The Coaching System

the next day 

Jake Wilson sat across from Henry Lowe, the club chairman, in the boardroom. Around them, the directors exchanged hesitant glances.

"Let me get this straight," Lowe said, folding his arms. "You want to sign a completely unknown Brazilian winger and an 18-year-old free-agent center-back?"

Jake leaned forward. "Yes."

Silence.

Lowe sighed. "Jake, after the preseason, you've earned some trust, but we can't waste money—"

Jake cut in. "It's not a waste. These two are future stars."

The directors whispered among themselves.

Jake pressed on. "The Brazilian kid? Renan Silva. He's raw, but his pace and dribbling are elite. Nobody's looking at him yet—we'll get him for nothing. And the defender? Noah Fletcher. He's tough, aggressive, and can cover for Saidi while he recovers."

Lowe exhaled. "And if they flop?"

Jake smirked. "They won't."

Another pause. Then Lowe nodded.

"Fine. Get it done."

The next morning, two announcements shook the Bradford fanbase.

Bradford City sign Brazilian winger Renan Silva on a three-year deal.

18-year-old English center-back Noah Fletcher joins as a free agent.

Fans online were divided.

"Who the hell is Renan Silva?"

"I trust Jake, but these signings are weird."

"That Brazilian kid is a hidden gem. Watch him cook."

Jake didn't care about the noise. He had his team.

With the new signings in, Jake had to finalize his 22-man squad.

That meant cutting players.

Some were expected. Others… not so much.

When Jake called in Scott Williams, a veteran midfielder, for a private talk, he could already see the anger in his eyes.

"Coach, don't even say it," Williams snapped.

Jake sighed. "Scott, you're not in my plans. I won't be registering you for the season."

Williams stood up so fast his chair fell over. "Are you kidding me? I've been here for years!"

Jake stayed calm. "I respect you, but I need players who fit the system. You'll be transfer-listed."

"You're a joke," Williams growled. "This club means nothing to you."

Jake's jaw tightened. "Watch your tone."

Then, it happened.

Williams threw a punch.

Jake didn't flinch as it connected with his shoulder, barely grazing his face.

Before anyone could react, one of the staff members had their phone out—recording everything.

Security rushed in, pulling Williams away.

The next day, a video of the altercation was posted to the club's community page.

Fans went insane.

"Williams punched the coach?? What's going on?"

"Jake planned this… didn't he?"

"Mastermind. Now nobody will question him for cutting players."

And they were right.

Jake had let it happen.

Because the system had suggested it.

Jake sat in the press conference room, ready for the inevitable questions.

A journalist raised their hand. "Coach, the footage of Scott Williams hitting you has gone viral. Any comment?"

Jake smirked. "What's there to comment on? I made a football decision. He didn't take it well."

"But don't you think—"

Jake cut in. "Listen. My job is to win. I pick the best players. If someone can't handle that, they don't belong here."

The reporters scribbled furiously.

The fans?

They completely backed Jake.

The message was clear—this was his team now.

That night, Jake was back in his office when the system activated.

[Ding! Three New System Functions Unlocked]

Jake's eyes widened.

1. Instant Growth Boost – Once per season, choose one player for an instant +5 overall rating increase.

2. Rival Analysis – System scans upcoming opponents and reveals hidden tactical weaknesses.

3. Manager Reputation Tracker – Tracks how clubs, fans, and players across Europe perceive Jake. The higher the reputation, the bigger the job offers.

Jake exhaled slowly.

These functions could change everything.

[Ding! Calculating Promotion Odds…]

[Chance of Promotion via Playoffs: 10%]

10%?

Jake smirked. "I will prove you wrong."

Final 22-Man Squad for the Season

Jake finalized the team sheet, adding Saidi to the list despite his injury. This was the squad that would fight for promotion.

Goalkeepers:

Emeka Okafor

Jack Simmons

Defenders:

James Richards (RB)

Noah Fletcher (CB) (New Signing)

Nathan Barnes (CB)

Ahmed Saidi (CB) (Injured, 2 months out)

Aiden Taylor (LB)

Lewis Hart (LB)

Midfielders:

Daniel Lowe (CDM)

Charlie Benson (CDM)

Alejandro Ortega (CM)

Ryan Carter (CM)

Lewis Chapman (CM)

Forwards:

Diego Castellón (LW)

Renan Silva (RW) (New Signing)

Jamie Collins (RW)

Lukas Novak (ST)

Joe Thompson (ST)

Alex Grant (ST)

Unregistered Players (Sold or Loaned Out):

Scott Williams (MF) (Released after the confrontation)

Liam Porter (MF) (Loaned out for game time)

Dean Roberts (CB) (Transferred to a League Two )

Jake stood in the empty training ground, looking at the tactics board.

This was it. The squad was set. The season was here.