Football Card System

Outside Luton's training base stood a row of two-story red-brick residential houses. The nine o'clock sun cast long shadows on the north side of the houses, illuminating their southern facades.

Jeffrey squatted against the wall outside the entrance to the training base. It was nearly July, and the sun's UV rays were already intense in the morning. Having come from the mild climate of the Netherlands, Jeffrey found it hard to endure the harsh sun of the British Isles and sought refuge in the shade.

Jeffrey was still wearing his Chelsea training kit. As a youth player who had come to England from the Netherlands, life had not been easy for him.

Winning the FA Youth Cup as a key player was the proudest moment of Jeffrey's career. After being promoted by Gao Bo and transitioning from midfield to central defense, Jeffrey's performances steadily improved, earning him a starting role for Chelsea's U18 team. When they lifted the FA Youth Cup, young Jeffrey felt that his breakthrough was imminent. He hoped to catch the attention of the first-team coach and eventually make his way to the senior squad.

Although he knew he couldn't compete with first-team central defenders like John Terry, he believed that even a marginal role in the senior team would grant him opportunities—whether through loans or transfers—to elevate his career.

But everything changed when Gao Bo was abruptly fired. Shortly afterward, Chelsea lost the Champions League final to Manchester United on penalties, leading to the dismissal of interim coach Avram Grant. The club entered a chaotic period of management reshuffles. With the youth academy director temporarily assigned to the first team, Chelsea's youth program fell into disarray.

Amid the turmoil, Jeffrey ended up in trouble. He had beaten up George, a teammate whose father happened to be a Chelsea board member.

While Jeffrey's actions earned the admiration of his U18 teammates, they came at a cost—he was expelled from Chelsea.

After his expulsion, Jeffrey felt lost. Having joined Chelsea's academy at 14, he had no other career plans beyond football.

Should he return to the Netherlands?

Perhaps working in his father's rose garden was an option, but Jeffrey couldn't reconcile himself to giving up football. He had undergone professional training for years, and playing was all he knew. While his father was an excellent gardener, Jeffrey had no talent for growing roses.

With no connections in England, Jeffrey thought of the one person he trusted most—Gao Bo, the coach who had promoted him, believed in him, and encouraged him. Hearing that Gao Bo had taken charge of a League Two team, Jeffrey decided to seek him out.

When Gao Bo stepped out of Luton's training base, he immediately spotted Jeffrey squatting in the shade, dressed in his blue Chelsea training kit.

Jeffrey had been a standout during Gao Bo's tenure as Chelsea's U18 coach. At just 18, he displayed a maturity beyond his years. Although his 185 cm height was modest for a central defender, his physical strength, excellent jumping ability, and consistent performances made him reliable in aerial battles.

Gao Bo had initially avoided recruiting players from his Chelsea days, as his unceremonious exit had left him with lingering bitterness. However, seeing Jeffrey's predicament now fueled Gao Bo's desire for redemption.

"Jeffrey!"

Hearing his name, Jeffrey looked up and saw Gao Bo, tall and smiling, walking toward him.

Jeffrey's eyes reddened. For a young man who had spent his formative years in the often harsh environment of a youth academy, seeing someone he trusted deeply stirred intense emotions.

Gao Bo stepped forward and embraced him. "I was just thinking about you, Jeffrey! My team is in need of a central defender!"

Jeffrey's voice cracked. "Coach... they fired me."

Gao Bo's expression darkened. "Was it that fat man?"

Jeffrey hesitated before admitting, "I hit his son... George."

Gao Bo was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "Well done!"

The tension lifted, and Jeffrey, who had been downcast for days, couldn't help but laugh as well.

"Come on, let's head to the training ground," Gao Bo said, throwing an arm around Jeffrey's shoulders. As they walked into the training base, Gao Bo turned to the gatekeeper. "Uncle Margis, take a good look—this is our team's new central defender. He's going to be world-class one day!"

Jeffrey's confidence soared. Gao Bo's praise carried immense weight for him, and hearing such words from his trusted coach filled him with renewed belief.

"You won't stay in League Two for long," Gao Bo continued. "The top leagues are your stage!"

Jeffrey, overwhelmed with emotion, replied earnestly, "Coach, I just want to follow you!"

"Then let's aim for promotion together!" Gao Bo said, ruffling Jeffrey's hair. "Three years—we'll reach the Premier League in three years!"

For the first time, Gao Bo openly declared his ambition, and Jeffrey, now fully devoted to his coach, believed every word.

"I'll show those bastards at Chelsea how good I am!" Jeffrey vowed.

Gao Bo laughed heartily. "Let's go back to the Premier League and teach Chelsea a lesson!"

The coach and player shared a moment of camaraderie before heading to the training ground, where Gao Bo introduced Jeffrey to the rest of the team.

As a former Chelsea U18 player, Jeffrey's skills were immediately acknowledged by his new teammates at Luton.

Standing among his players, Gao Bo felt a surge of pride and determination.

Promotion!

"This season, we will be promoted!" he declared silently.