9: A19 Derby

On August 4th, less than twenty-four hours remained until the opening match of the new English League Two season—the "A19 Derby" between Hartlepool United and their arch-rivals Darlington at Victoria Park.

Outside Victoria Park, a few eager fans had already gathered in small groups, waving the team's blue and white scarves, preemptively building the atmosphere for this fated showdown.

Lin Feng stood by the window of his office, looking down at the occasional fans in home team jerseys passing by on the street. His expression was calm, but his heart was not as placid as it appeared.

This was his first official match since taking over Hartlepool United, and a litmus test for the initial results of his reforms. Especially, he had made a bold gamble—Jamie Vardy.

During the past two weeks of joint training, Vardy's performance was exactly as Lin Feng had predicted through Player Radar: half surprise, half trouble.

His speed was astonishing, and his predatory instinct in front of goal far surpassed his peers. In several internal practice matches, his unreasonable sprints and tricky shots made Old John and his teammates widen their eyes.

But at the same time, his footwork was a bit rough, there were many mistakes in passing and receiving, and his fiery temper was like a powder keg ready to ignite, leading to frequent arguments with teammates during training.

"This kid is truly a double-edged sword," Lin Feng knew in his heart, but he also understood that against Darlington's aging defense, which was generally over thirty and slow to turn, Vardy's "fast blade" might achieve miraculous results.

The day before the match, Lin Feng called Old John to his office. He didn't produce any paper tactical boards, because the most detailed and three-dimensional tactical demonstrations had already been rehearsed countless times in his Future Tactics Library and Simulation Module.

He simply picked up a pen, sketched a few simple arrows and circles on a blank piece of paper, and began to explain the tactics against Darlington to Old John in detail.

"John, tomorrow against Darlington, our core tactic is '4-3-3 high press with quick counter-attacks,'" Lin Feng's voice was steady and clear. "The key is to utilize Vardy's speed. You see, Darlington's two center-backs, Ian Miller and Matthew Clark, are both older, and their turning and recovery are their fatal weaknesses."

He used the tip of his pen to draw large open spaces behind the circles representing the opposing defenders: "What we need to do is to form effective pressure in the midfield, and once we win the ball, immediately look for Vardy. Our transition from defense to attack must be like a spring compressed to its extreme, releasing instantly to catch them off guard!"

Old John listened intently. Many of the tactical concepts Lin Feng spoke of were new to him. High pressing, instant transitions, and such extreme utilization of individual player characteristics made him feel as if his decades of coaching experience had been refreshed. He looked at Lin Feng's young yet wise face, and the admiration in his eyes deepened, even hinting at a touch of reverence. This young boss was simply a genius of football tactics!

"So, tomorrow's starting center forward," Lin Feng's tone was unequivocal, "will be Jamie Vardy, replacing Kevin Kyle."

When Old John announced this decision in the tactical meeting, a small murmur of discussion immediately arose within the team.

Kevin Kyle was the team's top scorer last season, experienced, and although his form had declined, asking him to make way for a nineteen-year-old kid signed from amateur League still surprised and puzzled many veteran players.

On the afternoon of the match day, in the away team's changing room at Victoria Park. Old John stood in front of the tactical board, passionately outlining the final tactics.

He practically repeated every word and every detail Lin Feng had said yesterday, especially emphasizing the intensity of the high press and the passing lanes, as well as how to maximize Vardy's speed advantage.

"...Remember, once we get possession, pass the ball to Jamie immediately! Let him attack their defense! Create one-on-one opportunities for him!" Old John's voice was hoarse with excitement.

Vardy, sitting in the corner, was both nervous and excited. He could feel the gazes of the coach and his teammates on him—some expectant, some doubtful.

This was his first time stepping onto a professional League pitch, and it was such an important Derby match. He yearned to prove himself, and even more, to score goals.

The stadium stands were already packed. Hartlepool fans were full of anticipation for the new boss Lin Feng and the changes he brought, but they also debated the unfamiliar name "Jamie Vardy" in the starting lineup.

Why should a young kid signed from an amateur League start in such a crucial match?

Was this a stroke of genius, or just another whimsical idea from the new boss?

In the press box, Sophie Green had also set up her interviewing equipment early, her gaze sweeping back and forth between the pitch and the VIP box, ready to record every detail of this Derby, especially the performance of Lin Feng and his "secret weapon" Vardy.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Victoria Park! This is Sky Sports bringing you the opening match of the 2006-2007 English League Two season, the highly anticipated A19 Derby, featuring the home team Hartlepool United against their arch-rivals Darlington!" Veteran commentator Martin Tyler's magnetic voice resonated through the broadcast and television signals to every corner.

Co-commentator Andy Gray's voice followed closely: "Yes, Martin! The first match of the new season is already so intense, it's truly exciting! Let's take a look at the starting lineups for both teams!"

Martin Tyler continued: "Alright, Andy. The home team, Hartlepool United, with manager John McDonald, has fielded a very attacking 4-3-3 formation today! The goalkeeper is number 1, Dimitrios Konstantopoulos; the four defenders from right to left are number 2 Darren Williams, captain number 5 Michael Nelson, number 4 Ben Clark, and number 3 Matty Robson; the three midfielders are number 8 Mark Tinkler orchestrating in the center, supported by number 6 Gary Liddle and number 7 Anthony Sweeney; upfront, the most eye-catching is the nineteen-year-old Jamie Vardy playing as center forward! On his flanks are number 11 Adam Boyd and number 10 Joel Porter! This is truly a bold selection!"

Andy Gray took over: "Indeed, very bold, Martin! Especially starting a newcomer like Vardy, with no professional League experience, in such a crucial Derby match. Coach McDonald's courage is commendable, though the risk is also significant. Now let's look at the away team Darlington, who have lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation today. The goalkeeper is number 1 David Stockdale; the defensive line consists of number 2 Neil Austin, number 5 Ian Miller, number 6 Matthew Clark, and number 3 Tim Ryan; the midfield from right to left is number 7 Neil Wainwright, number 4 Craig Liddle, number 8 Phil Griffiths, and number 11 Martin Smith; upfront, the strike partnership is Joachim and number 10 Ashley Westwood. Darlington's squad appears to be more experienced."

Lin Feng sat in the VIP box of the main stand, listening to the commentators' introductions. He could feel the complex gazes of the surrounding fans—curiosity, anticipation, and deep skepticism.

But he didn't care; his gaze fell on Vardy, who was walking into the player's tunnel with his teammates.

"Kid, it's all up to you now," Lin Feng murmured to himself.

With a crisp whistle from the referee, the A19 Derby officially began!

The entire Victoria Park was instantly engulfed by a roar like a tsunami, as the fans' passion, accumulated over an entire summer, erupted completely at this moment!