36: Top of the English League Two

Hartlepool in November was shrouded in thick clouds, and fine rain slanted across the glass curtain wall of the Phoenix Training Center.

Lin Feng stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of his second-floor office, his gaze piercing through the rain curtain to the training ground in the distance.

Dozens of fifteen and sixteen-year-old youths were sweating profusely in the rain, every movement filled with their yearning for the future.

System Scan: Youth Training Selection Progress 85%

Potential Players Found: 2 B-grade, 5 C+-grade, 8 C-grade

Recommendation: Pay close attention to No. 07 and No. 23

"Boss, Coach David Pulis wants to see you."

John Stone pushed the door open, his brows revealing unconcealed excitement.

This seasoned commercial director had been in the football world for over twenty years, and it was rare to see him so agitated.

"Let him in."

Lin Feng turned and walked back to his desk.

The documents spread out on the desk showed a detailed planning map of the club's youth training system, with dense data and analysis reports occupying the entire desktop.

David Pulis was a middle-aged man in his early fifties, his graying hair meticulously combed, his eyes showing the rigor and focus unique to a professional coach.

He had worked in the Middlesbrough youth academy for twelve years, nurturing many professional players.

"Mr. Lin, I must say, your youth training facilities have truly impressed me."

Pulis's voice was a little excited; it was hard for an old coach over fifty to remain completely calm.

"The quality of the indoor training ground's turf even surpasses some Premier League clubs, and the rehabilitation equipment is top-tier."

"The key is your philosophy on youth training; such long-term vision is rare in English football."

Lin Feng gestured for him to sit down.

This experienced youth training coach was exactly the professional talent he needed.

"Coach Pulis, I'd like to hear your thoughts on this selection."

Pulis opened his notebook, which was densely filled with detailed information on each participating player.

"A total of 137 players came, with 72 participating in the U16 selection and 65 in the U18 selection."

"Frankly, the quality exceeded my expectations."

"Especially two children: one is a midfielder from Sunderland named Tommy Smith, and the other is a center-back from Middlesbrough named Jack Rodwell."

Lin Feng's eyes lit up slightly.

Both names were on the priority watch list of the System Scan.

"What are their technical characteristics?"

Pulis said.

"Smith's passing vision is exceptionally good, and at sixteen, he already demonstrates a tactical understanding beyond his peers."

"Rodwell, on the other hand, is a natural center-back, with excellent physical conditions, a calm mind, and impeccable timing in interceptions."

"If nurtured properly, both have the potential to become professional players."

System Analysis: Tommy Smith

Current Ability: 65 points

Potential Ceiling: 87 points

Core Attributes: Passing, Vision, Creativity

System Analysis: Jack Rodwell

Current Ability: 68 points

Potential Ceiling: 89 points

Core Attributes: Interception, Heading, Leadership

Lin Feng was secretly pleased.

Two B-grade potential players, the harvest from this selection exceeded expectations.

"Then sign them."

Lin Feng's decision was crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

"In addition, I hope you can formulate a five-year youth training development plan."

"We are not just nurturing this batch of players, but establishing a complete youth training system."

Pulis nodded, the professional coach's keenness making him realize that this young Chinese boss had extraordinary ambition.

Outside the office, the rain gradually subsided.

The youths on the training ground were still sweating profusely; they did not know that their destinies were being decided in this office.

"One more thing."

Lin Feng took a document from the drawer.

"How did the Boston United match go?"

John Stone immediately snapped back to attention, his expression changing from excitement to pride.

"A 3-0 decisive victory! Vardy scored twice, and Snodgrass also had a goal."

"The opponent for the FA Cup second round is not yet confirmed, but no matter who it is, we are confident."

Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction.

The FA Cup journey was of great significance to Hartlepool United, not only for honor but also for tangible prize money income.

"What about the Bristol Rovers match?"

"A 1-0 away victory, a goal from Vardy."

John Stone's tone was filled with pride.

"Our lead in the League standings has further widened; we are now eight points ahead of second place."

System Update: League Two Standings

Hartlepool United: 17 matches, 13 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss, 42 points

Ranking: 1st place

Lead: 8 points

Lin Feng's lips curved slightly.

Everything was developing as expected.

"The next focus is the EFL Trophy match against Rotherham United."

Lin Feng's tone became serious.

"This is an away game, and the opponent is strong."

"John, I need detailed information on Rotherham United."

"The starting lineup, tactical characteristics, home advantage—all information is needed."

John Stone quickly recorded every request.

Lin Feng's emphasis on the match made him dare not be negligent in the slightest.

"I'll go prepare it now, Boss."

Left alone in the office, Lin Feng began to deeply consider the club's business expansion plan.

The 900,000 pounds in cash flow from the sponsorship contract with Vitality Energy Drink gave him more room to maneuver.

Business Expansion Analysis

Goal 1: Acquire local sporting goods retail store

Estimated Investment: 150,000-200,000 pounds

Expected Return: Annual profit of 80,000-120,000 pounds

Goal 2: Invest in a fan-themed bar

Estimated Investment: 250,000-300,000 pounds

Expected Return: Annual profit of 150,000-200,000 pounds

These seemingly insignificant small investments, in Lin Feng's plan, were all important components of the club's commercial landscape.

The phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

"Mr. Lin, this is Sophie Green."

The reporter's voice came through the receiver.

"I'd like to talk to you about the club's investment in youth training."

"This kind of investment in the future is rare in English football, especially for a League Two team."

Lin Feng leaned back in his chair.

This sharp female reporter always managed to catch details others overlooked.

"What do you want to know?"

"I want to understand your concept of sustainable development."

Sophie's tone carried the investigative curiosity unique to a professional journalist.

"Many clubs pursue short-term success, but you are making long-term investments."

"What is the logic behind this?"

Lin Feng was silent for a moment.

How to explain his foresight of the future to others?

"Football is a long-term endeavor, Sophie."

"Today's investment determines tomorrow's harvest."

"We cannot just look at immediate results; we must also look at development ten years from now."

Sophie quickly recorded every word.

She could feel the depth and foresight contained in Lin Feng's words.

"What about community impact?"

"I've noticed that many local children are starting to look up to Hartlepool United players as role models."

Lin Feng's gaze once again turned to the training ground outside the window.

Those youths sweating in the rain were the best embodiment of this influence.

"This is exactly the effect we want."

"Football is not just a sport; it is also a culture, a hope."

"Local children need role models, they need dreams."

"What we need to do is provide them with a platform to pursue their dreams."

After ending the call, Lin Feng returned to tactical analysis.

Rotherham United's information was already on the desk, dense data indicating that this would be a tough battle.

Opponent Analysis: Rotherham United

League Level: League One

Home Record: 8 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss

Core Threat: Mark Robbins (Head Coach), experienced

Tactical Characteristics: Solid defense + quick counterattack

Home Advantage: Extremely strong

This League One team's fighting power at home should not be underestimated.

Their head coach, Mark Robbins, was an old fox in English football, experienced and adept at creating trouble in key matches.

More importantly, the EFL Trophy held significant meaning for lower-division teams.

Prize money, honor, exposure—these were all indispensable resources for club development.

Lin Feng picked up the phone and dialed Old John's number.

"John, starting tomorrow, targeted training."

"We need to prove ourselves at Rotherham United's home ground."

Old John's voice came through the receiver, filled with firm determination.

"Understood, Boss."

"These lads are ready."

"They are eager to prove themselves on a bigger stage."

Outside the window, the rain had completely stopped, and the setting sun shone through gaps in the clouds onto the training ground.

The youths who had just finished their selection walked in twos and threes towards the changing room, their faces showing both fatigue and anticipation.

They did not know that some of them would become the future cornerstones of Hartlepool United.

They also did not know that this club was undergoing one of the most exciting transformations in English football.

Lin Feng stood by the window, watching these young figures.

Every youth represented infinite possibilities, and every dream deserved to be taken seriously.

This was the meaning of youth training.

Not a simple return on investment, but a belief in the future.