40: The Dream of a Little Ghost

Hartlepool in November was covered by a thin layer of snow, with fine snowflakes tapping against the glass curtain wall of the Phoenix Training Center.

The entire complex appeared exceptionally serene in the snowy curtain, but indoors, it was a different scene.

Lin Feng stood on the second floor, looking down at the training ground below.

Dozens of young figures ran on the brand-new turf.

These fifteen and sixteen-year-old teenagers wore uniform training kits, with beads of sweat on their foreheads.

Their eyes sparkled with an innocent light, a flame that only dreams could ignite.

System Scan: Youth Academy Team Formation Progress 95%

U16 Team: 22 players, potential assessment completed

U18 Team: 18 players, tactical system under construction

Youth Academy Director: David Pulis, Management Ability Grade A

David Pulis stood on the sidelines, clutching a tactics board.

The experienced youth academy coach's gaze was focused, and he occasionally gave instructions to the young players on the field.

"Tommy! Your passes need to be more decisive!"

"Jack! Watch your positioning, that gap is crucial!"

Pulis's voice was clearly audible on the training ground, every instruction exuding professionalism.

Tommy Smith immediately adjusted his passing rhythm after receiving the coach's reminder.

This talented young midfielder from Sunderland had a passing vision far beyond his peers.

Every one of his passes was thoughtful, accurately finding his teammates' running routes.

Jack Rodwell, on the other hand, displayed a calmness beyond his years in the defensive line.

This tall center-back from Middlesbrough timed his interceptions perfectly.

His leadership qualities on the field were already beginning to show.

On the other side of the training ground, a few familiar figures caught Lin Feng's attention.

Vardy, Schmeichel, and Sigurdsson were watching the youth academy players train from the sidelines.

These young stars from the first team had voluntarily taken on the responsibility of being role models.

"Remember, stay calm when shooting."

Vardy said to a young forward, his voice gentle and patient.

"Opportunities in front of goal are fleeting; you must trust your first instinct."

The young forward looked at Vardy with eyes full of admiration, nodding vigorously.

His eyes were filled with excitement; getting personal guidance from his idol thrilled him.

Schmeichel, meanwhile, was instructing a young goalkeeper.

"The key to a save isn't power, but judgment and positioning."

The Danish goalkeeper squatted down, patiently demonstrating the correct saving posture.

"Keep your center of gravity low, and your hands ready to react at all times."

The young goalkeeper meticulously imitated Schmeichel's movements, not missing a single detail.

Sigurdsson gathered a few midfielders and was explaining passing techniques.

"Passing isn't as simple as just kicking the ball to a teammate."

The Icelandic teenager's voice was clear and earnest.

"You need to anticipate his run, and consider his next move after receiving the ball."

The young players gathered in a circle, listening intently to the talented teenager's explanation.

Their eyes were full of curiosity, and every word was deeply imprinted in their minds.

Inside the office, John Stone pushed the door open.

The senior commercial director's face was beaming with undisguised excitement, holding a thick stack of documents in his hand.

"Boss, I have a few pieces of good news to report to you."

Stone's voice was excited, and his steps seemed particularly light.

Lin Feng turned back to his desk, motioning for him to sit down and discuss in detail.

Various business reports and financial data were laid out on the table, with dense numbers recording every income and expenditure of the club.

"The Northern Storm Supporters Club Bar officially opened yesterday."

Stone opened the first document, his eyes shining with satisfaction.

"The turnover on opening day reached three thousand two hundred pounds, far exceeding our expectations."

Lin Feng nodded; while this figure wasn't huge, it was significant.

The success of a supporters' bar wasn't just about commercial revenue; it was also a reflection of community cohesion.

"How was the local fans' reaction?"

"Very enthusiastic!"

Stone's voice was filled with pride.

"Many old fans said it was the best fan gathering place they had seen in years."

"The decor, the atmosphere, the quality of service—every detail satisfied them."

The bar's decor adopted the club's classic blue and white color scheme, with the walls adorned with classic photos from the team's history.

Every significant moment from the team's founding in 1908 to the present was fully recorded.

In the most prominent position hung the team's group photo from this season, with the smiles of stars like Vardy and Schmeichel particularly bright.

"There's even better news."

Stone opened another document.

"The sports equipment customization company we invested in has started to make a profit."

"Their customized merchandise for the club, such as scarves, hats, and T-shirts, has sold better than expected."

"Just last week, over five hundred items were sold, with a profit margin of 35%."

These numbers brought Lin Feng quiet satisfaction.

The success of commercial investments was not just about financial returns, but more importantly, the enhancement of brand value.

Commercial Investment Analysis Update

Northern Storm Bar: Monthly estimated net profit £12,000

Sports Equipment Company: Monthly estimated net profit £8,000

Total Monthly Revenue: £20,000

Return on Investment: 28% annualized

"John, the success of these investments proves our judgment."

Lin Feng's voice was calm yet satisfied.

"The potential of the town's economy is far greater than it appears on the surface."

Stone nodded vigorously, full of admiration for Lin Feng's business acumen.

This young Chinese boss always found value where others saw no opportunity.

The phone ringing interrupted their conversation.

"Mr. Lin, this is Sophie Green."

The familiar voice of the reporter came from the receiver.

"I'd like to chat with you about some recent changes."

"Locals are all talking about the positive impact you've brought to this town."

Lin Feng leaned back in his chair, maintaining respect for this perceptive female reporter.

"What specific aspects would you like to know about?"

"I'd like to understand your 'Lin Feng Economics'."

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

"How does a football club become an engine for local economic development?"

"This model is not common in English football."

Lin Feng pondered for a moment, how to explain his philosophy to the public?

"Football isn't just a sport, Sophie."

"It's the core of community culture, a vehicle for people's emotional belonging."

"When the club succeeds, the entire community benefits."

Sophie quickly wrote down every word; she could feel the depth in Lin Feng's words.

"So what about the specific economic benefits?"

"The success of the supporters' bar, the hot sales of merchandise—these all create job opportunities."

Lin Feng's voice became more resolute.

"More importantly, they have reignited the vitality of this town."

"People are starting to believe in the future, starting to be willing to invest and consume."

"This confidence is more valuable than any direct economic stimulus."

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

On the table lay the draw results for the upcoming League Cup quarter-finals.

Hartlepool United vs. Chelsea!

Home game!

This news had already caused a huge sensation in English football.

A League Two team would host the defending champions!

Such a fairy-tale matchup could happen every season, but when it truly became a reality, it was still incredibly exciting.

System Analysis: League Cup Quarter-Final Opponent

Chelsea Football Club

League Level: Premier League

World Ranking: Top 15

Key Players: Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba

Tactical Characteristics: Balanced offense and defense, experienced

Threat Level: Extremely High

There was no hint of fear in Lin Feng's eyes.

An opponent of this caliber was the best standard to test the team's true level.

More importantly, this match would bring immense commercial value to the club.

TV broadcast revenue, ticket revenue, sponsorship value—each would be astronomical figures.

On the training ground, the youth academy players finished their training for the day.

They walked in twos and threes towards the changing room, their faces showing tired but fulfilled expressions.

Tommy Smith walked at the front of the group, quietly chatting with Jack Rodwell.

"When do you think we'll be like Vardy and them?"

Smith's voice was full of longing.

"Playing for the first team, proving ourselves in big-game matches like that?"

Rodwell's eyes were firm and earnest.

"That depends on how hard we work."

"Talent is just the starting point; what truly determines destiny is daily training."

The conversation between the two teenagers was overheard by Sigurdsson, who was passing by.

The Icelandic teenager stopped, looking at his two young junior teammates kindly.

"Keep this mindset."

Sigurdsson's voice was full of encouragement.

"Dreams don't come true on their own, but persistence will always pay off."

Smith and Rodwell looked at the genius, who was only a few years older than them, with admiring eyes.

They could feel the power of a role model from Sigurdsson.

Inside the office, Lin Feng began to think about preparations for the winter transfer window.

The dossiers for Chris Smalling and Jordan Henderson were already on the table.

Both players had the potential to join, but the difficulty of the operation was not small.

Target Player Analysis: Chris Smalling

Current Club: Fulham Youth Academy

Position: Center-Back

Age: 17 years old

Potential Rating: A-

Transfer Difficulty: Medium

Target Player Analysis: Jordan Henderson

Current Club: Sunderland Youth Academy

Position: Midfielder

Age: 16 years old

Potential Rating: A

Transfer Difficulty: Relatively High

Lin Feng picked up the phone, preparing to contact the scout network.

Although he currently relied mainly on Old John's connections and the precise information provided by the system, professional operating procedures could not be omitted.

"John, preparations for the winter transfer can begin."

Old John's voice came from the receiver, full of excitement and anticipation.

"Understood, Boss."

"I've already studied the information on those two lads; they're both promising talents."

"However, Sunderland might demand a high price."

Lin Feng was mentally prepared; any valuable investment would not be cheap.

"The price is negotiable, the key is to ensure they are willing to develop here."

"Our youth academy environment, first-team opportunities, and development prospects are all our advantages."

Outside, the snow fell heavier, covering the entire training center in a blanket of white.

But the warmth and vitality indoors were completely unaffected.

The youth academy players enthusiastically discussed today's training content in the changing room.

The first-team players were also preparing for the upcoming League and Cup matches.

Throughout the entire club, a sense of upward momentum could be felt.

This power came from the accumulation of success, from the support of dreams, and even more so from a firm belief in the future.