Free Web NovelIt was the day before the final match of the 2002–03 Premier League season.
Yet no one could predict who would win the title.
Manchester United was leading with 24 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses from 37 matches — 80 points.
Leeds was right behind with 79 points.
Third place was Chelsea, owned by Roman.
Chelsea had 69 points, and below them several teams were all within a one-point difference.
As a result, neither the champion nor the Champions League qualification spots had been decided.
The club had requested that I, the owner, attend the final match in person.
I gladly accepted, and before heading to the United States, I brought Myungsoo with me to England.
We had arrived the day before the match and temporarily parted ways in London.
Myungsoo had to meet with the British administration.
“Ugh! I want to feel the city atmosphere the day before the match too. Damn it...”
As soon as he stepped off the plane, he sighed, knowing we would only meet again tomorrow at the stadium.
I laughed at him.
“You came here to play, huh? Work, work. You’re meeting the administration as a representative of Korea — what’s with that face.”
“Kim Muhyuk, you bastard. It’s even more annoying because you’re right. Fine. Fine! I’m going!”
Grumbling, Myungsoo let out a deep sigh and disappeared with the embassy staff.
I laughed as the diplomat’s car grew smaller in the distance.
He said things like that, but I knew he became more serious than anyone when actually working. I had no worries.
“Let’s go too.”
Seeing him off, I went back into the airport.
I boarded my private jet again and arrived at Leeds Bradford International Airport.
Ailee was waiting there.
“Long time no see, Ailee.”
I hugged her lightly.
“James won’t be able to make it. Something important came up in Russia. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Work is more important. He called me this morning anyway. I thought he called because he missed me, but instead he told me to look after Charlie properly.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Who was worrying about whom?
“Really? James is just...”
“Exactly. He finally calls after so long, and instead of asking how I am, he tells me to assist Charlie properly since he’s coming to Leeds. Am I really supposed to keep dating someone like that?”
I burst into loud laughter. Only when she shot me a sharp glare did I suppress it.
“Ah, sorry. James really does care about you. It’s just that the work he’s handling in Russia is very important, so he can’t make time.”
“I know. I really do know. But still... I can’t help feeling a bit upset. It’s the last match — an important one too...”
Understanding something logically and feeling upset emotionally are different. I fully understood her.
“Once he finishes the work in Russia, he’ll get a long vacation. Go travel together then. I’ll cover all expenses.”
Only then did Ailee brighten completely and walk ahead.
“I’ll look forward to it. Shall we go?”
Together, Ailee and I moved to where the club management was gathered.
Today was also the day I received a report on the club’s overall management.
When I entered the conference room, everyone stood up.
“Welcome, Charlie.”
CEO Ellen approached first and extended his hand.
I shook it with a smile.
“Long time no see, Ellen.”
“Yes, it has been. Aren’t you being a bit too indifferent to the club?”
“I heard the best kind of club owner is the one who only gives money and doesn’t meddle. No? When an owner intervenes in everything, it’s just a headache. Isn’t someone like me the ideal owner?”
As I ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) answered casually, the room burst into laughter.
I approached Coach Hiddink and briefly hugged him.
“Coach Hiddink, we meet again. I didn’t properly greet you when you arrived in Korea — I felt bad. How do you think tomorrow’s match will go? It’d be nice if we could lift the trophy. Well, even if not, watching the club grow is fun in its own way.”
“I can’t predict it. It’s rare to have such a chaotic season until the very last match.”
“Right. Even the Champions League qualification spots depend on the results of tomorrow’s matches.”
After exchanging a few words with Hiddink, I went to the chair prepared for me in the center and sat down.
Seeing the completely renewed management team, I nodded in satisfaction.
I had fired all previous executives and replaced them with people Ellen wanted.
Most were people who had led Leeds through its golden era.
When Ellen stepped down, they had all left the frontlines as well, but with Ellen back, they returned.
Unlike the old executives, these people actually cared about Leeds as a team.
“While the documents are being reviewed, let’s talk about other things first. It’s too stiff otherwise. For starters...”
The lawyers from LK Law Firm and the accounting firm that had come with me began reviewing the documents prepared by the club.
In the meantime, I brought up another topic.
“How is the construction of the new home stadium progressing? I did receive a rough report.”
To my question, Ellen spoke.
“First, we are expanding the current home stadium for use. As for the new stadium’s site, we completed the land purchase through negotiations with the City of Leeds. Construction began earlier this year. The city also seemed interested in acquiring a stake in the new stadium project, but we declined. You said you didn’t want that.”
In the UK, football had a close relationship with the city authorities.
When Leeds United’s finances deteriorated, they had planned to sustain the club by selling the stadium, training complex, and clubhouse to the city and leasing them back.
The city had seriously considered it.
From Leeds’ perspective, it would be a disaster if the club went bankrupt, so they wanted to help in some form.
“Well done. I don’t know much, but I heard that building a home stadium on the home turf and leasing it is common in the UK.”
“Yes. Many Championship and League One clubs operate that way.”
“We don’t need that. Who is handling the design and construction?”
“HOK Sport Venue Event from the United States.”
Ellen answered without hesitation. His eyes sparkled, perhaps excited by the idea of a new stadium.
“HOK? The subsidiary of the HOK Group in America?”
“Yes. James recommended them. As you said, they’re a subsidiary of the HOK Group. They have experience building Premier League stadiums. They design and renovate sports facilities. Initially, we planned to expand Elland Road, but since we decided to build a new stadium, we continued with them.”
If it was a subsidiary of HOK Group, then I could trust them. HOK Group had planned major sports events, including the 2002 World Cup.
I hadn’t meddled after assigning the project — they were handling things well.
I nodded.
“What is the estimated construction cost?”
“For now, we estimated 300 million pounds. It may increase. The company said it could cost anywhere between 300 million and 500 million pounds.”
It was a large cost, but less than I expected. Were they cutting costs on purpose?
“I said spending up to a billion pounds was fine.”
“Yes, we know. That’s why... I wanted to say something. We plan to spend around 500 million pounds on the stadium and use the rest for redeveloping the surrounding area. I wanted to ask for your opinion first. Would that be alright?”
“Redeveloping?”
“Yes. We want to turn the surroundings into an area for supporters. Build hotels and facilities for fans traveling from afar, and even create pubs and large screens around the stadium so fans can enjoy matches even without entering.”
It was a good idea. I tried picturing the area.
“The stadium surroundings... It was the Skelton area on the outskirts of Leeds, right?”
“Yes. That was the original plan. It was scrapped when the club’s finances worsened. But the area has several parks, making it ideal. We want to create a recreational space for citizens as well.”
Not a bad choice. If the club put effort into the surroundings, fans would grow even more attached to it.
“But can all that fit into the budget?” frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
“It might fall short, but if we work together with the City of Leeds, it’s doable. More than doable.”
“And the city authorities are positive?”
“Yes. They promised to expedite all permits. If we want the surrounding development done by the time the stadium opens, we must decide now.”
In truth, completely redeveloping the entire stadium area was no small task.
Ten billion pounds... converted to Korean won, that was about 1.5 trillion.
I doubted the stadium and its surroundings could be completed within that amount.
Ellen said it was possible, but I was sure it would exceed it.
“Are you sure 500 million will be enough?”
“We’ll make it enough. The city will provide support as well.”
“If the city’s funds go in, won’t that cause problems later? I don’t want governmental involvement.”
I didn’t like outsiders meddling — that was why Dream High acquired the entire club.
That allowed us to buy land without depending on the city.
“That won’t be a problem. We’ll divide the zones. The areas we develop and the areas the city develops will be separated. Personally, I think that’s better. With government support, everything progresses faster.”
Ellen truly intended to utilize the city’s help.
I told him to make use of a wealthy owner — and he really drew a huge blueprint.
Sighing exaggeratedly, I groaned humorously.
“Ellen, do you prefer a beggar owner? My back is breaking already.”
“S-sir? What do you...?”
For the first time, Ellen looked flustered.
I burst into loud laughter at the sight.
“I can’t even joke around with you. The budget can be whatever you need. Do as you like. If we’re doing it, we should do it properly no matter the cost. I’ll tell James. Spend 1 billion, 2 billion — whatever you want.”
The entire management team brightened instantly.
“W-we can really do that? No matter the cost?”
“When I bought the club, I said money doesn’t matter. I said I would make Leeds the best club in the world. And Ellen delivered results in just two years. Then as the owner, it’s only natural I support you.”
“Thank you.”
Ellen repeatedly bowed his head.
“Anything else? If there’s something you want to do, say it.”
Ellen immediately shared plans to overhaul the training ground and youth system.
All required money — likely why he’d hesitated until now.
I listened to everything and agreed to all of it without hesitation.
As I approved everything generously, the other executives looked stunned.
“I trust all of you here. But if anyone betrays that trust and pursues personal gain over the club — I will not forgive them. Even you, Ellen, are no exception.”
It was a warning — I would spare no support, but I would hold them fully accountable.
“Legal responsibility, of course — and I’ll make sure you’re socially ruined as well.”
A lawyer from LK Law Firm whispered to me:
“It’s clean. No issues.”
I nodded and continued.
“They say the documents are all fine. Everyone’s worked hard. Shall we move locations and enjoy the pre-match celebration?”
Coach Hiddink raised his hand.
“I’ll take my leave. I need to talk to the players. Training is light today, but we still need to manage their mentality.”
“Then after tomorrow’s match, let’s arrange a separate meeting for you.”
Hiddink nodded and left first.
Then the rest of us went to enjoy the pre-match festival in Leeds.
The last time Leeds lifted the trophy was the 1991–92 season — right before the Premier League was founded.
Since the Premier League began, Leeds had not come close to winning even once.
With the championship within reach for the first time in ages, the city was in a festive frenzy.
I joined that excitement, drank with Ellen, and talked with him at length.
It had been a long time since I felt this good.
