154 New Forest Part 1 (1/2)

Chapter 154: New Forest Part 1

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

After beating Bolton in the first round of the semi-finals, Tang En gained not only a victory, but a better reputation as well. Now, all of England came to know of Nottingham Forest's ingenious manager. Despite his youth, he was able to lead a team that was ranked fourth from the bottom in League One, all the way to the semi-finals. Not only that, but he had also managed to triumph over his semi-finals opponent, a Premier League team.

The scene of Tang En being pushed to the ground by the players as a form of celebration had been published in a small segment of the ”Match of the Day” weekday edition called ”2 Good 2 Bad.” This was a small segment that was only available during the weekday editions. It usually only featured Premier League highlights, and rarely featured other league's matches. However, what happened to Tang En was so amusing that the editors decided to add the scene into the highlights compilation.

The host of the program, BBC's pundit Adrian Chiles, freely described the sight in his own words. In the end, he made it sound very fun, making the already interesting story sound even better.

”Goal! This is too great, hey…hey! Hey! Freddy, you're running to the wrong place… Ah! Can anyone~~save me~~~~Alright, Tony Twain may very well be the only manager that doesn't wish for his team to score a goal…”

The host and the guests burst out in laughter.

Everyone came to know what kind of manager he was—he was the happiest person to see his players score, but whenever they did, he was also the unluckiest person.

Tony Twain was not the only one whose reputation improved. His team, as well as the young players who had performed exceedingly well, earned a better reputation as well.

George Wood had only played two matches for Nottingham Forest's first team, and there were already football clubs asking Nottingham Forest for an asking price.

Since this matter concerned the purchase and sale of players, Evan Doughty kept his promise and did not interfere at all. Instead, he let Tang En have full say over the matter. Tang En's stance was firm: he wouldn't sell.

Tang En knew how scarce good defensive midfielders would become in the next few years. As long as Wood continued to play like this, his value would quickly inflate. To sell him just because someone offered? Tang En was no fool. Moreover, the club had just signed an eight-year contract with Wood, and it was definitely not just for show.

In reality, Tang En was not at all worried about the issue of Wood's loyalty. The lad knew that the club had helped him a lot, and he knew full well whether he should choose to stay or leave. But the situation did make Tang En start to worry about Wood for another reason; perhaps George should have an agent to help him settle his personal affairs and manage his finances.

It was true that the Professional Footballers' Association could help players negotiate contract terms on their behalf, as well as settle some financial problems for them. Doing it like that could prevent him from being exploited. But who has ever seen a football superstar who still needed the Professional Footballers' Association's help with their contract?

Tang En felt that Wood was sure to become a superstar, but only under one condition: Wood had to be playing for Tang En, not some other football club.

Tang En was not opposed to the idea of football players finding agents; they required professionals like agents to help them manage their finances and public relationships. Managers were not gods, and were therefore unable to take care of all the players' needs. So, those kinds of things should be handled by agents. Tang En hated agents who prioritized their own benefits instead of the players' benefits, sowed discord between the players and their clubs or managers, endlessly requested pay raises, and threatened the football club on the slightest whim.

The reason for Tang En's hatred was not because he could not stand seeing football players and their agents earn money. No, the only reason was because they would invariably oppose Tony Twain, the manager of the team. They would infringe upon Tang En's profits, and that was something that Tang En could not allow.

So, if Wood were to find an agent, it would have to be someone whom he trusted. If possible, it would be best not to engage with big shot agents. Those without much power in the circle would be unable to create unnecessary trouble. But at the same time, Tang En wanted someone who could put in his best effort to package Wood and was very successful in business operation models. That way, Wood would be able to earn a lot of money, and his entire family could live a carefree life.

Are those conditions too hard to fulfill?

Tang En shook his head, deciding not to think about the issue for now.