The Coaching System-Chapter 145: Hiring & The Final Week of June part 2

The Big Signings

Michael Stone had been working behind the scenes, navigating complex negotiations, scouting reports, and transfer fees. And now, after weeks of persistence, the deals were finally done.

Three players. Three key additions.

Roney Bardghji (FC Copenhagen) – The Swedish wonderkid was officially a Bradford player.

Matthew Cox (Manchester United Academy) – A young goalkeeper to push Okafor.

Reece Holloway (Arsenal Academy) – A promising right-back with a high ceiling.

Each signing required delicate negotiations, flights across Europe, and convincing both players and agents that Bradford was the right destination.

And for Bardghji, it took more than just money—it took a vision.

Copenhagen, Denmark – Securing Roony Bardghji

Michael Stone stepped out of the taxi, adjusting his coat as the brisk Copenhagen air bit at his face. This wasn't just another routine meeting—this was the most ambitious signing in Bradford's history.

£30 million.

For a club that, just a year ago, was playing in League One, spending this kind of money on a single player was unheard of. But for Roony Bardghji, they were making an exception.

Bradford wasn't here to simply survive in the Championship. They were here to dominate. And Bardghji? He was the kind of player who could take them there.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

Stone entered the sleek, modern office of Christian Emile, Bardghji's agent. The man was dressed sharp, his expression unreadable. A negotiator who had already handled deals with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

There was no need for small talk. Emile got straight to the point.

"You're aware he has offers from the top five leagues?"

Stone nodded, keeping his expression neutral. "I wouldn't be here if I thought we had no chance."

Emile leaned back in his chair. "Then convince me. Convince him."

Stone exhaled and leaned forward.

"Roony won't just be another young player at a big club, waiting for his chance," he said, his voice steady. "At Bradford, he will be the face of the team. The leader of an attacking revolution."

Bardghji, who had been sitting quietly beside his agent, finally spoke.

"Every club says that."

Stone smirked. "None of them will build their team around you like we will."

Bardghji's expression didn't change, but Stone could tell he was listening now.

"We're going to the Premier League this season," Stone continued. "You'll be a key part of that. A guaranteed starter."

Emile folded his arms. "Other clubs can pay more."

Stone didn't hesitate. "We're offering £65,000 per week. And when we get to the Premier League, that salary doubles."

Bardghji and Emile exchanged a look. That got their attention.

Stone pressed forward.

"At a big club, he'll be fighting for minutes. Competing with two, maybe three wingers ahead of him. A wonderkid that fans and coaches see as a 'long-term project.'"

He let that sink in before adding, "At Bradford, he'll be starting every game. Scoring goals. Getting assists. Becoming the star."

Bardghji's eyes flickered with interest. This was different.

Emile sat forward now. "Alright. Let's talk details."

Contract Breakdown:Five-year deal (2025-2030)

Salary: £65,000 per week (doubles to £130,000 per week upon Premier League promotion)

£10,000 per goal bonus

£7,500 per assist bonus

£5,000 per team of the week selection

£1 million loyalty bonus upon completion of the contract

Release clause of £100 million (only applicable to clubs in the UEFA Champions League)

Emile studied the offer, running a hand over his jaw. "£100 million release clause? That's a big number."

Stone shrugged. "If a Champions League club really wants him, they'll pay it."

Bardghji tapped his fingers against the table, deep in thought. This was the moment.

Emile turned to him. "Roney?"

Silence.

Then, Bardghji picked up the pen and signed.

Stone smirked, shaking his hand. "Welcome to Bradford."

Bradford City had just landed their biggest signing in history.

Manchester, England – Bringing in Matthew Cox

Michael Stone's next stop was Manchester United's academy. Unlike the Bardghji deal, this wasn't about breaking transfer records or signing a star player. This was about building for the future.

At just 18 years old, Matthew Cox was already one of the most promising young goalkeepers in England. But he wasn't going to get first-team football at United.

Bradford could change that.

Stone arrived at Carrington Training Complex, where he was greeted by United's academy director, Paul McGuinness. They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries before getting down to business.

McGuinness didn't waste time. "So, Bradford's interested in Cox?"

Stone nodded. "We are. We believe he has real potential and want to give him a clear pathway into senior football."

McGuinness leaned back. "You know how this works. United don't let top prospects leave for free."

Stone expected that. "What's your price?"

McGuinness tapped his fingers on the table. "£500,000."

Stone didn't even flinch. "Come on, Paul. He's third-choice at best. We both know United aren't promoting him anytime soon."

McGuinness smirked. "Alright. £250,000."

Stone exhaled, shaking his head. "We're thinking more along the lines of £80,000."

McGuinness chuckled. "That's not even close."

Stone didn't back down. "Cox gets regular game time with us. He develops. If he explodes, we'll insert a sell-on clause. You'll still get a payday later."

McGuinness crossed his arms. "What percentage?"

"20%. Future transfer profits."

A long pause. Then McGuinness nodded. "Fine. £80,000. We'll finalize the paperwork."

The Contract Negotiation

With the transfer fee agreed upon, Stone sat down with Cox's agent, David Turner, and United's youth coach, Michael Carrick.

Turner leaned back. "Matthew is looking for regular football. He won't leave just to sit on the bench."

Stone nodded. "I'll be straight with you. Okafor is our number one. But Cox will be pushing him. Cup games, rotation matches—he'll get minutes. And he'll be working with three top-class goalkeeper coaches."

Cox, sitting beside his agent, finally spoke. "How many games do you expect me to play?"

Stone folded his arms. "FA Cup, EFL Cup, potential European matches, and rotation in the league when needed. You'll be competing, not waiting."

Cox exhaled, nodding. "Alright. And my contract?"

Stone slid the paper across the table.

"Four-year deal. £4,500 per week."

Turner picked it up, reading through the details. "Any performance incentives?"

Stone nodded.

Contract Breakdown:Four-year deal (2025-2029)

Salary: £4,500 per week

£1,000 per clean sheet bonus

£2,500 per FA Cup/EFL Cup win bonus

£1,500 per team of the week selection

£250,000 loyalty bonus upon contract completion

Turner studied the contract for a moment before nodding. "It's fair."

Cox grabbed the pen and signed.

Stone shook his hand. "Welcome to Bradford."

Bradford had just secured their goalkeeper of the future.

London, England – Securing Reece Holloway

The final stop on Michael Stone's transfer mission was London Colney, home to Arsenal's academy. Unlike Bardghji or Cox, this deal wasn't about a marquee signing or a long-term goalkeeper project.

This was about depth.

Bradford needed cover at left-back. Aiden Taylor was the clear starter, but he couldn't play every game. They needed someone young, talented, and willing to compete for minutes.

Reece Holloway fit that profile perfectly.

Stone arrived at the Arsenal academy office, where Eddie Newton, Arsenal's youth development chief, was already waiting.

Newton shook Stone's hand, getting straight to business. "So, you're interested in Holloway?"

Stone nodded. "We are. We see real potential."

Newton sighed. "Arsenal want to keep him. They see him as a future squad player."

Stone leaned forward. "Future? He's 19. How long until he gets first-team minutes? A year? Two? More?"

Newton hesitated. That was the problem. Arsenal had top-tier full-backs ahead of Holloway. He wasn't breaking through anytime soon.

Stone pressed on. "We're offering him first-team opportunities now. Taylor is our starter, but Holloway will get minutes. Cup games. Rotations. He'll actually play."

Newton exhaled. "The club has set his price at £100,000."

Stone smirked. "Fair price. Done."

Newton raised an eyebrow. "No negotiations?"

Stone shrugged. "I know a good deal when I see one."

The transfer was agreed. Now, it was time to convince the player.

Meeting with Reece Holloway & His Agent

Later that evening, Stone met with Marcus Dean, Holloway's agent, at a small café near Arsenal's training ground.

Dean stirred his coffee, speaking first. "Arsenal want to keep him. They see potential."

Stone didn't even blink. "Potential isn't enough. Does he want to be an academy prospect or a first-team player?"

Holloway, sitting beside his agent, shifted in his chair.

"I want to play."

Stone nodded. That was the right answer.

He slid the contract across the table.

"Five-year deal. £6,000 per week. You'll be coming on as a sub for Aiden Taylor and growing into a bigger role. But if you push yourself, you can take the starting spot one day."

Holloway looked at his agent.

Dean exhaled. "Your call, Reece."

Holloway grabbed the pen and signed.

Stone shook his hand. "Welcome to Bradford."

They had their future left-back.

Finalized Transfer Details:Transfer Fee: £100,000

Five-year deal (2025-2030)

Salary: £6,000 per week

£1,500 per clean sheet bonus

£2,000 per assist bonus

£250,000 loyalty bonus upon contract completion

Stone leaned back in his chair, satisfied.

Bradford had just completed three crucial signings. The squad was taking shape.

Finalized SigningsRoony Bardghji – 5-Year Contract (£65,000 per week, £30M transfer fee)

Matthew Cox – 4-Year Contract (£4,500 per week, £80K transfer fee)

Reece Holloway – 5-Year Contract (£6,000 per week, £100K transfer fee)

Michael Stone returned to Bradford with three crucial signings secured.

Bradford City wasn't just preparing for the Championship.

They were building for the Premier League.

The Fan Café Explodes

The moment Bradford officially announced the signings, the Fan Café erupted.

This wasn't just another transfer window.

This was history.

BantamLegend: "WE ACTUALLY GOT BARDGHJI. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?!"

ForeverBantam: "This is our biggest signing ever. We spent £30 MILLION on a player. I still can't believe it."

RealistBantam: "Silva feeding Bardghji? Oh, this is going to be fun."

But not everyone was celebrating.

CityTillIDie: "Great signings, but WHO IS REPLACING NOVAK?!"

WilsonMagic: "We still need a striker. No Novak, no party."

PragmaticBantam: "We've strengthened the wings, midfield, and defense. But if we don't get a goal scorer, what's the point?"

The Press Conference – The Unveiling of Roony Bardghji

The media room at Valley Parade was packed. Journalists from across England—and even Europe—were in attendance.

Bradford had never hosted a press conference like this before.

At the front of the room, under the bright lights, sat Roony Bardghji, wearing his new Bradford City No. 10 shirt.

To his right, Michael Stone.

To his left, Jake Wilson.

As soon as the session started, the first reporter wasted no time.

The Questions Begin

"Jake, this is Bradford's record-breaking transfer. How does it feel to make a statement like this in the market?"

Jake leaned forward slightly. "It means we're serious. We're not here to just survive in the Championship. We're here to compete."

"Roony, you had offers from bigger clubs. Why Bradford?"

Bardghji adjusted the microphone. "Because I didn't want to sit on a bench. Bradford showed me a plan—how I fit into their system, how I'd play every game, how I'd be trusted. That mattered more than anything."

"Jake, £30M is a massive fee for a club that was in League One last season. Does this put extra pressure on you and the squad?"

Jake smirked. "Every game brings pressure. We embrace it."

Then, the real question came.

"How do you replace Lukas Novak?"

The room fell silent.

Jake didn't react immediately. He let the moment sit. Let the question breathe.

Then, finally, he leaned forward slightly, expression unreadable.

"We'll see."

A murmur rippled through the room.

Jake wasn't revealing anything yet.

Bradford had their superstar winger.

Now, they needed a striker.

The Media Reaction – Bradford's Biggest Gamble?

Jake's cryptic response at the press conference dominated the headlines.

The world wanted answers. Who was replacing Novak? What was the plan?

Instead, all they got was "We'll see."

Sky Sports: "Wilson Remains Mysterious on Novak Replacement"

BBC Sport: "Bradford Secure Bardghji, But Is It Enough?"

ESPN: "Wilson: 'We'll See' – A Genius Move or a Risky Gamble?"

Pundits on talk shows debated the situation.

"It's a bold strategy," one analyst said on Sky Sports. "You don't sell your top goal scorer without having a clear plan."

Another countered. "But this is Jake Wilson we're talking about. When has he ever done things the normal way?"

Some called him a genius, a manager with a clear vision. Others saw it as reckless, a gamble that could cost them promotion.

Meanwhile, in the Bradford Fan Café, the discussion was just as heated.

BradfordScout: "I trust Jake, but this silence is killing me."

YoungGaffer10: "We NEED a striker. What's the plan?"

TacticalWizard: "The window isn't closed yet. Maybe something big is coming."

Jake closed his laptop.

The contracts were signed.

The new signings were in.

The foundation was set.

But he wasn't done yet.

Because Bradford City still had one more move to make.

Just as he leaned back in his chair, a familiar sound echoed through the room.

DING!

A window popped up on his screen.

[System Recommendation: Striker to Purchase]

Jake's eyes narrowed.

The decision was coming.