Team Spirit

Chapter 114 (1.1 words, please subscribe) Let's compete for the triple crown again and crush them!
On March 26, the gambling organization increased the price of lottery ticket buybacks tenfold and stated that this was the last time it would buy back tickets, after which it would no longer provide national subsidies for new energy vehicles.

Lu Kai commented on this, saying, "The discounts are often even greater after the limited-time offer ends!"

This strengthened the resolve of the last wave of "die-hards".

They would rather die than sell.

The bookmakers made this adjustment because Dartford climbed back to fourth place in the league after several consecutive league matches.

We're just one step away from a direct upgrade.

April 6, Riverside Stadium.

The first leg of the UK Championship semi-finals has begun.

The EFL Trophy is a competition for teams in League Two and League Three, originally intended to fill the gap in the top-level cup competition for teams in these two tiers.

So, if Premier League and League One teams can win the FA Cup and EFL Cup, then League Two and League Three teams can mainly play around with the EFL Trophy.

This is a positive feedback that can motivate lower-level teams and players.

Don't think that this kind of incentive is meaningless, or that such an award has no value.

Two people can fight tooth and nail over anything, even to the death. But is that thing really that important?
That's not necessarily true.

Junior sister: ? ? ?
So having over forty teams competing for one thing keeps everyone in this large group excited and committed.

Only in this way can a higher level of competition be achieved.

It's fair to say that without the EFL Trophy, at least half of the teams in League Two and League Three would effectively fall to the fifth tier and lose their professionalism.

The awkward thing is that this year, the League Two team won the EFL Cup!
The UK Championship has never been treated so poorly.

Even many Dartford fans believe the team should abandon this "unimportant" competition and focus on league promotion.

After all, the league is the most important thing.

What good is winning the UK Championship?

A £100,000 prize?

???

What?
The UK Championship also has a prize pool of £100,000, isn't that the same as the EFL Cup?
That's still possible to play, since there are only three games left.

A single game earns 33,000, which is equivalent to the revenue of a whole season in the ninth tier.

When a person reaches a higher level, their earning potential increases exponentially.

The UK Championship didn't have such high prize money before, but in recent years the EFL found a wealthy sponsor for the event, so the prize money has increased.

In comparison, the EFL Cup is of a higher standard, but its prize money is only on par with these smaller tournaments, which is really beneath its status.

After all, the prize money for the FA Trophy and FA Cup final is between £30,000 and £70,000.

But there's no way around it; the EFL has already exhausted all its efforts to secure a UEFA Cup play-off spot for the League Cup winner, which is actually the most valuable reward.

If the prize money is increased again, will the FA Cup even exist?
The Football Association (FA) will not stand idly by and allow this situation to continue, so it has imposed a number of restrictions.

Before the match, Lu Kai received another wave of skill upgrades:
【Magnet - Black Iron 3】

[Quick Start - Iron 3]

[Pull and Kick - Iron 3]

[First Shot - Iron 2]

[Fancy Ball Control - Iron 2]

[Violent Knuckleball - Gold: Your free-kick ability is greatly enhanced. Your footwork power is greatly enhanced. Your free-kicks have a chance to create a knuckleball effect, making them harder to save. Each attempt at a knuckleball will cause irreversible damage to your knees.]

!!!

This directly boosted his set-piece attribute to 75, and even added 2 points to his pre-shoot animation, bringing it to 58.

Of all the free kicks, the knuckleball is definitely not the most exquisite or the most precise, but it is absolutely the most exhilarating and violent!

Carlos's S-shaped free kick is certainly more powerful than this, but it cannot be consistently replicated.

Only the elevator ball is a steady, unwavering force.

If they score, it will destroy the goalkeeper's confidence.

If you can't score, it's a physical torment to the wall of players!
Cristiano Ronaldo: You're criticizing me again!
However, this type of free kick comes at a high cost.

After kicking it a few thousand times, you might need to replace your knee.

This isn't a long process; you kick dozens of times during training.

boom!
The sound of someone banging on the door of the locker room next door brought Lu Kai back to his senses.

The away team's locker room.

"Datford really doesn't take us seriously!"

The Cambridge United players were very dissatisfied.

Yes, Dartford won the EFL Cup, that's impressive.

But the problem is you're just a third-tier English team.

Cambridge United is also a third-tier team in England, so why are you sending out a reserve squad to play against us?

That's right, Dartford announced their starting lineup well in advance for this match:

Akinfenwa, Mark Bellingham

Ashley Young, Amorin, Markov
Lu Kai, Kailuo

Kevin, Davis, Williams
安琦
-

An Qi's return from injury is clearly aimed at regaining his form.

The main players are Lu Kai, Kevin, Markov, and Ashley Young.

Players like Amorim, Davis, and Mark are the best of the best.

What do you mean?
Who do you look down on?

Alfred explained this before the game: "The players in our lineup have all performed well this season."

"We have been using appropriate rotation to ensure the team's physical fitness and to develop the players' abilities."

"After nearly a season of training, we have full confidence in every player on the team."

They are qualified to take on any challenge!

This is indeed the truth.

But the rotation of the lineup is also really to allow the key players to get more rest.

Dartford's focus now is on the league, not the EFL Trophy.

The UK Championship organizers were fully aware of Dartford's behavior and were quite dissatisfied.

They will introduce relevant rules in the future to stipulate the number of key players a team must have in this competition, such as at least six key players.

This ensures the excitement of the competition.

It's already the semi-finals, and you want everyone to watch your substitutes play?

Will it be exciting?

With the sound of a whistle, the match officially began.

In the first minute, Cambridge United's left winger Paul cut inside to the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a long-range shot.

Kailo intervened in time.

The football went wide of the goal.

Cambridge United, fielding their strongest lineup, certainly looked more proactive.

Both being English League Three teams, the two sides actually met once at the beginning of the season, with Dartford winning that match.

Lu Kai still remembers that encounter.

It's not because Cambridge United is so difficult to play against, but because this team plays with an extremely arrogant style!
They were playing in League Two last season, but were unfortunately relegated.

After arriving in the English Second Division, they developed a strong team mentality, looking down on the weaker teams in the Second Division, and played with exceptionally fierce style, but in reality, they were not good at it.

With their focus on the EFL Trophy, after most of the season, they not only have no hope of returning to League Two, but have even fallen into the relegation zone of League Three!

They are currently ranked 22nd in the league.

They might fall out of the professional league!

In the ninth minute, Lu Kai delivered a long pass, finding Akinfenwa who was drifting to the left wing.

Akinfenwa played a one-two pass without stopping the ball.

Ashley Young, making a forward run, cut inside with the ball and easily dribbled past Cambridge United center-back Warren.

Warren never imagined Ashley Young would have such courage.

Do you think this is an exhibition match?

Ashley Young broke into the left side of the penalty area, looked to his right, and made a cutback pass... a feint!

He stopped Cambridge United's other center-back, Angus, in place, and then smoothly made his way down the wing and into the penalty area!

boom!
Ashley Young delivered a nanny-level inverted triangle.

Amorim made a run into the box and slotted the ball into the net.

The two idiots teamed up for a brotherly football match!
“GOAL!!!”

"Even the reserve team can score!"

"The goal for Dartford was scored by Amorim, a youth academy player from Benfica in Portugal. He is a midfielder who has mostly played in the defensive midfield position."

"I never expected him to be able to play as an attacking midfielder."

"Of course, 95% of the credit for this goal should go to Ashley Young. His series of breakthroughs were simply brilliant!"

"Manchester United have their reasons for being interested in this player."

"I don't know if you've noticed, but there are several very professional people in the stands today. Yes, the ones you're seeing in the camera right now... These are scouts!"

"Since the news broke that Manchester United were interested in Ashley Young, a number of scouts have come to scout him."

"Several more clubs are now interested in Ashley Young."

"And during this period, Ashley Young has been playing better and better."

"He was injured by a flying tackle in the last game, and I thought he was done for, but it seems he's in good shape and it doesn't affect him at all!"

During the celebration, Ashley Young even gave Lu Kaiye a high-five.

You can neglect anyone, but you can't neglect your boss.

At least until he leaves the company, Ashley Young, the leading man in the Eagle's Shit production, won't reveal a single flaw.

Otherwise, he probably wouldn't be able to leave.

Lu Kai and Ashley Young shook their heads after celebrating.

Ashley Young was injured and had to leave the game in the last match, so Lu Kai's suggestion was to skip the UK Championship.

I kick for attribute growth and skill acquisition.

Why did you kick it?
Are you injured?
But Ashley Young insisted on playing, saying he was determined to help Dartford reach the UK Championship final. His determination was evident to all!
If I am truly injured, then I will offer my blood to Xuanyuan!
Isn't this a form of fulfillment?
In the 14th minute, Ashley Young broke through on the left wing and successfully won a free kick.

Lu Kai was originally supposed to take the penalty.

But Ashley Young volunteered to play himself.

Could Lu Kai possibly refuse to give him face?

As it turns out, Ashley Young really has some skill; his soccer ball trajectory was quite good, and he successfully got over the wall.

Unfortunately, the ball wasn't moving fast, and the opposing goalkeeper was prepared and saved it.

Ashley Young shook his head regretfully and looked towards the stands.

Lu Kai followed his gaze and looked over... Oh dear, is that an Arsenal scout?

Wow... Is Ashley Young going to become famous?

In the 23rd minute, Markov dribbled continuously down the right wing, leaving his opponent completely bewildered.

It has extremely high entertainment value, but low tactical value, which is very little compared to Ronaldo.

Marin received the ball on the wing and then delivered a cross.

Akinfenwa was blocked by the opponent; he headed the ball but failed to create a shot on goal.

The football accelerated and bounced backward.

Ashley Young made a back-point run.

He was hit in the face by the deflected football, and the next moment, a surge of energy erupted.

Ashley Young got a nosebleed from being punched.

Jiang Mengyun rushed to the scene and provided on-site treatment.

After the treatment was finished, Lu Kai came over and held out two sticks, shaking them rapidly: "How many are these?"

Ashley Young: "How am I supposed to know what number it is when you're shaking it so fast?"

Lu Kai: "Can't say it? Concussion, get out of here, get out of here..."

Ashley Young quickly pleaded, "Lu, please let me play a little longer! This was just an accident. I still want to contribute to the team!"

Lu Kai asked meaningfully, "So, are you red or green now?"

Ashley Young confidently declared: "Green! Once you're green, you're green for life!"

Lu Kai allowed him to stay on the field this time.

Ashley Young breathed a sigh of relief, turned around and glanced at the Blackburn scouts. They were still there; he still had a chance.

He contacted more than one club today to come watch the game!
In the 32nd minute, Lu Kai played a through ball to Akinfenwa.

My strongman brother held off center-back Angus and passed the ball back to Amorim.

Amorim played a first-time, over-the-top through ball to Ashley Young, who was cutting inside from off the ball.

The two spent every day together and had developed a tacit understanding.

Ashley Young controlled the ball perfectly inside the penalty area, flicked it on, and unleashed a powerful diagonal shot.

His positioning, ball control, shooting skills, and mental game are all flawless.

“GOAL!!!”

"Two-nil! Dartford are having a lot of fun today!"

"I feel that the two teams are not in the same league at all. Of course, one is in the promotion zone and the other is in the relegation zone, so they are indeed not in the same area."

"Amorin returned the favor, completing a pass and shot exchange with Ashley Young."

"It is said that the two have a good relationship within the club, but it's a pity that Ashley Young is going to Manchester United."

Ashley Young celebrates excitedly in the corner flag area after scoring a goal.

When he saw the Newcastle United scouts smiling at him, he knew he had another team in the bag!
Despite various problems in the past two years, Newcastle is still a top-four team in the Premier League.

Newcastle are currently the most aggressive club in pursuit of Ashley Young.

Next is Blackburn.

Of course, Arsenal's offer was also very tempting.

A while ago, many other clubs contacted Ashley Young, but his email had a problem and he didn't receive a single email.

Fortunately, he recently registered a new account and quietly distributed the information.

In the 38th minute, Ashley Young once again created a free-kick opportunity on the left.

Lu Kai tried a free kick this time.

Unfortunately, they couldn't control it, and the football flew into the stands.

Ashley Young secretly flashed a white smile.

He was initially annoyed that his free kick hadn't gone in, but Lu Kai's absurd free kick made Ashley Young's kick look absolutely perfect in comparison!

This means that Lukeham's free kicks are not as good as Ashleyham's!

Hahaha!
Lu Kai shook his head.

Compared to set-piece techniques like curved free kicks, the knuckleball requires higher attributes such as shooting power and strength, making it more challenging to master.

Even for a leaf ball, there are shortcuts.

The only exception is the knuckleball; if the initial speed of the ball isn't fast enough, everything else is useless.

In the 41st minute, Lu Kai made a run down the left flank and passed the ball back to Ashley Young, who was eagerly calling for it. Ashley Young then played a through ball into the penalty area with the outside of his foot.

Akinfenwa pounced on the loose ball and fired a shot.

The hit was too direct and too powerful.

Although the opposing goalkeeper Perez easily blocked the ball, he couldn't hold onto it and could only push it away.

The football bounced very far, flying to near the penalty area line.

Ashley Young arrived just in time after the ball was released, and before the ball hit the ground, he executed a karate move, volleying the ball into the air!
The football flew straight to the ground, bounced up, and went into the goal.

The compression is perfect!

"GOAL! Three to zero!"

"Ashley Young was absolutely on fire today! He easily scored two goals!"

"Most importantly, he didn't just play with the goal of scoring, but rather seized the opportunity to deliver brilliant passes."

"He's so well-rounded!"

"That volley really showcased his shooting skills; he's practically one of the top five young players in the world today!"

"Three-nil at halftime, time to pop the champagne!"

"Green Gun Ashley, I'll help you win!"

"Devils are good, but other teams are fine too."

"Forever love VCD, we are Fanmilin!"

No, this commentary today...

Lu Kai turned and walked to the sidelines, whispering to Alfred, "Have Emily check the team's welfare tickets and see how many Ashley Young asked for in this game."

"Also, go ask Simpson how much money Ashley Young gave him."

Alfred turned around and went to do it.

Simpson, a former winger for Dartford, became the president of the fan club and also worked part-time as a stadium commentator after retiring.

But his lines today were way too much like an advertisement, starting from zero frames, comprehensive, top five in the world.

Especially that limerick just now, you couldn't have written it without studying Chinese for a few years.

Ashley Young is the one with the best Chinese proficiency in Dartford.

The match then went into halftime.

Alfred arrived later than usual.

He handed a form to Lu Kai and whispered, "Ashley Young secretly bought all the bonus tickets from his teammates, about twenty or so."

"I found the right people to go to the right places; they are scouts from all the teams. All twenty Premier League clubs are here."

"Those guys from the League One promotion zone are also here."

"And... it seems like he started doing this in the previous few games, but this time it's the biggest one so far."

Is he starting a talent show?

Lu Kai applauded.

good good!
The King of Bird Shit is indeed a wolf in sheep's clothing!
For most players, if they want to transfer, they'll just make an offer.

He immediately started preparing the nest.

And they are very willing to invest in it.

Welfare tickets aren't free; people who know how to invest in their future will never do poorly in any era.

He deserves to be kicked out in the future.

"You're not angry?" Alfred asked. "Should I substitute him in the second half?"

Lu Kai shook his head: "Why would I be angry? He's been performing better and better lately, and he has indeed made great contributions to the team's comeback."

"Everyone has different habits. Some people just need to be watched by more people to feel energetic."

"This is better than those players who only have the energy to play football after betting on the game."

"And he did not harm the team's interests."

Help the team sell tickets.

They performed well on the field.

To achieve comprehensiveness, avoid being alone or reckless, and leverage the strengths of teammates.

Organize all buyers together, make them feel a sense of urgency, and have them compete with each other.

Every Dartford is a beneficiary.

It was done so well that Lu Kai felt like he wasn't human if he didn't let Ashley Young go.

Compared to players who refuse to play, fake injuries, ruin the locker room atmosphere, create tension, and play recklessly on the field, this is simply "loyal and righteous Yang"!
Lu Kai had already calculated in his mind that he would be willing to let Ashley Young go as long as a team offered six million pounds.

Don't think this price is low. In recent years, the number of top players that Premier League teams have signed to strengthen their squads has been around five or six million pounds.

They're all in their prime, possessing both skill and potential. Players costing two to three million pounds are the mainstream for strengthening the Premier League.

To reach ten million pounds, one must be a super prospect in various teams from a young age, dominating all levels of the national youth teams.

Besides, you were promoted from a lower league. Buying your players at half price is already giving you too much face. You would sell them with a smile even if you were offered a 10% discount.

It's worth noting that Morgan's £2.51 million transfer fee was already the highest in English Third Division history.

Has the English Second Division never produced a player better than Morgan over the years?

Don't have too much, okay?

But if you can't sell it at a good price, that's just the market.

Ashley Young's approach is to expand the market, which is a thankless task, all for the sake of leaving Dartford with a large sum of money.
It's no exaggeration to say that this move by him has increased the collective value of Dartford's players by at least 20% to 30%.

This is an action Lu Kai should take in the summer to increase the team's revenue.

Ashley Young finished it ahead of schedule.

Earning an apprentice's salary while playing football like a superstar, and worrying about the responsibilities of a club president.

What more do you want from him?

That's very thoughtful.

Besides, money is still quite valuable these days.

The difference between five or six million pounds and the subsequent transfer fees of twenty or thirty million euros is not much.

Imagine Manchester United in 2025 spending 40 million euros to buy a player from the Third Division (which would be the Second Division by then). How would you feel?
Do you think the English Second Division teams are at a disadvantage?

All you do is demand that Manchester United thoroughly investigate corruption! Thoroughly investigate Ten Hag's agency! Thoroughly investigate the chain of corruption in player transactions!
Finally, the sooner the stadium is repaired, the easier it will be.

In the next two years, a few million pounds could have made the Riverside Stadium a comfortable renovation.

If it costs tens of millions of pounds, then building a stadium that can hold tens of thousands of people would be fine.

With hundreds of millions of dollars, we could build the best stadium for the next ten or twenty years.

But twenty years later, the price has increased tenfold to twentyfold, with top-tier stadiums now costing as much as 1.5 billion or 2 billion.

So even though Ashley Young is gone, the valuable legacy he left to the club will live on forever.

He will live forever in Lu Kai's heart!

The club's new stands could even be called the "Ashley Young Stand"!
……

In the second half, Cambridge United rallied from their defeat to fight back.

In the 46th minute, right-back Armand made a powerful breakthrough past Ashley Young and delivered a cross.

Forward Kiesen taps the ball into an empty net.

However, he missed the target due to Davis's interference, squandering a golden opportunity.

In the 57th minute, Williams intercepted the ball in the penalty area and passed it to Lu Kai, who had returned to the box.

Lu Kai strode to the left and found Ashley Young.

Ashley Young dribbled forward and swept the ball across the byline.

It's a pity the location wasn't transmitted correctly.

The ball was passed behind Akinfenwa, but Mark couldn't reach it.

Warren cleared the ball with a long kick, sending it flying towards the edge of the penalty area.

The landing point was right next to Lu Kai, who was rushing up.

Lu Kai stood firmly on his left foot, slightly bent.

The right foot wraps around the left foot from behind and lightly taps the soccer ball.

A "cross-foot stop" to control the ball.

He stole the show.

Ashley Young was dumbfounded.

When did Zhang Fei learn to embroider?

Lu Kai's ball control was too fancy!

Does Lu Kai also want to transfer?

boom!
Lu Kai passed the ball to Ashley Young.

Ashley Young delivered another sharp cross. The ball slid across the goal, and Markover finished it off at the far post.

“GOAL!!!”

"Four to zero! The outcome of the match is no longer in doubt!"

Ashley Young scored two goals and provided two assists, dominating the entire game!

"Of course, I believe many people are more focused on Lu Kai's exquisite ball control!"

"People have always said that Lu Kai is not talented and has poor ball control."

"Lu Kai didn't refute, but instead proved himself with his actions. If scoring goals, providing assists, and leading the team to promotion can't satisfy the demanding expectations of some fans."

"And what about such a magnificent ball control?"

"I believe that Lu Kai's future football will become more and more beautiful! And it's hard to say whether this technical change is influenced by Ashley Young!"

Lu Kai: ???
On the sidelines, Jiang Mengyun confirmed with Alfred, "No wonder Ashley Young came to get a yearly VIP card for the milk tea shop the day before yesterday, but today it was Simpson's third-grade daughter who came to buy milk tea with the card."

"This money was definitely well spent."

In the 63rd minute, Markofer was dispossessed on the right wing but actively countered, winning a throw-in for the opponent in his own half.

A throw-in in the attacking third can sometimes be just as effective as a corner kick or set piece.

Sometimes, a throw-in from the backfield has a similar effect to a throw-in from the frontfield; it's easy to intercept, and once intercepted, the opponent can attack the goal.

Sure enough, thanks to Lu Kai and Amorin's aggressive counter-pressing, Amorin successfully intercepted the ball and delivered a through pass.

Markov caught up with the ball near the byline, feinted, and then passed it back to Amorin.

Amorim then passed the ball back to Lu Kai.

Lu Kai passed the ball laterally to Ashley Young, who was unmarked on the left side of the penalty area.

Ashley Young takes a long-range shot.

The restricted area was crowded and congested.

The opposing center-back, Warren, touched the ball.

The soccer ball changes direction and its speed decreases.

It was caught by Akinfenwa.

Unfortunately, he didn't stop it properly and ended up stopping the ball behind him.

Akinfenwa immediately turned and poked the ball to Mark, then fell backward.

boom!
Mark scored with a powerful shot.

"GOAL! Five to zero!"

"Are Dartford really that strong? Their bench players are actually able to crush opponents of the same level!"

Mark was very excited after scoring the goal.

This was one of the few high-level goals he had scored.

This season, he has completely become a fringe player for the team.

Only slightly better than Kylo, ​​Daniel, and Scott.

Even his father-in-law, assistant coach Victor, thought it wouldn't make much sense for him to stay at Dartford.

Especially if Dartford are promoted to League Two next season.

Mark really can't keep up.

Under these circumstances, it's only a matter of time before Mark leaves Dartford.

Victor had previously discussed this with Lu Kai, who expressed his understanding and said he would cooperate with Mark to give him one last chance with the team.

Today is one of them.

During the celebration, Mark gave Lu Kai a special hug and thanked him many times.

Lu Kai said, "No need to thank me, the team needs to thank you. You have always been an important part of the team!"

"Besides, there's still time, isn't there? Play well! You'll still be in the starting lineup for the next game!"

Mark's tears welled up immediately.

Lu Kai put his arm around Mark's shoulder and waved to Denise Victor, Mark's wife, in the stands.

Bellingham is due in four months.

Keep it up, Mark!

In the 66th minute, Dartford made substitutions.

Madeira replaced Akinfenwa.

Shore replaced Markov, then swapped positions with Ashley Young, who showcased his versatility on the right side.

Daniel replaced Kylo René, and the two rich kids happily gained experience.

I can brag about it again when I go to a nightclub tonight.

In the 72nd minute, Lu Kai launched a long pass from the backfield.

Madeira was brought down by Angus when she accelerated.

Angus was dyed yellow.

This is a free kick in a very good position.

Lu Kai did not continue attempting the knuckleball; caring for one's knees is everyone's responsibility.

boom!
Beckham's curve was like a scimitar, piercing straight into the heart of Cambridge United!
"Six to zero!"

"Lu Kai's goal has finally come!"

"Riverside course, the crescent moon, two attempts, and it's noon!"

Even after playing like this, Ashley Young still hasn't let "Cambridge" off the hook.

In the 75th minute, Xiao Li crossed from the left wing.

Angus headed the ball away to the other side, and Ashley Young met it with another volley, which hit the target again.

However, this time it was saved by Perez.

In the 81st minute, Amorin made a tackle in midfield and passed the ball directly to Yang Ge, who was looking for him.

Ashley Young received the ball and feigned a cut inside, but actually went down the wing, making it very difficult for his marker, Mori.

Mori finally caught up.

Ashley Young suddenly executed a lateral Marseille turn and then actually began to cut inside.

It's incredibly gorgeous.

Angus filled in the missing part.

boom!
Ashley Young knocks.

But Angus had already launched his flying tackle, and... he didn't seem to be holding back.

boom!
Mark scored again inside the penalty area.

Scored twice!

At the same time, Ashley Young was lifted high by Angus.

It landed on the ground.

At this moment, everyone looked at Little Black Bean.

"yeah!"

Ashley Young suddenly jumped up and excitedly rushed to the sidelines, taking off his shirt to celebrate – how dashing!

"Oh! Ashley Young is so excited because he completed a hat-trick of assists!"

"With two goals and three assists, he is undoubtedly the best player of the game today!"

Everyone forgot about the thought that popped into Ashley Young's mind when he fell to the ground: "Is he injured?"

A disaster is never a disaster until it happens.

7-0!
Dartford thrashed Cambridge United!

Quietly I came, and quietly I left; Cambridge United waved their sleeves and took away seven footballs.

As Lu Kai clapped, he walked toward Angus and warned him, "You could have stopped yourself."

Angus's expression was unpredictable.

There was anger after conceding a goal, rage at being slaughtered, and shame at having one's little schemes exposed.

He's not a defender who habitually injures people, but at least at that moment, he did have the idea of ​​kicking Ashley Young.

No other reason than he was too cocky!
Angus shrugged: "I admit I was wrong, and I apologize. But if he keeps kicking like that, he'll suffer a terrible fate!"

"You'd better warn your genius teammate. He's got 'Come and kick me' written all over his body, and a lot of people can read those words."

"Anything can happen before a contract is signed with Manchester United!"

"The football is round, isn't it?"

The Cambridge United players slunk off the Riverside Stadium.

Today's victory is one of the biggest in Riverside Stadium's history, and everyone in the Green Guns should celebrate.

……

Sky Sports: "Manchester United's chosen man is ridiculously good! He led his substitutes to a 7-0 thrashing of Cambridge United!"

BBC: "Two goals and three assists! Ashley Young completes hat-trick of assists, earning his first perfect 10 rating!"

The Times: "Wenger is interested in Ashley Young, saying this technically gifted player could develop into the next Bergkamp under his management!"

Manchester Evening News: "Black Giggs! Sawed-leg Beckham! Manchester United fans are already creating a dedicated chat group for Ashley Young!"

The Echo: "Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Liverpool and other Premier League powerhouses are all interested in Ashley Young! Newcastle could become Manchester United's biggest rival!"

"The Voice of Green Guns: Behind Ashley Young's dazzling performance is the selfless dedication of Dartford and Lu Kai!"

"Green Gunners truly puts players first and is willing to help them win the opportunity to join top clubs! They do not suppress player performance, do not maliciously control player playing time, do not force players to stay, do not bench players, and do not hinder communication and price inquiries!"

"Talented players lacking playing time, unlucky youngsters, join Dartford! Perhaps you are the next Ashley Young, the next rising star of England!"

Suddenly, many players gained a new understanding of Dartford.

Some top clubs' youth academies have begun targeting Dartford for loan spells.

Some disappointed people have also set Dartford as one of the sites for summer tryouts.

Ashley Young continues to acquire team bonus tickets.

Continue to organize scouting events.

His net worth has soared from around one million pounds to three million pounds, and it continues to climb.

On April 9th, in the 42nd round of the English League Three, Dartford visited Cambridge United.

That's right.

This is the third meeting between the two teams this season.

With a goal and an assist from Ashley Young and a goal from Mark, Dartford defeated Cambridge United 3-1.

A reunion of Cambridge!

After this match, Cambridge United has slipped to the bottom of the league!

Dartford, on the other hand, rose to third place in the league.

We have officially entered the direct upgrade zone.

There are still four league games to play, but Dartford cannot afford to relax, as they could theoretically still fall out of the promotion zone completely.

That means they dropped to eighth place.

At the same time, they also have a chance to win the championship if they maintain a perfect record and the two teams ahead of them fail to win a perfect record!
The English Third Division promotion battle has entered its final stage.

On April 16th, in the 43rd round, Dartford defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 away from home.

Ashley Young provided the game-winning assist.

The match was extremely intense, and after the game, Ashley Young showed off his tattered socks, demonstrating his toughness.

April 19th, UK Championship semi-final second leg.

Ashley Young volunteered.

Lu Kai refused several times, but finally couldn't resist and gave him half a game.

He then scored another goal.

He helped the team defeat Cambridge United 3-1, completing a season sweep.

April 23rd, the penultimate round of the English Third Division.

Dartford beat relegation-threatened Torquay United 2-0 at home, sending them to Cambridge United.

However, the top two teams in the standings did not make any mistakes, so Dartford remains third in the league.

April 26, Cardiff Millennium Stadium.

Dartford are here again because today is the UK Championship final!

This will be Dartford's third title race of the season! They have already won the FA Charity Shield and the EFL Cup!

They're aiming for the treble this season!
However, compared to the previous days when the stadiums were packed with over 70,000 people, today's attendance was slightly lower, with only 35,000 fans present.

After all, the UK Championship's influence is still quite limited.

Dartford's opponent is Blackpool, a mid-table League Two team.

Having missed out on promotion this season and secured their place in the league early on, they can now focus all their efforts on winning the UK Championship.

The main force has come out in full force.

They were also fourth in the Third Division last season and were promoted to the Second Division through the playoffs.

This is also the difference between lower-level and top-level competitions.

In top-level competitions, newly promoted teams usually remain in the relegation zone, or even get relegated.

The relegated teams, on the other hand, will quickly fight their way back from the next level.

Because the gap between the top league and other leagues is so huge, it can be said to be a qualitative difference.

Teams from lower leagues, once promoted, are very likely to jump directly to the mid-table of the next level, or even be promoted consecutively.

The first upgrade is actually the most difficult.

In other words, it is very difficult to break through the original level, but once they break through the original level, it means that they have exceeded that level by a lot, and they can easily go to the next level.

This is the same situation as Dartford, except Dartford is a super, super, super amplified version.

However, the focus of this match was not on Blackpool.

And in Dartford and among the people watching the game.

Before the match, Manchester United made no secret of sending their person in charge of player transfers.

They even exaggeratedly stated that Ashley Young's transfer contract was already prepared!
Once the game is over!

Regardless of whether Dartford wins the title, Manchester United will extend an olive branch.

In other words, the match no longer affects Manchester United's determination and the price they are willing to pay for Ashley Young.

That's right.

Manchester United had already negotiated the price with Dartford in advance.

Six million pounds!
This is far beyond Ashley Young's market value in England, where he is currently valued at £3.5 million.

The valuation of Transfermarkt is two million pounds.

According to past practice, the actual transfer price of a player like him would only be a little over one million pounds.

But this time, Manchester United didn't bully Dartford... or rather, they failed to do so.

Both the players and the clubs have been very firm in their stance.

They are unwilling to complete a settlement transfer at a low price.

Transactions should be completed on the basis of mutual respect.

Therefore, Manchester United increased their offer to the maximum of six million pounds.

If there were any more, Ferguson would not recommend continuing the trades.

Because of the excessive transfer fee, Ashley Young's personal treatment was affected, and Manchester United offered him only the lowest salary level in the team.

Ashley Young had no objection.

He believes that with his amazing performances and outstanding play at Manchester United, a pay rise is just a natural consequence.

But in the eleventh minute of the match, everything changed!
"GOAL! Beautiful goal! Lu Kai's pass was brilliant! That through ball found Ashley Young cutting into the penalty area."

"Ashley Young delivers another aerial, low-slung slash..."

The commentator's voice abruptly stopped!

As Ashley Young volleyed the ball, Blackpool center-back Marshall launched a flying tackle at him.

The flying tackle was fine, the problem was that he used a scissor kick!
It's perfectly reasonable for Ashley Young to lift his left foot to kick (block) his right foot, which was shooting from above.

But it was unusual that his right foot kicked Ashley Young's supporting left foot without bending or dissipating the force.

The moment the football flew out.

Marshall's foot also made a hard landing on Ashley Young's left calf.

Ashley Young's calf underwent exaggerated deformation, and he instantly collapsed to the ground.

No pain!

Ashley Young breathed a sigh of relief and instinctively tried to stand up, but instead fell down.

He looked down and saw that his left leg was twisted into a Z-shape!

???

"what!!!"

Ashley Young screamed in despair, and then the excruciating pain began!

Just like Livingston five years later!
The scene was extremely gruesome!

The broadcast immediately switched the camera to other players from both sides.

This is because such footage is not allowed to be broadcast on major platforms.

Both teams panicked.

The fans dared not breathe.

A low-pressure system enveloped the entire land, like the calm before a storm, until…

A green beast charged toward Marshall, who was quietly moving away from the crowd and whose eyes were darting around in a panic.

boom!
Marshall was thrown into the air as if he had been hit by a truck, and rolled several times on the ground after landing.

"Stop him!"

Alfred shouted anxiously from the sidelines.

The Dartford players then realized that it was Lu Kai who had made the move!

Barton, Duff, Eastwood, Kevin, and others rushed over immediately and stopped Lu Kai from continuing to beat Marshall.

Tear!

Jersey ripped!

It was clear that Lu Kai was about to escape.

Helpless, Duff tackled Lu Kai to the ground.

The others then joined forces to hold Lu Kai down.

Barton was terrified as he watched Lu Kai struggle.

He had never seen Lu Kai like this before.

Although Lu Kai always takes the lead in conflicts, it's done with skill.

Have you ever watched Hong Kong movies?
The leader always stands at the forefront, exchanging harsh words with the other side—he's incredibly cool.

Then came the shout, "Get them!"
The brothers rushed up.

The eldest brother quietly withdrew from the scene.

After the chaotic fight, the boss's suit jacket remained perfectly intact.

This is Lu Kai.

But today...

Even Alfred was a little unsure about Lu Kai's reaction.

Is this a sign of heartache over the £6 million transfer fee, or is it a case of the dragon having its own scales, ready to be provoked?

Only Jiang Mengyun could confirm it.

It's the latter.

Don't be fooled by Lu Kai's frequent exploitation of Ashley Young; it's all in jest. Lu Kai genuinely cares about Ashley Young's health and development.

He and Ashley Young really hit it off.

No reason.

Perhaps it was just because of their conversation when they first met.

"You want me to join you in achieving great revenge against Arsenal and Manchester United?"

"Oh! Buy! Awkward!"

"I do, of course I do!"

"It doesn't get any cooler than this!"

"Fuck Watford, fuck Lens!"

Ashley Young's voice gradually merged with Lu Kai's roar:

"Let me go! I'll fucking kill him!"

"He didn't even pull his foot back! He was after the cripple!"

"Fuck you!"

"They had a similar incident in their promotion playoffs last year, this is definitely not a coincidence!"

"It's done! Make them all red bean paste!"

Good guy.

An Qi came over and had to cover Lu Kai's mouth.

The on-field conflict ultimately did not escalate into a full-blown confrontation because the scene was too bloody. Several Blackpool players knew what they were supposed to do today, but none of them expected it to be this brutal.

That's ruthless.

Lu Kai's prediction was actually correct; Blackpool is one of the teams in England with the worst hooliganism problem.

The first death in football history caused by stadium violence occurred in their stands.

Last year, their promotion playoffs saw two consecutive matches marred by serious hooligan riots.

In the second match, even riot control troops were deployed so that the game could proceed in full.

There is more than one team like this in England.

This is Dartford's first encounter with this opponent, but it won't be their last.

The referee hesitated repeatedly, not because he was hesitant about Marshall's red card, but because he was hesitant about Lu Kai.

He ultimately showed Lu Kai a yellow card.

The reason given was that there was no physical assault, only a collision, and that Dartford's team handled the incident proactively.

Blackpool's foul was of such a serious nature and had such severe consequences that it's understandable that they reacted strongly.

Blackpool didn't even surround the referee to make him give Lu Kai a red card.

This shows that their regular players also understand.

When it comes to playing football, who wants to play like Ashley Young?

That twisted left leg, will it make walking a problem in the future?

In the stands, Manchester United's transfer director sighed and left the stadium.

This match has lost its meaning for Manchester United.

The Emperor Star Has Fallen!

Transaction cancelled!

Scouts from other major teams started making phone calls.

Newcastle lights out.

Chelsea lights out.

Blackburn lights out.

Liverpool lights out.

Knock knock knock... All the "female guests" left the venue.

Some felt regret, some felt fortunate, and some were numb.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has always been an opponent of bad behavior on the pitch. He expressed his regret over Ashley Young's fate and lamented that they almost signed the talented young player!
(End of this chapter)