The Coaching System

Two Weeks Later

The summer break had come and gone. Now, it was time to get back to work.

Jake stood at the edge of the training pitch, arms crossed, watching as his players trickled in. Some looked fresh and energized, eager to get going. Others still shook off the last remnants of their vacations, stretching out stiff muscles and rolling their shoulders.

Silva was the first to arrive, already juggling a ball at his feet, his touch sharp despite the time off. His movements were effortless, the ball never leaving his control. A few younger players stopped to watch, impressed.

Okafor greeted Jake with a simple nod before heading straight for the goalkeepers' area, stretching his arms as he walked. His focus was locked in, as if the final against Notts County had only been yesterday.

Novak and Min-jae strolled in together, deep in conversation, their bond strengthened over last season's battles. Min-jae gestured animatedly as Novak chuckled, shaking his head. They had both become pillars of the squad.

Further back, Carter and Thompson walked side by side. Their futures lay elsewhere, but for now, they were still part of this team. Still committed.

One by one, the rest of the squad arrived. Some, like Barnes and Lowe, exchanged handshakes with Jake as they passed. Others jogged straight onto the pitch, eager to get moving.

Jake turned to Paul Roberts, his assistant, who had a clipboard in hand, already making notes.

"Everyone looks good," Paul said, scanning the players. "A few might need extra fitness sessions, but nothing major."

Jake nodded. "Good. Let's get started."

The whistle blew.

The first session of the new season was underway.

Preseason Begins –

The intensity was clear from the very first drill.

Jake had no intention of easing them in. League One would be brutal. There was no time to waste.

Silva and Collins worked on their sharpness in front of goal, smashing shots past the reserve keeper. Min-jae led the defensive drills, barking orders, ensuring the backline stayed compact.

Novak, still adjusting after his injury, trained separately, working closely with the fitness coaches.

Jake kept a watchful eye on everyone, noting who had come back stronger—and who had work to do.

"More intensity!" Jake shouted as Carter and Benson moved through a midfield passing drill. "You think League One defenders are going to give you time on the ball?"

Paul Roberts smirked beside him. "You really aren't giving them any breathing room."

Jake folded his arms. "They need to understand—this isn't League Two anymore."

The players were dripping in sweat by the time the session wrapped up, but Jake was satisfied. The hunger was still there.

Now, it was time to bring in the final pieces to complete the squad.

Five-Team Preseason Tournament – Hosted in Saudi Arabia

Once training wrapped up, Jake gathered the squad in the meeting room. The large screen at the front flickered to life, displaying the schedule for their upcoming preseason tournament in Saudi Arabia.

The room buzzed with quiet anticipation. This wasn't just another routine set of friendlies. This was the first major test of the new-look Bradford City.

Jake stood at the front, arms crossed, as the names of their opponents filled the screen.

Bradford City's Preseason Tournament Opponents:

Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League) – A team featuring world-class talent, including some of the biggest names in football. A technical, fast, and physically imposing side that would test every aspect of Bradford's game.

Rangers (Scottish Premiership) – One of Scotland's most dominant clubs, known for their high-intensity pressing and quick transitions. A real test of Bradford's ability to handle relentless pressure.

Stoke City (Championship, England) – A gritty, physically dominant team from the league above. Playing them would give Bradford a taste of what to expect if they earned promotion next season.

RC Lens (Ligue 1, France) – A team built on fluid attacking movement and technical precision. Their speed and control of possession would push Bradford's defensive structure to the limit.

The players leaned forward, eyes scanning the fixtures. Silva exchanged glances with Collins, Novak cracked his knuckles, while Min-jae nodded slightly, already locked in.

Jake's voice cut through the murmurs.

"This will be our real test before League One," he said, pacing in front of them. "These teams are no joke. They will punish us if we make mistakes. They will show us where we are weak. And they will expose anyone who isn't ready for this level."

Silence.

Then, he turned sharply, facing the squad.

"These matches aren't just about fitness," he continued. "They're about proving yourself. To me. To your teammates. To the fans. You want to start in League One? You want to be part of this club's future? Then show me."

Jake's gaze moved across the room, meeting the eyes of every player.

No one spoke. No one dared to.

He let the weight of his words settle before clapping his hands once.

"Get ready. This tournament is where we set the standard for the season."

The meeting ended, but the message had been delivered.

For some, this was just preseason.

For Jake Wilson?

This was where champions were made.

Michael Stone Secures Two Hidden Gems-

Jake had barely stepped into his office when his phone buzzed.

A message from Michael Stone, his sporting director.

Stone: "Vélez and Rasmussen deals are DONE. Just need your final approval."

Jake's lips curled into a small smile as he quickly scanned the reports that had just come in.

✅ Santiago Vélez (18, Colombia, Central Midfielder) – Signed for £550K from Atlético Nacional

A box-to-box midfielder with elite passing vision and high work rate.

Quick decision-making under pressure—excellent in tight spaces.

Originally priced at £750K, but Stone negotiated it down.

Jake leaned back in his chair, remembering how this deal had played out.

Atlético Nacional had initially refused to budge from their valuation of £750K. Vélez was highly regarded, and multiple South American clubs were keeping tabs on him.

But Stone had played the long game.

Instead of forcing the issue, he kept negotiations open, stalling while he worked through other deals. He subtly leaked interest from other clubs, making Nacional nervous about losing out.

Eventually, when Nacional realized they were at risk of having too many suitors pull out, they dropped the price to £550K with a 10% future sell-on clause.

Stone immediately sealed the deal.

Jake exhaled, impressed. Vélez was exactly the kind of midfielder Bradford needed—a technical playmaker with relentless energy.

"That's a steal," Jake muttered under his breath, scrolling down to the next player.

✅ Leo Rasmussen (19, Denmark, Left Winger) – Signed for £700K from FC Midtjylland

Explosive winger, confident in 1v1 duels.

Versatile across all attacking positions—can play both wings and centrally.

Considered one of Denmark's brightest young talents.

Midtjylland were hesitant to sell, but Stone convinced them.

This transfer had been even more complicated than Vélez's.

Midtjylland initially refused to sell at any price. Rasmussen was one of their most talented prospects, and they had plans to integrate him into their first team.

But Stone had noticed something in the negotiations—wages were a sticking point.

Rasmussen wanted a bigger contract, but Midtjylland weren't willing to offer him first-team wages yet. The player was growing restless.

Stone used that tension, speaking directly to Rasmussen's agent, making it clear that Bradford were ready to offer him an important role. Regular football. A platform to develop.

The agent pushed Midtjylland to reconsider, and soon, the club was forced to accept £700K rather than risk losing the player for free when his contract ran down.

Jake nodded. That was how you handled negotiations.

"Good work, Stone," he muttered, quickly approving both deals.

The paperwork would be finalized by next week, and both players would arrive in time for preseason.

Bradford had just added two serious talents to their squad.

Finding New Clubs for Departures

With the new arrivals, it was time to offload the players who no longer fit into Jake's plans.

He dialed Stone directly.

"Nice work on Vélez and Rasmussen," Jake said. "Now we need to find clubs for Grant, Collins, and Benson."

Stone chuckled. "Knew that was coming. Got a few options already."

📌 Alex Grant – Transfer List (Permanent Move)

Championship and League One clubs have shown mild interest, but no official offers yet.

Asking price: £350K.

"Push harder on Grant," Jake said. "We don't need him taking up a squad spot."

Stone made a note. "I'll reach out to clubs again, see if we can get movement on that."

📌 Jamie Collins – Loan Move

A few League Two clubs have inquired about taking him on loan.

Priority: A club that will guarantee him regular first-team football.

"Collins needs game time," Jake said. "Make sure wherever he goes, he's a starter."

"Got it," Stone replied. "I'll check back with the clubs that asked about him."

📌 George Benson – Free to Leave

No long-term future at Bradford.

Trying to find a League Two or National League club willing to take him.

"Anyone interested in Benson yet?" Jake asked.

Stone sighed. "It's been slow. He's not exactly an in-demand player."

Jake exhaled. "Fine. Just keep looking. We'll move him on somehow."

As the call ended, Jake leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.

Two top young talents signed.

Three unwanted players set to leave.

This wasn't just about building for League One.

This was about building a team for the future.

Scouting Reports Arrive –

With the signings of Vélez and Rasmussen secured, Jake immediately shifted focus to filling the remaining gaps in the squad.

Ortega's departure left a massive void in midfield. Grant was on the way out. Thompson's future was uncertain. They still needed reinforcements if they wanted to compete at the top of League One.

A thick scouting report sat on Jake's desk, detailing potential targets across multiple positions.

He flipped through the pages, skimming over names, statistics, and scout recommendations.

These weren't just random targets.

They were handpicked to fit Bradford's aggressive, high-pressing system.

Jake exhaled, tapping his fingers on the desk as he read through the options carefully.

📌 Midfield Replacements for Ortega

Bradford needed a deep-lying playmaker. Someone who could control the tempo and dictate attacks from midfield.

Jake narrowed it down to two options.

✅ Andrés Ibáñez (24, Argentina, Boca Juniors) – £750K

Elite passing range and tactical intelligence.

Deep-lying playmaker capable of dictating play.

Scout Report: "Would immediately replace Ortega's role."

Jake circled his name. If he wanted a like-for-like replacement for Ortega, Ibáñez was the one.

But there was one issue—his price.

£750K was a lot for a League One club. Boca Juniors wasn't desperate to sell, so negotiating a lower fee wouldn't be easy.

The second option was more defensively stable, but less creative.

✅ Elliot Harper (25, England, Sunderland) – £700K

Box-to-box midfielder with an excellent defensive work rate.

Proven in League One, experienced in the English game.

Scout Report: "Less creative than Ortega, but more solid defensively."

Jake exhaled. Harper wasn't as technical as Ibáñez, but he was safer. More physical. More reliable.

But this team didn't need "safe."

It needed game-changers.

He put a star next to Ibáñez's name. If the deal was possible, that was the signing he wanted.

📌 Striker Competition for Novak & Thompson

Bradford needed firepower. Novak was talented but injury-prone. Thompson was solid but not ruthless enough in front of goal.

They needed a goal machine—someone who could bury chances with zero hesitation.

Jake's eyes locked on two names.

✅ Tobias Richter (21, Germany, Kaiserslautern) – £600K

Clinical finisher, strong link-up play, and works well in pressing systems.

Good movement inside the box, always finds space.

Scout Report: "Would suit Bradford's aggressive style."

Jake immediately liked Richter. He fit the team's philosophy—fast, aggressive, and a deadly finisher.

But there was also a poacher option.

✅ Guilherme Costa (23, Brazil, Fluminense) – £750K

Elite off-the-ball movement, always in the right place.

Natural goal-scorer, instinctive in the box.

Scout Report: "A natural finisher, but limited in build-up play."

Costa had one key weakness—he wasn't a link-up striker. If he didn't score, he didn't contribute much.

Jake didn't like that.

Bradford needed a striker who could do more than just finish.

He grabbed his pen and circled Richter's name.

"That's the guy," he muttered.

📌 Young Winger for Squad Depth

Silva was undroppable, but he needed competition.

Bradford lacked depth on the wings, especially with Collins going out on loan.

Jake had two names in front of him.

✅ Raphael Mensah (20, Ghana, Anderlecht) – £500K

Explosive dribbler, unpredictable in 1v1 situations.

Still raw, but has huge potential.

Scout Report: "Not polished, but his speed and dribbling are elite."

Mensah was the wildcard option. If developed properly, he could become a star.

The other option was more polished, but less unpredictable.

✅ Milan Jovanović (19, Serbia, Red Star Belgrade) – £700K

Quick, technical, delivers pinpoint crosses.

First-team ready, could rotate with Silva immediately.

Scout Report: "Safe option, but doesn't have Silva's raw explosiveness."

Jovanović was safer, but Mensah had higher potential.

Jake leaned back.

He didn't want "safe."

He wanted electricity.

He circled Mensah's name.

Jake grabbed his phone and dialed Michael Stone.

The sporting director picked up after two rings.

"Alright, boss," Stone greeted. "You've seen the reports?"

"Yeah," Jake said, flipping through the pages. "Here's what I want—start negotiations for Ibáñez, Richter, and Mensah. If their clubs push too hard on price, walk away."

Stone chuckled. "I like it. No nonsense."

"I'm not messing around this season," Jake said.

Stone nodded on the other end. "I'll make some calls and update you soon."

Jake exhaled, tossing the scouting report onto his desk.

The first moves were being made.

Now, it was time to build the team that would take League One by storm.