162: Lin Feng's "counterattack"

“He is our future, he is our hope!”

There were countless similar posts, clearly showing the fans' emotions.

At 8 PM, Hartlepool United officially released a brief statement.

“Negotiations for contract renewals with several key players are progressing smoothly. We believe these excellent young men will continue to contribute to the team.”

Although the statement didn't reveal many details, it was enough to reassure the fans slightly.

Lin Feng was in his study at home, handling various documents.

Contract renewals, transfer reports, commercial cooperation proposals—each one required his careful review.

His phone suddenly rang, displaying an unknown number.

“Hello, this is Lin Feng.”

“Mr. Lin, I’m Mike Thompson, a reporter from The Sun.”

An urgent voice came from the other end of the line.

“We’d like to interview you regarding Liverpool’s contact with Henderson.”

“Sorry, we don’t accept such interviews.”

Lin Feng directly rejected the request.

“If there is any official news, we will release it through proper channels.”

After hanging up, Lin Feng turned off his phone.

He knew that media harassment would become more frequent in the coming days.

But all of this was within his expectations and under his control.

At midnight, Victoria Park Stadium was still brightly lit.

Several staff members were performing final maintenance on the pitch, preparing for the upcoming match.

Lin Feng walked alone on the empty stadium, his footsteps echoing clearly in the night.

He looked around the stadium, which carried countless dreams, and a strong sense of pride welled up in his heart.

From a dilapidated League One team to the current record holder for consecutive wins, this transformation was simply incredible.

But he knew this was just the beginning.

The real challenges were yet to come, and true glory still needed time to be written.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, a new text message had arrived.

The sender was Vardy: “Boss, we’ll always be together.”

Immediately after, he received several similar messages.

Walker, Sigurdsson, Maloney... every key player sent a message of commitment.

Lin Feng looked at these messages, a faint smile playing on his lips.

This was the unity he wanted, and this was the foundation of the dynasty he intended to build.

The next morning, the team gathered, preparing to travel to Cheltenham.

The players' spirits were noticeably much better than the day before; the news of the contract renewals last night had lifted a burden from their hearts.

The bus slowly drove out of the training base, beginning its journey to the away game.

Outside the window, Hartlepool fans had gathered early by the roadside, waving scarves to send the team off.

“Twelve consecutive wins! Twelve consecutive wins!”

The fans' cheers penetrated the bus windows, reaching every player's ears.

Henderson sat in the back of the bus, quietly watching the scenery flying by outside the window.

He remembered what Lin Feng had said yesterday and the new contract he had signed.

A 20 million pound release clause—this figure made him feel an unprecedented pressure, but also an unprecedented motivation.

He wanted to prove with his performance that he was worth the price and the team's trust.

At the front of the bus, Old John was discussing tactical arrangements with the assistant coach.

“Cheltenham’s coach is a very cunning fellow.”

Old John said, pointing to the tactical board in his hand.

“They will likely set up a ‘park the bus’ formation at home, trying to steal a win with counter-attacks.”

“So how do we respond?”

the assistant coach asked.

“Mr. Lin has already given us the answer.”

Old John revealed a mysterious smile.

“Fast attack, pressing from the first minute, not giving them a chance to organize their defense.”

At the same time, the final motivation was also taking place in the Cheltenham Town dressing room.

Head coach Mark Johnson stood in front of the players with a serious expression.

“I know the opponent is strong, I know they have already won eleven consecutive games.”

His voice trembled, but his eyes were exceptionally firm.

“But this is our home, this is our fortress!”

“Football is round, anything can happen!”

The players clapped their hands forcefully, trying to boost their own morale.

But everyone knew in their hearts that they were facing a team that was almost invincible.

Hartlepool United’s winning streak was no accident; their strength was evident to all.

To stop them at home required not only courage but also a miracle.

At 4:30 PM, the two team buses successively arrived at Cheltenham Town’s home ground.

This small stadium had a capacity of just over seven thousand people, but today it was packed.

The local fans “welcomed” Hartlepool United’s arrival with boos and curses.

They held various banners, the most prominent of which read: “The winning streak ends here!”

But Hartlepool United’s players were already accustomed to such hostility.

They stepped off the bus with smiles, waving to the fans, and this calmness only made the home fans even more furious.

In the player tunnel, the two teams’ players brushed past each other.

Cheltenham’s captain deliberately bumped Henderson with his shoulder, trying to provoke an incident.

But Henderson merely gave him a fleeting glance, without any reaction.

This coolness made the opponent feel an invisible pressure.

As the match neared its start, Lin Feng’s figure appeared in the away stands.

He was wearing a dark suit, intently observing everything on the pitch.

Beside him, Richard Arnold was reporting the latest transfer progress to him.

“There’s new news on Lallana; Southampton is willing to negotiate, but the asking price might be higher.”

“How high?”

Lin Feng asked.

“Around four million pounds.”

“Acceptable, continue negotiations.”

Lin Feng didn't hesitate.

In his opinion, Lallana’s value was far more than that figure.

The match was about to begin, and the two teams’ players walked out of the player tunnel.

Hartlepool United’s players lined up, and the determination to win was etched on each person’s face.

They knew that the significance of this match was not only to achieve a twelfth consecutive win but also the best response to external doubts.

The referee’s whistle blew, and the match officially began.

Hartlepool United immediately displayed a unique momentum; they launched a frantic attack from the very first minute.

Lin Feng nodded slightly in the stands; this was exactly the start he had hoped to see.