Soccer: I’m Building a Giant in the Premier League

Chapter 20 – Becoming a Legend

With Jonathan Stead and Martin Rowlands off on international duty, Yang Cheng had no choice but to adjust the starting lineup.

For the midweek EFL Trophy second-round match, he started Rickie Lambert as the central striker.

Lee Williamson partnered Modrić in midfield, with Huddlestone sitting deeper as usual.

Since Williamson had primarily played on the right, Yang adjusted Modrić to play as a left-sided central midfielder, allowing Williamson to stay on the right.

It paid off immediately.

In just the 6th minute, Williamson received the ball on the right and delivered a cross that found Lambert, who scored to put Bayswater ahead.

Lambert's footwork, hold-up play, and link-up ability were all superior to Stead's.

But he lacked Stead's pace and directness.

And in the lower leagues, simple, direct, and physical football ruled the day.

After that early goal, Bayswater maintained control.

In the second half, Steve Jenkins assisted Roger Johnson on a corner kick to double the lead.

But in stoppage time, a defensive lapse let Wycombe pull one back.

Final score: 2–1, and Bayswater advanced to the next round.

This match reflected a larger truth about the team:

Both center-backs could score and were a threat on set pieces, but their defensive stability was shaky—prone to risk and errors.

Yang Cheng knew it well—but for now, he let it slide.

…

At the weekend, FA Cup First Round, away against Northampton.

Missing two key players and playing their second game in a week, Bayswater struggled early.

After 30 minutes, they went behind.

But Ribéry and Lambert struck back with goals, flipping the game around.

Just three minutes later, though, another defensive lapse made it 2–2.

In the 83rd minute, Williamson, who had come on for Andy Holdsworth, scored the winner.

3–2, a narrow victory.

Two matches in, and it was clear: Williamson had outperformed Holdsworth.

The draw for the next round revealed their next opponent: Weston-super-Mare.

…

November 15, afternoon, Loftus Road, London.

League Two Round 18: Bayswater Chinese FC away to QPR.

Though the media and fans hyped this match as a derby—proximity, rivalry, and a title race—it was clear to Yang Cheng that once Stead and Rowlands returned from international duty, the game was already over.

Bayswater, with a clear lead in the standings, dominated from kickoff.

QPR tried to press and harass early on.

But they quickly realized their pressing was ineffective.

After a few scares, QPR dropped into a deeper defensive shape.

In the 33rd minute, Stead broke through and scored, opening the floodgates.

The U21 striker, freshly returned from national duty, looked more confident than ever.

In the second half, Bayswater continued to control the tempo.

QPR held on at first, but by the 65th minute, they were visibly overwhelmed.

Manager Ian Holloway made substitutions, but it was too late.

In the 72nd and 75th minutes, Rowlands and Stead added two more goals, crushing QPR's hopes.

Final score: 3–0 away win in a massive top-of-the-table clash.

Yang Cheng wasn't surprised.

After nearly half a year, his team had finally fully clicked.

And in terms of technical ability, they were far beyond League Two standard.

…

After the match, The Sun published a feature:

A reporter had spotted Arsenal's chief scout Steve Rowley in the stands at a League Two match.

"Sources say Rowley was there to scout newly called-up England U21 striker Jonathan Stead."

"With 15 goals in 18 games, his form has been electric."

"And at just 20, Stead is now seen as one of England's most promising forwards."

Of course, Arsenal knew this best—they were in London too.

Rowley, a trusted assistant to Wenger, was no stranger to attention whenever he showed up at a ground.

But only Yang Cheng, Brian Kidd, and a few insiders knew the truth:

Rowley hadn't come for Stead.

He was there for Franck Ribéry.

Still, The Sun's misdirection helped Yang Cheng immensely.

Soon after, the Daily Mail reported that Bobby Robson of Newcastle was interested in Stead.

Sunderland's Mick McCarthy also confirmed in an interview that he had been following Stead.

"He's had a phenomenal season so far. We didn't expect him to improve this much."

Then, The Telegraph claimed that Graeme Souness at Blackburn was also watching.

Within days, the English media exploded with interest in the League Two scoring sensation.

…

Behind the scenes…

Well, not "behind"—more like the mastermind—Yang Cheng stayed quiet.

He knew exactly how the English press worked.

They hyped "wonderkids" like it was their religion. Every corner of England supposedly had a future Ballon d'Or winner.

But those in the know understood reality.

Yes, Stead's scoring rate was great. Yes, he had potential.

But he was still just 20, playing in a hyper-attacking team in League Two.

No one knew how he'd perform elsewhere.

But there was one player who did worry Yang Cheng:

Franck Ribéry.

He was volatile. And Yang knew his personality well from a previous life.

So when Steve Rowley showed up, Yang acted immediately.

He called Ribéry into his office—and offered him a new contract.

"I'm not dreaming, right, boss?" Ribéry asked, rubbing his eyes in disbelief as he stared at the paper.

"Then look again, carefully," Yang Cheng grinned.

Ribéry's smile twisted his scarred face into something even more menacing—but he was actually a cheerful, outgoing guy.

So long as you treated him right.

"From now on, your monthly salary is £1,000. That's €1,500."

Ribéry stared at the number, then back at Yang Cheng, visibly moved.

Just a few months ago, he was earning €250 a month.

A sixfold raise.

Ribéry was easy to please—but needed the right approach.

And Yang Cheng was a master of that.

"Franck, don't get too excited just yet."

Ribéry looked up, curious.

"This is just the beginning."

"In my eyes, you're the most important player on this team. Honestly, I wanted to give you the highest salary right away—but I had to think of the others too."

"So, for now, forgive me. You'll have to settle for this."

Ribéry laughed, waving his hand. "Boss, this is already amazing!"

"No, Franck. I promise you—if we win promotion this season, I'll give you another new contract."

"You'll earn the highest salary at the club—exactly what your role deserves."

That promise lit a fire in Ribéry.

Because no player in the world ever complained about a raise.

Especially when the club offered it proactively.

"Boss, don't worry. I'll give everything in every match. I'll help take us to League One!"

Yang Cheng clapped him on the shoulder. "I believe it."

Then he added with a grin, "But League One is only the first step."

"With our squad, I believe we can fight for promotion to the Premier League next season."

"So Franck, you'll have to push even harder."

"When we reach the Premier League, you—and this team—will become legends."

"You'll get your shot at the French national team. Maybe even the 2006 World Cup."

"Franck," Yang Cheng said, locking eyes with him, "I believe in you—and in this team."

Ribéry nodded heavily.

Suddenly, Arsenal's interest didn't seem so important.

Yang Cheng was right.

This team was filled with promise.

And he—Ribéry—was at the center of it all.

If he could lead Bayswater Chinese FC to the Premier League, would the national team really be out of reach?

On the other hand, if he moved to Arsenal now, could he really beat out Pires, Ljungberg, or whoever else Wenger brought in?

Rumor had it that José Antonio Reyes was on his way from Sevilla for €30 million.

Would there even be a spot for Ribéry?

He wasn't stupid.

The math was clear.

And with that, he made up his mind.

Even if Arsenal came knocking for real—he wasn't going anywhere.

At least, not anytime soon.

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