Chapter 101: One-Time Handshake Part 1

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

Kerslake was spot on. Doughty and Tony Twain did meet each other on Wilford Lane, which was located in between the northern youth training grounds and the southern first team training grounds.

Seeing Twain walk toward him, Edward asked loudly, "Were you looking for me, Tony?"

At almost the same time, Tang En also opened his mouth and asked, "Were you looking for me, Edward?"

The two of them were momentarily stunned, before they burst into laughter together.

"That's great. Look, Tony. We have a very good rapport, and we will definitely coordinate very well with each other," Doughty said as he laughed in front of Tony.

However, Twain lightly shook his head instead and said, "Edward, have we ever coordinated?"

"Of course not at until now, but it's hard to say what will happen in the future. Why were you looking for me, Tony?"

"Why were you looking for me?"

"Looks like our reasons are the same. Let's chat while we walk." Doughty said as he patted Tony's shoulders.

Tang En did not move. He pointed to the north, then to the south, before asking, "Which way?"

Doughty raised his head and looked at the path that was full of fallen withered leaves. "Let's just casually walk along this path."

It was currently late autumn. During the summertime, this path would always be sheltered by the thick trees, preventing the skies from being seen. Tang En had hesitated and pondered about the uncertainties of his future in the same exact spot. Now, the narrow path was already covered by a thick layer of fallen leaves. Upon stepping on them, a puffing sound could be heard, and its soft texture was as if one was walking on a carpet. Just like that, half a year had passed in the blink of an eye.

"Tony, what do you think about Collymore as a manager?" Doughty asked as he stepped on the fallen leaves, with his head lowered.

"Worlds apart from his abilities as a player," Tang En replied.

"Mmm, I observed that as well. He is not suited to be a manager, at least not now."

"Then why did you choose him back then?"

"This I can't tell you, Tony. But I can tell you something else." Doughty shook his head.

"Hmm?"

"Prepare yourself," Doughty said as he stopped in his tracks and looked at Twain.

"Prepare myself for what?" Tang En shrugged.

Looking at Twain's innocent face, Doughty smiled. "Tony, do you need me to spell everything out for you?"

"Alright, alright. I get it." Tang En raised his hands, signaling that he knew the meaning behind Doughty's words. "But can you tell me roughly when?"

"I can't. Because even I myself don't know yet. However…" Doughty raised his head and looked at the skies, before continuing. "It should be very soon."

Tang En had originally wanted to find Doughty in order to shoulder the responsibility for Wood's assault on Collymore. If Doughty really wanted to fire Wood, then Tang En was prepared to quit his job and follow Wood. Instead, he was hearing such great news—that's right, I'll be returning to City Ground Stadium very soon! Going back to the place where I rightfully belong!

Just as Tang En was secretly celebrating, Doughty just had to dampen his spirits. "Oh, I forgot, there's still one more thing. Perhaps I should let you know in advance."

From Doughty's tone, Tang En was able to tell that something was not good. He looked at Doughty and waited quietly for him to finish his sentence.

"You might have to re-select a new captain, Tony."

"What?" Tang En now understood why he wanted to beat around the bush. "Dawson is leaving the team?!"

Doughty nodded his head.

This news left Tang En extremely shocked, but his shock was not caused solely by the fact that the team's pillar was leaving. He remembered that Michael Dawson's departure from Nottingham Forest was supposed to be an incident that took place in January 2005. This came more than one year early!

"How did it come to this?" Tang En muttered.

"Dawson was extremely disappointed by my decision to make Collymore the manager. On top of that, the team's poor performance and inability to win any matches has also made him lose confidence in the team. And you know that the super clubs tend to be more attractive for young players," Doughty explained without any intention of shirking responsibility.

"Which team?"

"Huh?"

"Which team is Dawson going to?"

"Tottenham Hotspurs."

As expected. Tang En suddenly recalled another person and asked, "Aside from Dawson, who else is leaving?"

Doughty looked at Tang En with a face full of shock. "How did you know that there are other people transferring out? You're right. Reid will be also be going to Tottenham with Dawson."

Aside from the timing being different, the rest remained the same as Tang En knew it to be. The players were the same, as well as the club they headed to. There was still another question Tang En wanted to confirm.

"How much did Tottenham pay for the two of them?"

"Eight million."

"Pounds?" Tang En asked.

"Pounds." Doughty nodded his head.

Even the transfer fee was the same.

Seeing Tony Twain lowering his head and not uttering a single word, Doughty thought that Tony was dissatisfied with this transaction. Doughty explained, "Tony, you must know, for Nottingham Forest, which has just recovered from a financial crisis, eight million is not a small amount. We don't have a reason to reject the offer."

Tang En nodded his head and replied, "I understand, I understand. Eight million, eight million…. But Doughty, I want to ask you a question, and you must reply to me seriously."

"Speak your mind, Tony."

"What's your reason for abandoning your business in America and promising your old-fashioned father to return to England to take over this debt-ridden club? What are you after? You are a businessman! Please don't tell me something like devotion to your dad or because of your love for Nottingham Forest!"

Hearing Tang En's question, Doughty remained quiet for some time. Tang En also did not press him for his reply. He simply stood there, while he awaited his answer.

"Tony, if I were to say that it's to earn money, would you believe me?" Doughty looked at Twain.

Tang En looked back at him and determined from his eyes that Doughty was indeed telling the truth. Tang En replied, "I believe you. But you know that there are countless football clubs in this world, and only how many amongst them are earning money?"

"We have our own plans, Tony. I am the club's board of directors' chairman. I am in charge of managing the team and naturally won't wish to make a loss out of it. Didn't Manchester United allow for the Edwards Family earn lots of money?"

Tang En also knew nothing in terms of managing the club, and he did not want to become entangled on a topic that he was not familiar with. So, Tang En redirected the conversation. "Very well, you have your own plans. Do you know which are the sources of income for a football club?"

Doughty nodded his head and replied, "Of course. Television broadcast, various sponsors, player transfers, tickets sales, as well as the development of other related products and facilities."

"Ha, looks like you really did put in a lot of effort, Doughty. Good, you took Manchester United as an example, or rather a goal. Let me tell you from my professional perspective, the method to make money." Tang En raised one finger and continued, "Television broadcasting fees are one of the biggest sources of income. The more your team's matches get broadcasted by the television stations, the more broadcast fees you will get. You must be very clear on this point."

"Mmm hmm." Doughty nodded his head.

"Then in your opinion, between the broadcasting fees for a League One match and a Premier League match, which one is more?"

"Of course it's the Premier League."

"Very good. Then, how many times do you think a sh*tty team barely surviving in League One can have its matches broadcasted? We are currently in League One, and did we get a substantial amount from television broadcast? Didn't we also experience a financial crisis, just like any other team?"

"Tony, the situation was very complicated. If the independent digital company had not gone bankrupt, we wouldn't have suffered so much."

"Alright, I get it. Then let's talk about sponsors instead. What kind of teams are able to attract more global enterprises to sponsor them? Vodafone, Nike, Adidas, Opel, Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, Fly Emirates, etc. What kind of teams can attract them? Can a sh*tty team barely surviving in League One do it?"

Doughty was no fool. He already knew what Tang En was trying to get at.

"Doughty, I know that you want to make money, but what's the most basic foundation for attracting capital? The team must have good results, be able to rise to even higher tier leagues, and win the championships and glory! Attract the attention of the whole world. Only after that, can you talk about the other stuff. You know this logic better than me. What are the fundamentals for winning the championships and glory? Outstanding players and a stable team! Now, you just sold the team captain and the core left midfielder, just for that darned eight million pounds!" Tang En paced back and forth in front of Doughty, flailing his arms about and appeared to be slightly agitated. "If you had waited a few more years, you could have sold them for 18 million, and even up to 38 million! Why? Because we would be promoted to the Premier League, able to win the trophy, and the players would be able to join the National Team! When that time comes, the players' values will skyrocket and countless clubs would compete to discuss with you their transfer fees. At that time, you can just ask them for any amount you like and demand an exorbitant price. It's all up to you!"

Tang En paused for a while, and resumed with a significantly calmer tone. "Doughty, I understand your predicament, that the club needs money. You want to make money, while I want glory. We both have very lofty ambitions. But a team that only knows how to sell away their core and star players is bound to have a bleak future. If you believe in me, I can build a solid foundation for your money-making plan. I can't help you earn money, but I can help you win matches. Do you believe in me, Doughty?"

He looked at Doughty, and Doughty also looked at him.

"I believe you, Tony."

Tang En nodded his head, "You're right, Doughty. We do have good rapport with each other, and we will coordinate very well. Alright, Dawson and Reid are a thing of the past, let's not talk about them anymore. Is the club's financial crisis resolved?"

"It's resolved. But 10 million pounds is not a small amount."

"It's a cumulative 10 million over the years?"

Doughty began to grin. "That's right. My father already repaid some of it, and I've cleared the remaining debt since my takeover. When you come back, it'll be a completely financially-healthy, zero-debt Nottingham Forest!"

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