Chapter 32 – First Championship

Chapter 32 – First Championship

When Yang Cheng called, Xia Qing thought it was about salary structuring.

Turned out, he was simply inviting her to watch the final in Cardiff.

Since it was on a Sunday afternoon, she happily agreed.

This was her first time attending a football match in person.

There weren't many fans, and the stadium felt a bit empty.

But when Bayswater Chinese FC scored, the entire stadium erupted like a powder keg.

Boom!

Xia Qing, seated in the stands, was stunned by the sudden explosion of energy.

Watching football live and seeing it on TV were two completely different experiences.

Sitting beside her, Li Hongying, Yang Cheng's mother, noticed her reaction and smiled knowingly.

She was aware that Xia Qing was two years older than Yang Cheng, his university senior, and a graduate of Oxford's Business School.

Because negotiations with Umbro involved complex issues like equity cross-holding, Yang Cheng had recommended Xia Qing to his father the night before.

Li Hongying had been present the entire time and found that Xia Qing had excellent market instincts and strategic acumen.

More importantly, she carried herself with a calm intelligence and confidence that made people feel instantly at ease.

Yang Jianguo, who had spent a lifetime in business and met countless people, had formed a very high opinion of her after just one meeting.

Li Hongying couldn't help much with the actual business—but she knew how to take care of the people who could.

Which was why she was doing everything she could to make Xia Qing feel welcome.

Not far from them, Yang Jianguo, Lin Zhongqiu, and several Blackpool executives were seated with FA Chief Executive Palios and Executive Director Davies, watching the match together.

After the final whistle, Palios himself would present the trophy.

…

As expected of a former top professional, Steve McMahon didn't panic after conceding.

He quickly identified the problem.

Especially when he saw that Bayswater were continuing to hammer Danny Coid after the restart.

The former Liverpool midfielder made a decisive change.

In the 51st minute, Blackpool made the first substitution.

Veteran Simon Grayson, 34 years old, came on for Coid.

Grayson had played for Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Blackburn in the Premier League. Only in his later years had he moved to Blackpool on a free transfer.

Capable of playing right-back, center-back, or defensive mid, he brought invaluable experience.

And sure enough, Grayson immediately plugged the defensive gap on the right.

Yang Cheng responded instantly as well.

He pushed Lambert and Kitson up front—two target men.

Ribéry moved into a free role behind the strikers.

Rowlands and Modrić would support from behind.

This freed Ribéry to attack without restraint.

And just as expected, starting from the 60th minute, Ribéry became the most dazzling player on the pitch.

He tore down the left wing, sending Blackpool's defense into chaos.

He cut inside and combined with Modrić through the middle, threading needle passes.

Then, in the 73rd minute, Ribéry received the ball on the right and burned past Tommy Jaszczun, carried it laterally along the edge of the box, and laid it off to Modrić.

Then he darted straight into the space behind the defense.

Modrić, reading the run perfectly, delivered a surgical through-ball right to Ribéry's feet.

One touch to control, one cut to lose Elliott, and a clinical finish.

2–0!

Yang Cheng jumped in celebration on the sideline, shouting Ribéry's name at the top of his lungs.

In the stands, Bayswater's traveling supporters were over the moon.

Two goals up!

This match was as good as won.

And what a goal it was.

Modrić's pass was brilliant, but Ribéry's control, cut, and finish were even better.

"This 'wild mule'—once you break him in—he's unstoppable!"

Yang Cheng laughed, full of praise.

Brian Kidd nodded, thrilled.

He admired Modrić too, but the Croatian was a controller, the man behind the curtain.

Ribéry was different—a dagger.

And this made Kidd even more impressed with Yang Cheng's eye for talent.

His recruitment, tactical design, and team building—how many people in England could do what this 23-year-old was doing?

With this lineup and tactical framework, as long as nothing unexpected happened, they'd be contenders in the Championship too.

…

When Ribéry scored the second goal, the result was nearly sealed.

But McMahon wasn't ready to surrender.

He made a bold move—subbing off Mike Sheron for another big striker, Matt Blinkhorn.

Then brought on Liam Richardson and others for width.

Blackpool switched to a relentless cross-and-crash strategy:

Bomb down the wings, send in crosses, and fight for headers with Murphy and Blinkhorn.

But this kind of approach posed little threat to Bayswater.

In the 84th minute, Huddlestone intercepted the ball outside the box and passed left to Capaldi.

With Rowlands supporting, Capaldi galloped down the flank.

Near the edge of the box, he saw his moment—crossed into the danger area.

Lambert, Kitson, and Blackpool's center-backs all converged.

Lambert got to the ball first and headed it goalward—only for the keeper to parry.

Chaos in the box.

Defender Flynn tried to clear, but the ball ricocheted off Kitson's leg—and stayed in play.

And like a phantom, Ribéry appeared again, the first to pounce.

One quick strike.

Low and deadly.

Right into the bottom corner.

"GOAL!!!"

"FRANCK RIBÉRY with a brace!"

"3–0!"

"Bayswater Chinese FC have been sensational today—their attacking rhythm is fluid, layered, and clinical."

"And Ribéry—his instincts and reaction speed are incredible."

"With less than ten minutes to go, Blackpool's hopes are all but gone."

When referee Roy Pearson blew the final whistle, the entire Millennium Stadium erupted with cheers from Bayswater Chinese FC supporters.

Yang Cheng and the players on the bench rushed onto the pitch as one.

3–0!

Bayswater Chinese FC had defeated Blackpool to claim the EFL Trophy!

Sure, it was just a cup contested by League One and League Two teams, but it was still a national title organized by the FA—well worth celebrating!

Even with his experience and composure, Yang Cheng couldn't help but be emotional.

He knew the EFL Trophy wasn't the most prestigious competition. But this was his first season since reincarnating, and this was his first trophy.

How could he not be excited?

More importantly, this was only the beginning.

In this life, he would finally shed the label of "perennial runner-up" from his past.

He wanted more trophies.

All the trophies.

…

Because Yang Cheng wasn't officially registered as head coach, it was Brian Kidd who walked up to receive the winner's medal from FA Chief Executive Mark Palios.

But when the players hoisted the trophy high, Kidd passed the medal straight to Yang Cheng.

"The more I look at it, the more I like it. I think I'll keep this one forever," Yang Cheng said gleefully.

"Want me to present it to you properly?"

Yang turned and saw that the voice had come from none other than Mark Palios himself.

Next to him were FA Executive Director David Davies, his father Yang Jianguo, and Lin Zhongqiu.

Funny enough, later that year in August, Palios would be ousted due to "zippergate," and Davies would take over.

"Sure! Thanks, Mark."

Yang Cheng didn't hold back. He handed the medal back and stood straight, ready for the "presentation."

Palios blinked in surprise, then chuckled—and actually presented the medal to Yang Cheng again.

"I hope the next time I hand you a medal, it's on the podium," Palios added with a meaningful smile.

In other words, he wanted to see Yang Cheng become an official head coach, not just someone pulling strings behind the scenes.

David Davies also stepped forward to congratulate Yang Cheng, continuing from Palios's line.

"There are quite a few people out there raising eyebrows about you."

Yang Cheng was taken aback.

So were Yang Jianguo and Lin Zhongqiu.

You win a trophy at 23—and people still complain?

"Because I don't have a coaching license?"

"You know it's not a new thing. Plenty of guys coach without a license. But at the very least, you should've enrolled in a certification course," Palios said, shaking his head with a wry smile.

To be honest, when he first met Yang Cheng last summer, he'd never imagined this kid would go this far.

Bayswater Chinese FC might not be a household name, but it was making waves.

Producing a near-international like Jonathan Stead, and now boasting breakout stars like Martin Rowlands and Franck Ribéry—how could the team not draw attention?

And with all that, Yang Cheng hadn't even signed up for a coaching class, which made it seem like he wasn't taking the profession seriously.

Then again, football is a very pragmatic business.

If Yang Cheng didn't want to get certified, there wasn't much the FA could do.

The FA itself had been mired in scandals—from Rio Ferdinand's drug test fiasco and Beckham-led player protests to Eriksson's Chelsea rumors. Their reputation was already in tatters.

At least Eriksson had confirmed his stay and extended through 2008, which gave Palios a bit of breathing room.

Of course, he had no idea that an even bigger disaster was right around the corner.

"I've been busy lately," Yang Cheng said with a sheepish grin.

"But since you brought it up, I'll sign up tomorrow."

"You said it."

"Of course," Yang nodded… then smoothly changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, Mark, I've been meaning to talk to you about youth development subsidies."

"Youth subsidies?"

"The FA has a history of subsidizing clubs that build academies and training facilities, right?"

"That's true. Are you building a training base?"

"We've got the land sorted. Near Brent Reservoir."

"I've been camping there—it's beautiful. How big is it?"

"150 acres."

Palios's eyes widened. "That big?"

David Davies looked just as stunned.

"We're absolutely serious about this," Yang Cheng replied confidently. "We're committed to building England's most advanced, most professional youth system and training complex."

"Chelsea's land in Cobham isn't even that big," Palios murmured.

"You can't compare us to them. They've got deep pockets. And they're still drooling over my stadium," Yang Cheng snorted.

Palios's dislike for Chelsea had grown since the whole Eriksson affair, so Yang's attitude actually won him points.

"Alright, get your documents ready. If there's anything we can help you fight for—subsidies from the FA, or even from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport—we'll do our best."

"The DCMS too?"

"Of course."

"In that case, can you help us push for a low-interest loan as well? I guarantee it will be used solely for youth development and facility construction."

Palios glanced at Davies, who gave a subtle nod.

There was precedent for this.

Both the FA and the government had long encouraged clubs to invest in youth development and infrastructure.

Why?

Because most English clubs had terrible academies and training grounds.

Even Chelsea—who would believe that Crespo and Verón trained in a rundown warehouse near Heathrow?

So, subsidies and low-interest loans were tools they already used.

Of course, strict oversight would be necessary.

Many clubs applied for these funds under the banner of "youth development," only to pull back once they realized the funds were ring-fenced and audited.

But Yang Cheng?

He was different.

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