Plans for the Season

The club's recruitment efforts were still underway. Aldrich had been keeping an eye on many young players through the extensive scouting network of Andrew's agency. This database was impressive, but for others, having access to this data wasn't very useful due to the sheer number of players; it was impossible to evaluate them all individually. However, after reviewing the materials, Aldrich felt confident.

One humid morning, Aldrich and Yvonne jogged in the park. Once they finished, they leaned against the railing by the Thames to catch their breath. Yvonne handed Aldrich her sweat-soaked handkerchief. He hesitated for a moment before accepting it and naturally wiped his face.

In the past, he wouldn't have hesitated at all; things had changed, and now certain situations felt strange after coming to light.

Despite spending the summer together, seemingly inseparable, there didn't feel like there was anything awkward about it. They were simply too familiar with one another.

"Will the club's trip to Asia affect the new season?" Yvonne asked with a hint of concern.

Aldrich exhaled and replied casually, "Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for commercial development. If we don't capitalize on the momentum after winning the Champions League to boost our popularity, it'll be harder to arrange things effectively later."

If it were purely about competitive factors, Aldrich wouldn't support the team's trip to Asia for summer preparations. The time zone adjustments and distractions from commercial activities could impact the new season negatively. However, from the club's long-term perspective, expanding commercial channels and international influence was essential. The timing was also rare; with the squad just having won the Champions League, this was the best opportunity to market the team.

Yvonne looked at him with a teasing smile, "Do you need me to accompany you?"

Without turning around, Aldrich replied, "No thanks. I've heard my popularity is quite high in Asia as it is."

By late July, Millwall started their trip to Asia, planning to play friendlies in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Singapore, averaging two days in each location. Although Millwall had lost several key players over the summer, stars like Larsson and Nedved remained, plus the rising star Aldrich, whose popularity was on the rise. Upon landing at Tokyo Airport, the enthusiasm ignited the city; the streets were packed, and the sight left the European players who had never come to Asia in awe—"These Japanese fans are crazy!"

While friendlies are often labeled as less important, Millwall demonstrated their strength throughout the five matches, leveraging their technical and physical advantages. Without needing to go all out, they achieved five consecutive victories. Aldrich followed his usual pattern of substituting all eleven players at halftime, using the opportunity to assess everyone's performance.

The trip was primarily a venture for financial gain—on one side promoting the club to attract fans while also securing sponsorship deals.

However, some sponsors left Aldrich bewildered.

Large companies in Japan and South Korea wanted to sponsor Millwall, aiming to help their players gain entry to the Premier League, covering both transfer fees and salaries as long as those players donned Millwall's colors.

Faced with such proposals, Aldrich firmly declined. Though it could boost Millwall's income and bring in an extra 'free' player, it would damage the club's reputation and turn Millwall into a slave to money.

When they returned to London, it was already early August. The new Premier League season was set to begin on August 14, and Millwall wouldn't need to participate in the Community Shield, simply waiting for the league to kick off.

Aldrich reviewed the progress of player recruitment in his office.

The club's recruitment team brought back Viana from Portugal and three players from France. Except for Letaler, who was considered amazing early on and then gradually mediocre, the other two would become famous figures in the future. The first one is the powerful Didier Drogba . Unlike other stars who showed their talents early, Drogba was not one of those late bloomers. Before the age of 20, he was in a carefree stage, enjoying life more than focusing on football. It wasn't until he truly realized that he needed to make a living from this sport that Millwall happened to hand over a contract that he readily accepted Millwall's invitation and contract. His previous trials with several major French clubs ended in failure, which makes this opportunity even more precious.

The other was 17-year-old Patrice Evra.

From a German amateur team, Millwall also signed soon-to-be 18-year-old defender Christoph Metzelder and 17-year-old midfielder Hanno Balic.

Additionally, two Spanish players returned to their homeland, but Millwall also recruited a younger talent from Spain: 17-year-old Joaquin Sanchez Rodriguez.

Aldrich planned to visit the youth squad to select some substitutes for the first team. However, just as he stepped out of his office, he noticed Gudjohnsen standing at the door, hesitating.

"Is something wrong?" Aldrich asked curiously. During the trip to Asia, Gudjohnsen had seemed troubled, but Aldrich didn't pry—he wasn't one to meddle in everything.

Gudjohnsen nodded heavily, as if he had made a momentous decision.

Aldrich turned back into the office. After Gudjohnsen sat down, Aldrich returned to his desk and waited for him to speak.

"Boss, I'll still be a substitute in the new season, won't I?" he asked.

Hearing such a question made Aldrich sigh. In truth, he wished the players would be mindless puppets.

He nodded, "Yes, although I don't want to say it, you aren't among the top choices in the attacking quartet. However, you have potential. You need to work on your chemistry with your teammates; then you can compete for a starting position. Just be patient."

After a moment of silence, Gudjohnsen replied, "But I believe more matches will help me improve."

Aldrich fell into thought; the downside of having a young squad was becoming evident.

Young substitutes often saw little hope, particularly Gudjohnsen, who had no advantage competing against Larsson, Ronaldinho, and Van Nistelrooy, despite having individual skills. Team chemistry was also a concern.

These main players were young; how many years would he have to wait for his breakthrough?

The departure of Ballack stemmed from this.

Aldrich composed himself and quietly asked, "Have you made up your mind?"

Gudjohnsen nodded.

"Fine, I agree to your transfer. The club will put you on the market. Best of luck in your future," he said as he stood and formally shook Gudjohnsen's hand. 

Gudjohnsen clasped Aldrich's right hand with both of his and said earnestly, "Boss, even though I've only been here for a year, I appreciate everything you've done for me."

Aldrich smiled and shook his head.

"Gratitude, gratitude," he thought. Many players expressed their thanks, but that wasn't his ultimate goal...

On the contrary, he would feel grateful if the player could stay, just like Gronkjaer, who heeded Aldrich's advice, earning steady playing time each season and giving his best when on the field.

That night, after putting Gudjohnsen on the market, Aldrich received another piece of bad news.

Millwall's recruitment team have approached Red Star Belgrade with a view to signing their youngster Nemanja Vidic. The club agreed to the transfer but the player rejected the offer.

It's clear he won't be able to get a work permit, and Aldridge has no intention of claiming the special talent provision for a guard. If the FA approved such a request, it would certainly be controversial.

Millwall proposed recruiting the player and then loaning him to Belgium. After three years, he would obtain his EU passport and return to Millwall.

But Vidic refused such an arrangement.

Aldrich didn't feel too disappointed; sometimes transfers just didn't align, and if the opportunity came again in the future, they would pursue him.

The following day, when Aldrich arrived at the youth team's training ground, the entire atmosphere had shifted; the young players were training with great enthusiasm.

Nagy joked, "Why don't you take on a part-time role as the youth team coach?"

Aldridge is considering next season's roster.

He no longer needs to equip the first team with too many players because the current starting players have been developed and rotations do not need to be as frequent. They will be able to play in more games than they did two or three years ago.

Ensuring there was a backup for each position was sufficient; barring a flurry of injuries, a squad of 23 or 24 players would be enough for the season.

Aldrich turned to Nagy and said, "Get Ashley over here."

Nagy spoke to an assistant nearby, and Ashley Cole, who was running laps with teammates, was called over.

When he reached Aldrich, Ashley had an excited smile on his face.

"What's so funny?" Aldrich asked, puzzled.

Ashley grinned, "Boss, are you calling me up to the first team?"

"Hmm? How did you know?" Aldrich replied, surprised.

"Because the first team needs bodies," Ashley said with a chuckle.

Aldrich made a face; Capdevila's transfer surely thrilled Ashley. Similar situations weren't uncommon in the club. Who was most pleased about the departures of Trezeguet and Shevchenko? Van Nistelrooy, of course!

"You'll be added to the first-team roster for the new season, train with the first team; if you don't make the matchday squad, you'll play with the reserves. Don't get too excited just yet," Aldrich warned.

Ashley quickly nodded, then turned to catch Joe Cole and David Villa's eyes, making a face as if to brag.

In their minds, both Joe Cole and Villa simultaneously gave him the finger.

Damn it! If it weren't for our ages, we would have been in the first team by now!

Next, Aldrich called Paul Ferreira over, informing him that he would also be joining the first team for the upcoming season.

He has no intention of promoting any centre-backs from the youth teams as adequate fitness is vital for the position. Promising young central defenders under the age of 18 must go through a maturation process. Mills in the first team currently has strong defense but insufficient offensive ability. His use as Schneider's substitute will weaken Millwall's offensive power. But he can be used as a substitute central defender, and the addition of Neil, who is a versatile player in the backcourt, also ensures that there will be no shortage of central defender options after Helguera leaves.

Aldrich paced along the sideline while Ferreira and Cole chatted. Both players were now excited, while others looked on with envy, hoping Aldrich would call them next.

Aldrich was considering the midfield positions. He had four players, including Gattuso and Lampard, for substitutes, so there was no need for additional recruits. Did Nedved's position need a backup?

The Czech Iron Man could probably last the season without being rotated.

Ultimately, Aldrich shook his head. It was unnecessary; Ronaldinho could also play that position. Occasionally switching tactics and adjusting formations was fine.

Now that Gudjohnsen planned to leave, several clubs were interested in acquiring him. The key was how he would make his choice—leaving was inevitable.

Aldrich suddenly turned to Nagy, "How's Larmore doing?" 

What had become of the once-promising Liverpool prodigy after a year at Millwall?