August 2000 – Ashford Residence, Strategy Room
James sat opposite Eleanor in the converted drawing room. The polished oak table had been cleared of its usual antiques and replaced with binders, blueprints, and Eleanor's laptop. She didn't dress like an executive tonight — no power blazer, no silk scarf — just a grey sweater, tied hair, and the cold, focused gaze of someone who held numbers in higher esteem than sentiment.
Eleanor tapped her pen against a budget document. "£20 million. That's our Phase One cap. Not a penny more unless we start seeing results or attracting investment. You asked for control — this is your sandbox. Dad gave us the money to help us build this first year, but you will have to figure out how to get the money next season."
James leaned forward. "I'll have to call Dad to thank him. How are we dividing the 20 million?"
She turned the binder toward him.
Ashford Football Investment – Phase One Allocation (2000–2001)
Training & Medical Facilities – £5 million
Youth Academy Equipment & Pitch Upgrades – £1.5 million
First-Team Payroll – £3 million
Transfers & Loans – £4 million
+Staff Payroll – £750,000
Facility Operations & Expansion – £2 million
Community, Branding & Infrastructure – £1 million
Legal & Contingency Reserve – £750,000
Total: £20 million
James gave a slow whistle. "We're spending like a Championship club."
"We're building like one," Eleanor replied. "But that doesn't mean we throw it around. Medical equipment doesn't come with team spirit. You'd better justify every invoice during the initial phase."
James nodded. "Some of that transfer money might grow. If we sell a few senior players, we could increase the pot. One or two are on decent wages for this level."
Eleanor marked a note beside the player budget. "Fine. Player sales revenue will be credited back to the transfer fund. But don't sell for scraps."
"The medical wing — hydrotherapy pool, cold baths, ultrasound, full-time physio staff — that's still in?"
"If you want it. The facilities, yes — but top-tier staff? Not yet. Bring in someone you trust on a one-year contract. We need the infrastructure, but we can't pretend we're Man United just yet. What do you want to do with the academy?"
James hesitated. "Honestly, I don't think we should pour money into it yet. We can work with the current development lead, upgrade equipment, and improve the pitch. But until I prove my skills and approach, it's too early to bring in big names or start a full rebuild."
Eleanor gave an approving nod. "Sensible. That frees up the budget for things we actually need now. Prove your model, and we'll revisit the academy expansion."
James closed the folder and leaned back. "This is more than a rebuild."
"It's an evolution," Eleanor said and then winked. "And it starts with numbers. So spend wisely, boss." The weight of her words hung in the air, a reminder of the responsibility that came with managing the club's finances.
August 2000 – Ashford Residence, Late Evening
James sat in his study again, a fresh cup of black coffee beside his elbow. His fingers tapped against the polished desk in rhythm.
He blinked twice.
[STAFF NETWORK MODULE – ACTIVE]
Continue the recruitment process?
"Yes. Filter by: Goalkeeping Coach, Fitness Coach."
Filtering...
**Matches Displayed With Current Budget**
Name: Simon Royce
Age: 28
Nationality: English
Current Role: Recently retired keeper at Charlton, working with Leyton Orient Academy
Notes: Strong communicator, excellent with reflex drills and early distribution coaching.
Shortlisted
[Recruitment Pending – Interview Scheduled]
Name: Lorenzo Buenaventura
Age: 37
Nationality: Spanish
Current Role: Fitness Specialist – Cádiz CF (La Liga)
Notes: Known for advanced conditioning programs; credited for stamina improvements and recovery protocols. The system recommends special recruitment.
[RECOMMENDED PRIORITY TARGET]
[Scouting Profile Unlocked – Custom Pitch Required]
James tapped the screen. "Spain, huh?"
System Note: Custom pitch drafted. Estimated success rate: 74%. Recommending a face-to-face meeting.
James exhaled and leaned back, his eyes scanning the interface. Eleanor was right. He had the budget, and now, he had to make it count.
[STAFF ASSEMBLY PROGRESS: 3/4 Core Roles in Progress]
Next Step: Schedule outreach and prepare scouting materials.
James closed the overlay and reached for his notebook. The following page was blank.
Not for long.
Later That Week – Notts County Training Grounds
Simon Royce stood by the edge of the training pitch, arms folded across a Charlton Athletic hoodie. His boots were still caked with old mud from Leyton Orient. James approached with a clipboard under one arm.
"Thanks for coming down, Simon," James said, extending a hand.
Royce grinned. "Heard you were hiring. Figured I'd better see it before it becomes a circus."
James chuckled. "We're not there yet. But we need someone steady. First-team experience, reflex-focused drills, someone who can take a raw talent and sharpen him."
"You're offering me my first shot at coaching a senior side. That's enough for me," Royce said. "I'm in."
James nodded. "Contract's for a year. We'll review before renewal."
Royce clapped his hands together. "Let's build something."
Two Days Later – Cádiz, Spain
The warm breeze off the southern coast of Spain rolled over the training ground as James approached the small fitness annex of Cádiz CF. Lorenzo Buenaventura had just finished guiding a conditioning circuit with a few reserve players inside.
He spotted James immediately and waved him in. "You're the young Englishman who sent me the dossier," he said.
"I am. And I didn't come here to sell you a dream," James said. "Just an idea."
Lorenzo raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"The game is changing, Lorenzo. You've probably already noticed it — even here in La Liga. Players are covering more ground, pressing harder, and recovering quicker between transitions. That's not going away. I want to build a team ready for that future — fitter, sharper, more durable than anyone else in our league. And I think you're the one who knows how to prepare them for it."
Lorenzo glanced at the notes James handed him. "This is your thesis?"
"Part of it," James nodded. We can work together to build the fitness program and rehab protocols, and even influence training schedules based on necessity."
"England's second division, right?" Lorenzo said. "This will raise eyebrows."
"It'll raise standards," James replied.
A long silence followed before Lorenzo finally smiled. "I've worked under rigid systems my whole life. You're offering something different."
James extended his hand. "Come help me change the game."
Lorenzo took it without hesitation. "Let's begin."