The Coaching System

Jake sat in his office, staring at the squad list on his screen.

The season was over, survival was secured, but now came the real challenge—building a team that could fight for promotion.

The club had already announced the departure of seven first-team players. Some fans were still furious, the media was skeptical, and even some of the remaining squad members weren't sure what was happening.

Jake didn't care.

The decisions had been made, and there was no turning back.

A blue screen flickered in his vision.

[Ding! Squad Gaps Identified – Replacements Needed]

[Analyzing Player Performances…]

[Suggested Actions: Promote Youth – Offer New Contracts – Begin Transfer Negotiations]

Jake exhaled, cracking his knuckles.

Time to get to work.

The exits had already begun.

James Holbrook, Ben Holden, Callum Price, Scott Williams, Nathan Taylor, Aaron Reece, and David Barnett—gone.

Some deals were simple.

Ben Holden and Callum Price were out of contract, and Jake had no interest in renewing them. They left quietly, knowing their time at the club was over.

Scott Williams was sold to a League Two club for £50,000. A decent midfielder, but not dynamic enough for Jake's system.

Nathan Taylor and Aaron Reece both received offers from National League clubs. Jake pushed the deals through quickly, not wanting any hesitation.

David Barnett, the veteran goalkeeper, had the hardest time accepting his fate. At 32, he still wanted to play, but Jake knew he wasn't the future. Barnett was sold to a lower-division club in Scotland.

That just left Holbrook.

Jake refused to deal with him directly.

His agent arranged a move to a League Two club. Holbrook hated the idea of of leaving.

Within a week, the team's old core had been dismantled.

Some players shook Jake's hand before leaving. Some just walked out without a word.

It didn't matter.

The message was clear—Bradford City was moving forward.

Jake leaned back in his chair, reading through the academy reports.

Five players were ready. Five players who could step up.

A new notification popped up.

[Ding! Top 5 Academy Prospects Ready for First Team]

[James Richards – Right-Back – 18]

[Tommy Hale – Center-Back – 19]

[Ethan Walsh – Winger – 17]

[Jayden Cooper – Winger – 18]

[Daniel Lowe – Defensive Midfielder – 19]

Jake nodded to himself.

Richards and Hale would provide defensive depth.

Walsh and Cooper were young, quick wingers—perfect for the high-tempo system.

Lowe was a promising defensive midfielder, a hard tackler with smart positioning.

Jake sent out the promotion notices.

Their lives were about to change.

Not every player was being pushed out.

Some were staying to form the new core of the squad.

Nathan Barnes, the club's most reliable center-back, was the first to be called in.

He sat across from Jake, looking a little unsure.

"You're offering me a new deal?" Barnes asked.

Jake nodded. "I want you to stay. You're an important player."

Barnes thought for a moment, then smirked. "I won't lie, boss. When I saw half the team getting sold, I thought I'd be next."

Jake leaned forward. "I'm not here to clear out the squad for fun. I need players who can help us win. You're one of them."

Barnes nodded, then took the contract and signed.

One down.

James Garner and Darren Hughes were next. Both were offered one-year extensions, providing depth while Jake built the squad.

Not every renewal was accepted.

One player rejected his contract extension, believing he wouldn't get playing time. Jake didn't argue—he let him walk.

Bradford wasn't a charity. Players had to earn their place.

Preparing for the Next Phase

The squad was taking shape.

Seven players gone.

Five youth players promoted.

Three key players retained with new contracts.

But there were still huge gaps in the team.

Jake wasn't done.

The system had already scanned the market.

[Ding! Transfer Targets Identified – Awaiting Negotiations]

The new signings had to be perfect.

Jake checked the names on his screen.

Tomorrow, he would start making calls.