Money Talks, Talent Walks

In the summer of '99, Aldrich's life flowed smoothly, as ordinary as most people's daily routines. 

Each day was spent closely alongside Melanie. They walked and shopped during the day, cooked together at home, while nights were filled with watching movies or Aldrich quietly reading on the balcony as she often dozed off early.

Though this simple existence lacked grand events and romantic flair, it was undeniably the most authentic and peaceful time.

Melanie often sighed in contentment, appreciating how these moments let her feel utterly at ease.

Aldrich just smiled and stayed silent.

As July approached, the transfer market was about to open, and transfer news from various clubs began to buzz.

Millwall's first-team players were allegedly getting linked with top European clubs, but rumors remained just that.

However, various media outlets were pointing towards an unexpected player in the unfolding drama.

Rio Ferdinand!

The club rumored to be interested in him was Leeds United.

At the same time, several players from Millwall were also linked to Leeds.

The young and promising David O'Leary had high expectations upon him, and people were eager to see what he would bring to the next season.

However, Leeds United would need more support; relying solely on O'Leary's current hand, after a successful season, it was evident that without strengthening their squad, they would be targeted by other teams in the upcoming season.

At Leeds United, Kewell used his connections as an Australian international to try to convince Neil, Cahill and Bresciano to join the club.

Lucas Neill, a veteran in the team, had followed Aldrich from the very beginning. His loyalty was unquestionable, and even Kewell's persuasion did not sway him. In fact, with Neill's reputation and achievements in football currently surpassing Kewell's, if the roles were reversed, it might well be Neill who successfully convinced Kewell instead.

However, Cahill and Bresciano seemed tempted. After not even being subbed in at Millwall for two years and being loaned out, they had done well under Moyes, helping the team secure promotion to the lower leagues and keeping them safe in the previous season. Their performances had drawn attention from top English clubs.

Amid the transfer chatter that different media were following at Fleet Street, Ferdinand stood out as Millwall's most high-profile potential departure, with Mills, Duff, and Van der Meyde also rumored to be on Leeds' radar.

But it didn't end there.

Adam informed Aldrich that Leeds United's summer transfer plan aimed to sweep away nearly all top talents under the age of 18 from Millwall's youth squad.

Ridsdale was ambitious, wishing to create a powerful Leeds United. Although he couldn't match Bates's level of investment, he trusted O'Leary and the youth academy's successful model, hoping Leeds could replicate Millwall's meteoric rise.

On July 1st, Aldrich planned to take Melanie for a walk in the park. As he stepped out, he found a luxury car parked at his door. A young stranger approached, handed him a business card, and introduced himself.

He was Ridsdale's assistant, responsible for the summer transfers at Leeds.

Without glancing away, Aldrich casually tossed the card aside, took Melanie's hand, and headed out. As they passed by the astonished young man, he nonchalantly remarked, "If you don't understand the rules of the game, go home and spare yourself the embarrassment."

Melanie stifled a laugh, snuggling next to Aldrich and giving his arm a gentle pinch.

Ridsdale's assistant turned beet red, visibly stung by the humiliation.

O'Leary could come to talk to Aldrich about player transfers personally; that was a conversation between two head coaches.

Ridsdale could also reach out directly. Aldrich would open his office door for both to sit down and talk; that was a normal courtesy between two club owners.

But sending a high-ranking official—neither the head coach nor the owner—to speak business with Aldrich was simply not appropriate. It lacked respect and decorum according to the established order.

He could have come, but should've gone through Adam first. That would have been appropriate and respected Millwall's CEO. Bypassing Adam was a slight to Millwall.

Moratti, in contrast, exemplified proper etiquette. Despite no completed trades between Millwall and Inter Milan, he would never have someone else make a call to Aldrich; they conversed as owners directly, whether or not a deal was in the works. It showed basic respect and helped build friendship, but business remained business.

Two days later, Cahill and Bresciano personally visited Aldrich in Liverpool.

After a two-hour discussion, Aldrich embraced both, bidding them farewell.

Watching them depart in disappointment from the upstairs window, Melanie approached as Aldrich returned. "They seem quite downcast. What did you talk about?"

"I agreed to let them go."

"Wouldn't it have made them happy if you had let them stay?"

"That wouldn't be beneficial for their careers."

Aldrich was also affected by the conversation.

These two wanted to stay at Millwall, but lacked starting positions. At their age, they needed more playtime to improve.

Aldrich suddenly thought of Ferguson and felt that his current emotions were probably akin to Ferguson's feelings when he let Phil Neville go. It was a mix of reluctance and necessity, all done with the players' best interests in mind.

"What are you thinking about?"

Melanie playfully poked his face, attempting to draw a smile.

"I was thinking of Ferguson."

"Oh? Why think of that old man? Aren't you feeling okay? You won the Champions League, and he did too; he got knighted, while you only have a knight's badge."

Aldrich paused, then shook his head and laughed. "It's different, it's not about that."

Ferguson received his knighthood thanks to his championship wins, but it's clear that Aldrich has had greater success with his teams in recent years.

However, the societal impact of Millwall winning the Champions League compared to Manchester United winning the same trophy is completely different. United has been a revered giant in British football since the 1960s, while Millwall is just beginning its ascent.

Millwall winning the Champions League would surprise everyone, and while fans might be thrilled, that's about it.

However, when Manchester United wins the Champions League, how many generations of British Red Devils fans feel a surge of excitement? In terms of local influence, Millwall might have the edge over United in London. But across England, the Red Devils remain the dominant force. Most fans in England are not fair-weather supporters; they won't suddenly abandon their long-held football beliefs just because Millwall has played well for a few years and bagged some trophies. Aldrich sees this clearly; he isn't interested in competing with Manchester United for past glories—his focus is on the future.

Also, the social and political dynamics between London and Manchester played a significant role. The unwavering loyalty to the Queen in Manchester naturally brought royal favor.

Aldrich wasn't troubled by it at all.

Did the great Shankly or the legendary Paisley, who led Liverpool to three Champions League victories, ever get knighted? No. Just an OBE—that's meaningless! What could they do when Liverpool's political stance directly opposed Manchester's? This contradiction sealed their fates.

Manchester United's legacy includes not just Busby, Charlton, and Ferguson receiving knighthoods, but countless players earning various honors. Aldrich's knighted status was hardly unique.

So if you keep dwelling on it, you may feel uncomfortable for the rest of your life. Don't take the monarchy too seriously - it's just a shadow of its former self, akin to "The Emperor's New Clothes".

Two days later, Rio Ferdinand arrived in Liverpool from London.

"Boss, I'll be turning 21 next season, so I really need to see more consistent game time."

"Boss, playing as a substitute and only getting 25 appearances in cup and league matches is just not enough for me."

"Boss…"

Aldrich and Ferdinand stood in the backyard, conversing earnestly.

Throughout their exchange, not a single mention of "money" was made.

Ferdinand was earnest in his expression, appearing entirely focused on convincing Aldrich that he needed to leave for the sake of his career.

But for some reason—perhaps Aldrich's own skepticism—he felt that there was an undercurrent of greed in the air.

Was Ferdinand really not motivated by money?

He didn't even bother to ask if Millwall would give him an opportunity to fight for a starting role in the upcoming season.

It felt to Aldrich as if Ferdinand had already accepted that he would be nothing more than a backup next season, never imagining a scenario where he could win a starting position through his performance.

It was only July 5th.

How could he be so sure Millwall wouldn't sell Materazzi or Southgate over the summer?

If Ferdinand truly wished to stay, he could at least wait a little longer, to see if things might change come August when the season kicked off, and then make a decision.

But perhaps he couldn't wait any longer.

He couldn't resist signing a new contract with Ridsdale that offered him £30,000 a week!

It was nearly double his current wage of £16,000 at Millwall!

Plus, perhaps around £1 million as a signing bonus!

Aldrich didn't give Ferdinand a definitive answer, only telling him he would consider his request and asking him to wait at home for news.

After personally seeing Ferdinand off in a taxi, Aldrich sighed slightly as he turned back home.

He faced a decision; Ferdinand's approach forced him to make a choice soon.

Should he let him go, or forcibly keep him?

Whatever it was, it needed to be decided quickly—if he planned to keep him, it would give Ferdinand time to adjust his mindset.

Ferdinand still had three years left on his contract, but if Aldrich kept him despite his dissatisfaction, Millwall would be at risk of losing that transfer fee within two years.

But could 23-year-old Ferdinand challenge the established O'Leary and Southgate for a starting position?

Only if they suffered significant injuries or left the club would that be feasible.

Ferdinand had already turned down a £20,000-a-week offer, a generous rate for a substitute in the Premier League, far exceeding what 60% of starting players earned.

Yet, he seemed resolute in leaving.

As Aldrich walked back home, he couldn't help but laugh at himself.

The difference between a £20,000 weekly wage and a £30,000 weekly wage adds up to nearly £500,000 a year, plus signing fees...

Honestly, with a contract like that, he had no reason to fault Ferdinand.