Chapter 78: Dismantling The Factions

"Draft a release list?" John was shocked.

The current squad has 23 players right now.

Goalkeepers: Nicky Weaver, Tony Coton

Defenders: Lee Crooks, Richard Edghill, Nick Fenton, Richard Jobson, Keith Curle, Tony Vaughan, Gerard Wiekens.

Midfielders: Jamie Pollock, Michael Brown, Terry Cooke, Neil Heaney, Jeff Whitley, Kevin Horlock, Gary Mason.

Attackers: Paul Dickov, Lee Bradbury, Michael Branch, Shaun Goater, Chris Greenacre, Mark Robins, Craig Russell.

’Especially regarding the club’s finances.’

"This..." John frowned before offering his advice. "No matter what, Manchester City is still a club that once played in the Premier League. Dropping twice to the second division has only fueled the media’s obsession with writing about us. If you go through with this, I’m afraid the criticism will be relentless—especially since you’ve just taken charge."

"I know..." Richard paused, thinking for a moment before responding. "Then just tell them this—the club’s financial situation cannot sustain the current wage structure. At least half of it needs to be cut."

"Half?" John couldn’t hide his shock, his disbelief written all over his face. "Half?! Our first-team squad barely has a little over twenty players!"

Richard clicked his tongue. "What’s the point of having an academy if we’re too scared to lose a few first-team players? Do you even remember where we are? Second division! Second!"

He let out a breath, turning to the window overlooking the pitch. "This is a preventive measure—before we’re forced into salvaging what’s left."

Rebuilding.

Overhauling a team and creating a new foundation.

Every year, ahead of a new season, football clubs take a long, hard look at their prior performance. They begin analyzing the mistakes, the successes, and the overall direction of the team. It’s a time for reflection and decision-making.

Who will be sold?

Who will be signed?

What new tactics will be implemented to give the team the best chance at success?

These questions are at the forefront as the club strategizes for the next season. When this process involves rethinking and reshaping the entire squad, it’s known as rebuilding.

And what’s the first step of any rebuild?

"Are you asking us to draft a release list?!"

Let’s do a rewind~

The next three days passed in a blur of preparations, discussions, and final decisions.

In the meeting room, 15 minutes before the meeting.

Richard spoke casually as he firmly shook John’s hand. "Hey, we’ll be meeting in small groups like this regularly. I think it’s a good culture to build."

John gave a small nod before taking a seat. "Is this how you greet people first thing in the morning?"

Richard shrugged. "Consider it a warm welcome—we’re already well acquainted anyway."

This annual grand meeting would be vastly different from those before it.

In the past, it was a single session attended only by board members, key stakeholders, and a select few who were summoned. This time, however, things had changed. The meeting would be divided into multiple sessions, starting with the coaching staff.

Before long, the door opened, and a few more figures entered the room—Alan Ball, Joe Royle, Ray Donard, Robbie McGinn, and Allensky. These were the core members of Manchester City’s coaching staff.

"Good evening, Chairman. A pleasure to meet you."

After shaking hands with them, Allensky, the physical coach, greeted him cheerfully.

Like some kind of ’no matter where you are, you always find a way to adapt’ guy—a natural extrovert who can fit in anywhere.

This was Richard’s first time meeting him—along with the mustached man beside him, the tactical coach, Robbie McGinn.

"Nice to meet you both. You’re Allensky, and you’re Robbie McGinn, right? I didn’t expect you to be this young."

"Haha, well, to stay close to the players, at least one of us has to blend in," Robbie chuckled.

Richard studied him for a moment before nodding.

"Alright, everyone, take a seat."

The first to speak was John, making small talk while Richard simply observed how smoothly he steered the conversation—completely different from the usually reserved Maddock he knew. Now, he understood how he had managed to stick around through the club’s ownership changes, from Swales to Lee.

Soon, the last person arrived—Miss Heysen.

Richard clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Ah, perfect timing. Now that everyone’s here, let’s begin the meeting. It’s best we discuss everything together."

Everyone straightened their backs, especially the coaching staff, who knew this discussion could directly impact their future.

And the first thing Richard said shocked them to their core.

He gave the table a quick tap, making sure to catch their attention. "Alright, listen up. Each of you will draft a release list with five players. Understood?"

A release list, not a transfer or loan list. These two are very different concepts.

A transfer list draft is created with the goal of selling or loaning out players. For example, a player who isn’t fitting into the team’s tactics but still has value might be placed on the transfer list, so other teams can make offers.

A release list, on the other hand, consists of players the club is looking to release from their contracts altogether.

Everyone was shocked. What kind of crazy shit was he planning to do now?

Was the club’s financial situation really that bad that they had to take such drastic measures?

"Are you asking us to draft a release list?!"

"Yes. The club’s financial state cannot sustain the current wage structure. At least half of it needs to be cut."

"...!"

Shock flickered in their eyes.

’What the fuck?’

That was probably what everyone was thinking right now.

"You really want us to draft separate lists?"

"There’s no need to be surprised. And yes, I want you to write down the names. Players we need to cut, no matter how difficult it may be. We can’t afford the luxury of sentimentality anymore."

"Wait, wait. But why release? Why not transfer or loan?"

"Yeah, why not just move them on that way?"

Richard took a sharp inhale, then briefly closed his eyes. When he opened them, he spoke calmly, "It doesn’t matter. The current players are probably worth only £20,000 to £40,000 anyway—not nearly enough to buy a good player."

’It would just add to our burden,’

Richard thought to himself.

He continued, "That’s why I’m concerned. Cutting the wage bill by releasing players is necessary first. Signing new ones won’t be easy, and to be honest, not many players would want to join our team right now."

’This... this doesn’t make any sense! What is he even saying?!’

But Richard didn’t care about their thoughts. ’

My words are absolute here. My word is final. Defy me? Go ahead and try.’

He wanted to quickly filter out the players he could use as quick a possible. With twenty players and no clear idea of who was reliable and who wasn’t, he decided to let the coaches make the choices for him.

This way, he could subtly pit both sides against each other, ensuring that he got the best possible outcome.

It begins with cutting the dead weight at the club while also ensuring that the valuable players who can still grow are kept.

This way, he isn’t cutting just for the sake of cutting, especially since the club, and he himself, didn’t have much cash to begin with.

Ball couldn’t hide his bewilderment, his emotions clearly written on his face. How could he compete if he didn’t have enough competitive players for next season?

’Don’t tell me I’ll be the first manager to get relegated three times in a row?!’

He felt like he was having an emotional breakdown. So in the end, he yelled, "Half?! Our first-team squad only has a little over twenty players!"

Joe Royle, the head coach, chimed in seriously, "With all the players who have already left or didn’t have their contracts renewed, another two is the maximum we can sell in order to generate money for the transfer window."

Everyone in the room looked ready to jump out of their chairs to scold the new reckless owner, while John Maddock clamped his mouth shut, seemingly at a loss for words.

Richard, however, maintained a pensive expression. He sighed heavily, shaking his head. ’

This is what happens when you pamper people. You give an inch, and they take a mile. The moment you try to be lenient, they start asking for more.’

’Lee Consortium, thank you for dumping this mess in my lap,’

Richard muttered under inwardly.

Ball thought there might still be a chance. Speaking calmly, his tone almost sympathetic but with a hint of intimidation, he said, "If you proceed with the releases as you intend, we won’t even be able to fill a 25-man squad. Selecting just 11 players for the starting lineup will become a nightmare."

"That’s why we’ll use academy players to fill the gaps," Richard said. "Why, Mr. Ball? Even in the second division, do you doubt your own abilities? If that’s the case, I’m truly disappointed," Richard said, his expression filled with disappointment.

First, attack their ego.

Who is Alan Ball? He’s considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He won the 1966 World Cup with England and had a remarkable career, scoring over 180 league goals in 22 years, playing for various top clubs.

Sure enough, the question struck like a sharp jab, and Ball’s face turned red. His breath grew heavier.

Then, praise them.

"You’re a legend in your own right, Mr. Ball. Your accomplishments, your leadership on the field, they speak for themselves. But managing a club isn’t about past glory. It’s about the present, the future. And that’s where we need you now."

His expression softened for a moment. His eyes remained steely, but at least someone acknowledged his greatness.

Finally, the challenge.

"So, can you take it, Mr. Ball? All my hopes as the owner of Manchester City are riding on you. What will it be, Mr. Ball? Not just surviving in the second division, but leading us back to promotion. It won’t be easy, especially with the club’s current financial state."

Ball was elated, hearing those words.

’He just begged me, didn’t he? Did he just beg me?!’

For a moment, a whirlwind of thoughts clouded his judgment. He couldn’t quite grasp what had just been said. His pride and instincts as a successful player fought with the reality of the situation.

Everyone was alarmed. Everything had the same thought:

"No, don’t—"

Too late.

Ball leaned forward slightly, his hands gripping the edge of the table. Finally, he spoke with conviction. "Fine, you wi—"

CLAP!

Richard slapped his thigh. "That’s it! Since your manager has spoken, then Ms. Heysen, please."

Miss Heysen, who had been listening intently from the start, gave Richard a thumbs up. Upon hearing his signal, she understood his intention.

Quickly, she distributed pens and notepads to each coaching staff member, leaving them confused.

TAP TAP TAP

With that, Richard stood up and clapped his hands together. He repeated his instructions: "Each of you will select five players for the release list. We can’t afford to keep players who aren’t contributing at the level we need. I’m asking for your full cooperation. Remember, this isn’t personal. This is about survival."

"Why should we...?"

But it seemed that one person wanted to challenge his authority. Either they were bold, or they had another intention.

"...?"

The moment Allensky’s question finished, everyone instinctively turned to him, dumbfounded.

A vein appeared on Richard’s forehead, but he managed to calm himself. He locked eyes with the culprit before responding coolly, "And why not?"

Everyone expected Richard to explode, but instead, he made a calm rebuttal. This also caught Allensky, who had been hoping to provoke Richard, completely off guard.

"Player transfers and releases are entirely the manager’s prerogative. It’s an absolute authority. Here, at this club, no one else has the right to interfere," Richard said, then looked toward Alan Ball. "And Mr. Ball already agreed to this earlier, didn’t he?"

"...."

Did he want to deny it? Where could he possibly put his face?

So, Ball chose to remain silent.

Before leaving, Richard made sure of one thing. He glanced around the room with a serious expression. "You have three days."

With that, he stood up and walked out of the meeting room.

One day was enough for Richard to juggle multiple tasks and attend meeting after meeting.

Next, he went to the scouting department, led by Peter Pettigrew, his nemesis who now served as the chief scout.

Both were in sombre moods. Richard hated this guy for his cunning ways, while Peter also despised Richard for his luck.

If not for their different statuses, they probably would have already turned the meeting room into a boxing ring.

Back to the topic, it was the same as before—exactly the same words Richard had spoken to the coaching team in the previous meeting.

"..."

The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone exchanged uncertain glances, each person seemingly searching for the right words.

"Go ahead and start drafting your lists. If necessary, hold one-on-one meetings with the players. Take your time and be thorough. I’ll consider all your recommendations."

The next people to address were the physio, the reserves staff, and the youth academy staff.

"Also, I’m open to listening and asking for your cooperation. Isn’t that right?"

"..."

"Instead of making unilateral decisions about who to release, I’m asking for your input."

"..."

"This is a sign of my trust in you. I believe you have a clearer understanding of the players than I do."

The argument was logical, leaving little room for rebuttal.

"I want to run this club with you. You have three days to draft your lists, and I’ll be expecting your reports then."