NOVPUB
Chapter 80: Rebuilding
Mike Phelan decided to accept Richard’s offer, not focusing on salary or what City could provide, but on the freedom and opportunity to experiment, as long as it aligned with Richard’s philosophy of attacking football.
After securing Phelan’s verbal agreement, Richard remembered a few key staff members under Sir Alex Ferguson who had played pivotal roles in developing the Class of ’92 and United’s early Premier League success.
He began searching for names from Manchester United’s staff to make sure, and quickly found the following:
First, Tony Whelan, the man in charge of youth development at United. Tony had coached young players part-time in Manchester City’s Community Football Programme between 1987 and 1990. In 1990, he was invited by Brian Kidd to join Manchester United’s Centre of Excellence, which meant Richard crossed his name off the list.
Second, Eric Harrison, who played a key role in producing Fergie’s Fledglings, the group of young players that became the backbone of United’s success. Eric was currently the youth team manager, making him impossible to poach.
Third, Brian Kidd, the man who discovered Ryan Giggs. He was now the assistant youth manager, making it nearly impossible for Richard to bring him on board. Kidd also helped Ferguson guide United to a Football League Cup win in 1992 and the Premier League title in 1993, which only made him more entrenched at United.
Fourth and fifth, however, were different: René Meulensteen and Steve McClaren.
For McClaren, he was still in the early stages of his coaching career, working as a youth and reserve team coach at Oxford United. As for Meulensteen, he was coaching Qatar’s U-18 team, which still made it possible to bring him on board.
Phelan could become his trusted informant within the first squad, Meulensteen was key in improving City’s attacking philosophy, and McClaren could help modernize City’s training methods. They could work with O’Neill’s team.
So, Richard assigned the task of poaching the last two pieces of the puzzle to John Maddock, City’s current general manager.
When Richard presented his idea to recruit these three individuals, especially Phelan, even John was shocked.
"The player you want to bring in is from Manchester United? The United that won back-to-back Premier League titles?"
"Ex-player. Remember, ex-player," Richard emphasized, as Phelan had already been released.
"The issue isn’t that," John responded, shaking his head. "What I don’t get is, how do you plan to bring someone from United here?"
"Richard looked at John strangely. ’You were quiet usually. Why are you suddenly so passionate all of a sudden?’"
John pressed his palm against his forehead, as though he didn’t have the energy to respond. Even his prideful self couldn’t find an appropriate reaction to Richard’s idea of bringing an ex-United player here.
"Wait, where are we going?" John suddenly realized one problem.
"To discuss the contract, of course."
"Wait. If you’re meeting the player, shouldn’t you be going to the training ground? They’re all out there, training."
"He’s not there."
"What do you mean? Why wouldn’t a player be on the training ground? Or maybe there’s a stadium tour scheduled?"
Usually, when doing a transfer, the first step is the initial negotiation, where the player and club agree on terms. Then comes the transfer fee agreement. After that, pre-contract discussions take place, like wages, terms, and bonuses.
For City, given their position, they might even schedule a tour for the player to visit the stadium, which is meant to appeal to players from higher leagues. After that comes the medical examination, and finally, analyzing the transfer deal.
"To discuss the pre-contract, of course."
John raised an eyebrow in confusion as he and Richard approached a door marked with a plaque that read, "Chairman."
"Why are we here then?"
"As I said, to meet Phelan. Now to discuss the pre-contract."
"This is your office."
"Yes, I know."
"And why would a player be discussing that in your office?"
"Because he’s also part of the coaching staff next season. He’s a player-coach."
"...Unbelievable."
Leaving a stunned John behind, Richard gave him a quick wave before stepping away. As he remembered something, he rifled through the documents in his hands, found what he was looking for, and handed it to John.
"Help me secure this player. He’s the one O’Neill has requested for his squad. He’s hoping we can sign him before pre-season."
John looked surprised. "Do we have the funds?"
"Just prioritize the ones we can loan first."
John raised an eyebrow before opening the list of players.
Shay Given (Goalkeeper) - Regarded as one of the greatest Irish goalkeepers of all time, but at the moment, he couldn’t displace first-choice goalkeeper Tim Flowers at Blackburn. To make matters worse, Given suffered an arm injury during training, which made his chances slimmer.
Tony Grant (Midfielder) - Had never been able to secure a regular spot in Everton’s first team after signing as a trainee. Last season, he was loaned out to Tranmere Rovers, and rumors suggested that Tranmere were interested in another loan deal this season. Everton had already agreed to the loan, but it was now up to Grant to make his decision.
Ian Taylor (Midfielder) - Port Vale agreed to transfer Grant to Sheffield Wednesday, but the problem was that Sheffield Wednesday was caught off guard by the irrelevant bonuses in Taylor’s contract, such as £100,000 for an England appearance, £25,000 for every ten goals Taylor scored, and 15% of future profits.
Finally, there are two players to buy. First, Ian Cox (Defender) from Carshalton Athletic for £40,000, and secondly, the partner for the current Ronaldo, Christian Vieri (Striker) from Ravenna for €300,000.
"Promise them playing time as first-team players and full support from the club. The contract should also offer a standard three years, and for the next contract discussion, if they wish to leave, the club will not stand in their way." Richard gave his final instructions.
"Is this everything?" John asked.
"Yes... no, there’s actually one more thing. But for the last one, I’ll handle the negotiations with Norwich City myself."
"Norwich?" John’s eyes widened.
Norwich City is competing in the Premier League this year. What kind of crazy idea is he planning now?
So, the next day, Richard immediately started his Porsche and drove all the way from Manchester to Norwich to meet the striker he wanted to loan, Emile Heskey.
"You’re telling me that the owner, along with the current general manager, came all the way here to scout a 17-year-old player? How often does something like that happen? It’s supposed to be the manager, no less. He could’ve just made a phone call, but showing up in person? Maybe that’s what inflated his ego so much."
"And that’s why we’re here," Richard said simply.
John’s eyebrows shot up. "What?"
"Of course, it’s all about tactics," Richard said with a smirk. "When dealing with clubs from higher leagues, what you need most is to flatter them. Imagine if the owner himself were negotiating? When has that ever happened?"
He wasn’t foolish. The current City team needed sacrifices first. So when dealing with them, treat them like royalty, at least at first. As for later... well, hehe...
"Because by coming personally, we’re allowed to see their scrimmage, aren’t we?" Richard continued. "By acknowledging them as such, I gave them the respect they’ve never received in the Premier League."
"I know, but will they actually agree? After all, the Premier League and the third tier are worlds apart."
"Well, I can only promise them money and playing time. If they refuse, then so be it. By the way, how’s the O’Neill loan going? Any updates?"
"All good, except for Vieri," John shook his head. "Ravenna accepted our €300,000 offer, but Vieri rejected it and instead accepted an offer from Venezia."
Richard sighed at this, then set his jaw in a determined expression. "Then we need to get Heskey at all costs."
Soon, Richard and John arrived at Carrow Road.
"You’re the coach, Daniel, correct?" Richard asked, extending his hand for a handshake.
Daniel was flattered but quickly composed himself. He caught Richard’s hand and shook it. "Yes, that’s me. Nice to meet you, and welcome to Carrow Road. Coach Deehan has already notified me, but he’s a bit busy with preparations for next season, so..."
Richard sneered but didn’t show it. "No problem. You know why I’m here, right? I want to see Emile Heskey."
"Yes, there’s a scrimmage starting in five minutes. Please follow me," Daniel said before leading Richard and John toward the pitch.
Soon, the scrimmage began.
Richard folded his arms as he shifted his gaze to the young Emile Heskey.
Thud!
"Ugh!"
Heskey attempted to control the ball but was shoved off balance by a defender.
The coach shook his head at this and turned to Richard. "As you can see, the player who just knocked him over is from the reserves. He’s still far from debuting for the first team. The Premier League is tough. And yet, even against someone like him, Emile can’t hold his ground. Well... I suppose he’s still just a youth player, but with this, he’s still far from ready for the Premier League."
"Well, after all, he’s still 17, isn’t he?" John asked, surprised at the pressure they were placing on the young player.
The coach nodded, then shook his head. "Coach Deehan has already been preparing Heskey to replace Sutton, who just left the club. With his tall, big frame, there were high hopes for him, but you know what they say — the higher your expectations, the harder you fall."
"I see..." Richard muttered.
Everyone thought Richard’s response indicated that he understood and might let go of the idea of pursuing Heskey after his poor performance. But unknown to them, it wasn’t exactly what Richard meant.
Given Emile Heskey’s 6-foot height and his large physique, many expected him to excel in physical strength and win aerial challenges.
That was the standard expectation—he was supposed to be a goal machine in front of the net. However, from what Richard observed, Emile’s style of play resembled Alan Shearer more than that of a typical target man.
’Ronaldo will benefit from his unselfish style of play,’ that was one of Richard’s thoughts.
That was because Ronaldo played like a winger – but he did so in the centre of the pitch, which made him infinitely more dangerous. He played like every attack had a 10-second deadline and the Brazilian would explode into life with no warning for defenders.
Richard stepped forward and extended his hand toward Coach Daniel. "Coach Daniel, thank you so much for your time and for accommodating us."
Daniel sighed, already aware that Emile’s loan deal wasn’t going through, but he still shook Richard’s hand. "No problem. Let me escort you—"
"I’d like to proceed with the loan process for Emile Heskey. Can we do that now? I promise he’ll get valuable playing time," Richard interrupted, his statement shocking both the coach and the general manager.
They could only look at Richard and think, ’What a madman.’
Emile Heskey (Striker) - While last season he was criticized for going to ground too easily and his goal-scoring ratio was very low, causing his confidence to drop, Norwich was reportedly interested in offering him a loan opportunity.
While Richard and John were in Norwich, the first-team squad was in chaos.
The reason?
The new chairman had planned to release players, and that was enough to make everyone uneasy and restless.
In front of the Main Road stadium, where the gates were closed, a few fans were waiting, but no one passed through or opened the gates.
"Doesn’t the atmosphere feel... unusual?"
"This is serious. Are they skipping training?"
It wasn’t that they were skipping training, but the players were now leaving through the back entrance. They were warned to be cautious for the time being, of course, by their own backers—whoever they were.
Reporters had tried reaching out, but Richard shut down everything.
The club’s communications and marketing staff were on paid leave, leaving no one for journalists to contact.
The only people seen coming and going at Main Road over the past few days were those from the football department.
All non-football departments had been given paid vacation.
Not the media. Not the local press. Not even the community. No one knew anything.
