The Coaching System

Before Jake could even finish his morning coffee, his office door banged open.

James Holbrook stormed inside, fists clenched, face red with fury.

For a brief moment, Jake considered telling him to knock next time. But looking at the rage in his captain's eyes, he knew this was coming.

Holbrook didn't bother sitting down.

"What the hell was that?"

Jake leaned back in his chair, setting his cup down.

"Be more specific."

Holbrook scoffed, running a hand through his hair.

"Don't play games with me. You said, on live TV, that I should find a new club."

Jake nodded. "I did."

"And you didn't think to tell me first? To at least have a conversation before throwing me under the bus?"

Jake sighed, folding his hands on the desk. "Would it have changed anything?"

Holbrook's jaw tightened.

"I've given everything to this club," he hissed. "Years of my career. And you treat me like I'm nothing?"

Jake exhaled. "No. I treat you like a player who doesn't fit my system."

Holbrook laughed bitterly. "Bullshit. You benched me because you don't like me."

Jake's eyes didn't waver. "I benched you because I want to win."

The room fell into silence.

Holbrook stared at him, shaking his head slowly.

"So that's it, then? You're just throwing me away?"

Jake met his gaze evenly. "Football moves forward. You either adapt, or you get left behind."

Holbrook's fists clenched.

"You really think this team can survive without me?"

Jake tilted his head. "We just did."

Holbrook flinched. It was a low blow—but it was also true. Bradford had just drawn 2-2 against the league leaders without him.

Jake continued.

"I know this is hard for you. You're not a bad player, James. But I need a squad that plays my way. You don't fit."

Holbrook took a shaky breath, trying to hold back his anger.

Then, his expression darkened.

"You're making a mistake. You think the locker room will be fine without me?"

Jake felt the shift immediately.

This wasn't a desperate player begging for another chance.

This was a man looking for revenge.

"You think the lads respect you now?" Holbrook continued, voice low. "They don't. They're following orders, but they don't believe in you. I do one thing—just one thing—and this whole team will turn against you."

Jake's stare turned cold.

Slowly, he stood up.

He didn't raise his voice.

He didn't threaten.

He just stated the facts.

"Try it."

Holbrook's nostrils flared. "What?"

"Try it," Jake repeated, stepping around the desk. "Go ahead. Poison the locker room. See how that works out for you."

Holbrook took a step back, eyes narrowing.

"You really think you can survive without me?"

Jake tilted his head. "I don't think. I know."

A long silence stretched between them.

Holbrook's hands trembled, his breath uneven.

Then, he turned and stormed toward the door.

Before leaving, he paused.

"I'll make you regret this."

Jake didn't flinch.

"You already do."

Holbrook slammed the door behind him.

The moment he was gone, Jake let out a long, slow exhale.

He had expected anger. He had expected denial.

He hadn't expected a threat.

His fingers tapped against the desk.

He had just declared war on the most experienced player in the squad.

Would Holbrook actually turn the locker room against him?

Possibly.

Would it change Jake's mind?

Not a chance.

A soft ding echoed in his ears.

A blue screen appeared before him.

[Ding! New Feature Unlocked – Hidden Gems Scouting]

[Now scanning for unknown talents…]

Jake straightened.

This was exactly what he needed.

Bradford didn't have the money to sign established stars.

But if the system could find undiscovered talents, players no one else was paying attention to…

Jake's lips curled into a small smirk.

Good.

Let Holbrook stew in his bitterness.

By the time next season started, Bradford would have a new identity.

And it wouldn't include him.