Dyer and Wes Brown, who are old enough to begin youth terms immediately.
"Miss Heysen, what about Steven Gerrard? Have we received a response from him yet?"
"No," Miss Heysen replied, her tone growing angry. "We’ve reached out, but there’s been no word from him yet!"
"..."
Richard sighed at this. After all, the player they were trying to poach was from Liverpool. But Richard wasn’t ready to give up.
"Then, Miss Heysen, please stay in touch with him. As long as Liverpool keeps delaying his contract, we still have a chance. Also, let’s focus on forwards from now on."
"Yes, understood," Miss Heysen replied. "And by the way, Richard, someone is looking for you."
Richard was taken aback by this. "Who?"
Then Richard heard their conversation from the phone.
"Excuse me, Miss, what was your name again?"
"Marina," another woman’s voice was heard before she continued, "Marina Granovskaia."
Only then did Richard remember why the voice sounded so familiar. His efforts to show her how he had negotiated with Netscape had finally paid off. After finishing one final paper at Moscow State University, she had finally arrived! (Chapter 117-119)
"Thank you for letting me know, Miss Heysen. My matters are already sorted. Please tell her I’ll meet her as soon as possible."
CLICK!
After ending the call, Richard let out a deep breath. Finally, with Miss Granovskaia’s help, he wouldn’t have to deal with contract negotiations or player agents anymore. He had found the expert he needed.
But the journey was still long.
She was still a beginner, and before the handover was complete, he would need to teach her how to transition from her role as a personal secretary to Manchester City’s new Director of Football!
"It seems you’re very busy, young man."
Suddenly, while Richard was still lost in his thoughts, a voice snapped him out of his daydream. He turned around quickly and, when he saw the person standing there, his eyes lit up.
"Mr. Ventrone!"
"Hahaha," he laughed with broken English, then added, "Don’t mind me. I just wanted to leave my coffee cup here," as he waved his hand.
How could Richard not mind him? After all, Ventrone was his target here
He smiled and quickly followed up, "Of course, Mr. Ventrone." He then pulled out his business card and said, "Actually, your presentation earlier was quite impressive. I’d love to continue our conversation if you have time."
Ventrone smiled politely as he glanced at Richard’s business card. "I appreciate your kind words. It’s not often I get such attention from a young chairman. You’re quite different from the ones I’m used to. Do you really love football that much?"
"Yes, Mr. Ventrone, I do. I’ve always been passionate about the game. Football has a special place in my heart, you know? But it’s also about creating something lasting, something that can compete at the highest levels. That’s why I respect what you’ve done, especially with Juventus. You’ve set a standard that many of us aspire to." He paused, looking to engage Ventrone more deeply. "Mr. Ventrone, I--"
Before Richard could finish his sentence, Ventrone quickly raised his hand and shook his head, signaling for him to stop.
"Please, no need to go on," Ventrone interjected in his broken English, with a slight smile that softened his words. "I appreciate your respect, but I am just one part of a much larger system. Juventus is not just about me—it’s about the entire club, the philosophy, the years of development, and most importantly, the players."
Rejected again!
This time, it wasn’t a player turning him down—it was a coach!
Richard cursed inwardly, but on the outside, he nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Ventrone," he said seriously. "I’ll take that to heart."
The Italian coach gave him a small, approving smile before turning away to attend to other matters.
Left standing there, Richard could only watch his back before sighing and turning around. With no business left in Stadio delle Alpi, he made his exit.
