CHAPTER 83

Ethan never expected to keep the current starting lineup intact for long. After all, Luton Town was still just a Championship side, and top-flight clubs were always circling, ready to lure talent with the promise of Premier League football.

He had initially assumed that players like Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kanté would be the first to attract attention from Premier League scouts and request transfers. But to his surprise, the first player to knock on his door about a move wasn't Vardy or Kanté—it was Charlie Austin.

"You've made up your mind, Charlie?" Ethan asked, though he wasn't exactly caught off guard. Premier League interest was hard to ignore, and Charlie Austin was being pursued by Blackburn Rovers.

Six months ago, Charlie had been a relatively unknown striker—a former bricklayer who had just begun to find his feet in professional football. But now he was Luton's second-highest scorer and a vital part of the attack.

What surprised Ethan more than Charlie's request was that Blackburn wanted him—not Vardy.

Charlie looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, boss… but I really want to play in the Premier League."

Ethan wasn't angry. He understood. Players naturally dreamed of the biggest stage.

"We're not accepting their £2 million offer," Ethan said firmly. "You're worth more than that."

Charlie's face lit up. Ethan's response meant he wasn't outright rejecting the transfer—just negotiating for better terms.

"But remember," Ethan added, rising and clapping a hand on Charlie's shoulder, "Blackburn isn't exactly a Premier League powerhouse. You deserve interest from bigger clubs."

"You should finish this season strong," he continued, "score goals, raise your stock. Then we'll talk again—about a move that really fits your potential."

Charlie was moved. He had expected resistance, anger, maybe even being benched. What he got instead was support—and a strategy.

Ethan wasn't being lenient out of sentiment. In truth, he had already made the difficult decision to sell one or two core players this season to generate transfer funds. If they wanted to compete in Europe next season—particularly the Europa League—they'd need reinforcements. And Luton's owner, David Morton, wasn't exactly flush with cash.

Buying quality players would mean selling smart. And Charlie Austin could fetch a respectable fee—if he kept scoring.

As Ethan smiled to himself, he knew his next priority: keeping Jamie Vardy committed to the long-term project.

"Europa League?!" Vardy's eyes lit up.

"Exactly, Jamie," Ethan nodded. "Next season, we're aiming for European football. Maybe even the Champions League one day. But first, we need funds."

He continued, "Since Charlie's leaving is likely, we need him to score as much as possible before he goes. The higher his tally, the better the price we get."

Vardy understood immediately. Ethan wasn't just sharing tactics—he was bringing him into the inner circle. The manager's trust lit a fire in him.

"You'll still be our main striker next season," Ethan assured him. "But for now, help Charlie score. Assist him, support him. We're playing the long game."

"Yes, boss!" Vardy said, fists clenched in determination.

He believed in Ethan. Completely. It wasn't blind faith—it was loyalty forged from belief in the project, the vision, and the man behind it.

Some might call it being a 'manager's man.'

But for Vardy, it was more than that.

It was destiny.

　　...

February 18th – League Two, Matchday 25: Luton Town vs. Rotherham United

At Kenilworth Road, Luton Town prepared for their home clash against Rotherham. In the dressing room before kickoff, manager Ethan made a surprise announcement: the focal point of the attack for this match would be Charlie Austin.

The players exchanged subtle glances in Vardy's direction. Normally, Jamie Vardy was the team's main striker, their go-to goal threat. But to their surprise, Vardy didn't seem bothered at all. He knew something they didn't.

The manager had already explained the plan: this match was a showcase for Charlie Austin. Ethan was looking to boost Austin's transfer value ahead of the summer window. If they sold him at a good price, the funds would go straight into strengthening the squad for next season's ambitious goal—qualifying for the UEFA Champions League.

Ethan didn't hold back. He allocated all his offensive tactical boosts to Austin: dribbling, pace, and shooting. The only card he kept for defense was one to increase interception success across the back line. Everything else was built around Charlie.

Austin felt the difference immediately.

Just one minute into the match, he scored with his first touch. Kevin Keane whipped in a low cross from the right, and Austin controlled it on his chest before firing a precise shot across the keeper from a tight angle. 1–0, Luton.

It was only the beginning.

In the 20th minute, Austin struck again—this time from the edge of the box with a powerful drive. In the second half, he completed his hat-trick with two more well-taken goals. It was arguably the best performance of his career at Luton.

There was no debate over the Man of the Match award—it was Charlie Austin, hands down. Even his teammates looked at him differently afterward. Until now, he had always played second fiddle to Vardy. Who knew he had this kind of explosiveness in him?

Of course, what they didn't realize was that Austin was temporarily "boosted"—his performance enhanced by tactical decisions and strategy. Against a League One side like Rotherham, the difference was massive.

February 21st – League Two, Matchday 31: Accrington Stanley vs. Luton Town

Just three days later, Luton were on the road against Accrington Stanley. And Austin's hot streak continued.

Although Accrington sat deep with a rigid defensive setup, they couldn't stop Luton's momentum. The entire squad was now feeding Austin, and he was thriving—clinical, confident, unstoppable.

In the 18th minute, Vardy broke through the offside trap for a one-on-one. In the past, he would've gone for goal himself, but this time, he squared the ball unselfishly to Austin, who tapped in from close range.

In the second half, Austin completed another brace. First, a towering header in the 65th minute. Then, in the 78th, he cut in from the right and curled a shot into the far corner, sealing a dominant Luton win.

Austin's form was outrageous.

On the touchline, Ethan watched with pride. His tactical approach—his "cards"—were working better than expected. With boosted speed, dribbling, and finishing, Charlie Austin was practically a cheat code in League One. No defense could contain him.

After the match, Ethan glanced up into the stands. He could see them—scouts. Lots of them. He could already imagine the summer: phone calls from big clubs, banknotes flashing, negotiations underway.

Charlie Austin's price tag was rising fast—and Ethan was just getting started.