Final Day: Battle of the Great Escape!

"We're going to Rotterdam! We're going to Rotterdam!" 

After the match, all the first-team players linked arms, bouncing around the pitch while repeating the jubilant chant.

After the celebrations, Aldrich made his way to Fernandez, who extended his congratulations and wished Millwall the best of luck for their trip to the Netherlands next month.

Following their last match, they had spoken in private about the possibility of player transfers, and Fernandez had expressed interest in Ronaldinho from the youth ranks, feeling that his Latin style would suit Paris Saint-Germain perfectly, especially considering Raí's advancing age.He hoped that Ronaldinho would rise to the occasion and take on the role of the Brazilian veteran in France.

However.Aldrich firmly declared that Ronaldinho was not for sale; the club had offered him a professional contract on his sixteenth birthday. Today, Fernandez didn't mention the topic again, likely realizing that without reaching the finals, his future at Paris Saint-Germain hinged on whether the last few league matches could turn things around.

While Aldrich let his players celebrate outside, he decided to leave Wembley early.

Last night, Manchester United fought hard at Old Trafford against Borussia Dortmund. Despite relentless efforts and countless shots on goal, they failed to score, and ultimately, Dortmund advanced to the Champions League final.

Ferguson simply stated in the post-match interview that the team lacked luck, then informed Millwall that Stam's transfer could proceed openly.

With only the league left to focus on, Manchester United officially kicked off their transfer campaign. Ferguson needed to motivate the young players, making them aware that next season, the club would be even stronger and they couldn't afford to lose hope.

So today, Stam underwent a medical in Manchester, and after Millwall's match ended that evening, United announced simultaneously that Stam would join them on the very first day of the summer transfer window for a transfer fee of £15 million.

After experiencing his initial anger and disappointment, Aldrich quickly regained his composure.

Ferguson's bold moves were, in fact, positive stimuli for the Red Devils.

Not only had they brought in a top-class center-back, but they'd also directly weakened Millwall, their competitor. The shifting strengths between the two teams meant that spending £15 million served multiple purposes.

Aldrich also needed to uplift his team's morale to counter the impact of Stam's departure, and he believed this could be achieved through performance and contract renewals.

Contract talks were already on the agenda, with preliminary discussions laid out.

Before the final round of matches in the Premier League, Millwall had scored three consecutive victories, greatly boosting team morale. Meanwhile, Larsson netted four goals in three matches, bringing his total league goals to 38.

Since replacing Stam, Elghra has been quite stable, but their strengths and weaknesses are pretty pronounced. Stam is stronger in aerial battles, while Elghra shines with his positional sense. Under Aldrich's tactical approach, Elghra can deliver precise balls from the defense, much like Southgate. That ability to read the game is an essential, This sense of the game is an invisible but vital quality on the pitch.

But against opponents with sharp cross-delivery, both Elghra and Southgate struggled to contain powerful strikers. Luckily, Aldrich had Materazzi and Ferdinand at his disposal, so adjusting the defensive lineup based on opponents was manageable.

**May 9th.**

The day before the Premier League's final match, Aldrich felt relieved that Stam's transfer saga had finally settled. The media hype had died down, and the frenzy was over; Millwall successfully navigated this period of "transfer panic."

Dressed in sportswear, Aldrich appeared at the press conference. He sat down, took a few sips from the water glass on the table, his expression calm and composed.

The room was packed with reporters, many offering their congratulations. Millwall's championship celebration in the Premier League had already taken place after the previous home match, as the FA wouldn't risk holding it after the last match.

Millwall was set to visit West Ham for the final match, and the FA wanted to avoid any potential for riots in that situation.

Given that Millwall still had the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup finals ahead, Aldrich postponed the celebration, planning everything for after the FA Cup final on the 17th. Before that, on the evening of the 15th, they would travel to the Netherlands to compete for the Cup Winners' Cup against Barcelona.

"Will you deploy substitutes in tomorrow's final match?" a reporter asked.

Aldrich rested his chin on his hand, smiling casually. "Yes, everyone knows we have two important finals coming up this week. We've already secured the Premier League title, so I think the fans will understand if we play our substitutes in the last match."

"But it's the East London derby."

"Just because I'm fielding substitutes doesn't mean I'm giving up the game. I believe Millwall's second-string squad is also strong."

"I heard that Redknapp is the only Premier League manager who hasn't congratulated you privately. Is that true?"

Aldrich straightened up, revealing a silent smile. The journalists were eagerly poised, ready to jot down his words.

"Yes, I received congratulations from the managers of all 18 Premier League clubs, except for West Ham's manager. I can understand the reason behind it; we're fierce rivals. That's perfectly normal, but Gullit handled it well. Everyone knows the rivalry between Chelsea and Millwall, yet Gullit graciously congratulated me."

"So you appreciate Gullit's approach, but don't agree with Redknapp's, right?"

Aldrich shrugged. "I can't dictate how others should act, but if West Ham had won the league title, I would congratulate them. It's a matter of respect for the champions and serves as motivation for Millwall. Even if it meant my players lined up to welcome West Ham on the pitch, I wouldn't mind. That would remind them of what the glory of being a champion feels like and boost their drive. Unfortunately, West Ham wouldn't do the same."

Everyone knew Aldrich was speaking lightly, and the journalists exchanged knowing smiles. 

The atmosphere at the press conference remained relaxed when Richard jokingly asked, "When do you think West Ham will win the league title?"

Aldrich pondered for a moment before sighing, "I don't know. Maybe when I go on an expedition to the Arctic and find some penguins, they'll win a title by the time I return to London."

"Mr. Hall, there are no penguins in the Arctic."

"Oh, really? Apologies then, West Ham."

Thompson from The Sun bluntly pointed it out, unaware that Aldrich was merely joking.

Thompson's remark triggered a round of laughter in the room.

...

Aldrich's banter about West Ham quickly spread throughout East London, much to the delight of Millwall's fans and the chagrin of West Ham's supporters.

What's the greatest joy among rivals?

Having the chance to face off in the same league!

What's the most painful thing?

The other side is the champion while you're battling relegation!

For teams in the top half of the Premier League table, the final match had lost its suspense.

Champions: Millwall. 

Runners-up: Manchester United. 

As for who claimed the UEFA Cup spots, that was also settled: Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal.

Chelsea would also qualify for next season's European Cup Winners' Cup by reaching the FA Cup final, no matter the outcome.

Thus, the final match had mostly lost its significance for the top teams.

However, for those battling relegation, the season-ending match to survive was set to be exceptionally fierce!

Nottingham Forest was already relegated.

There are still two spots for relegation, and a whopping six teams could be in jeopardy! This doesn't even include Blackburn, who are in a good position with their superior goal difference. As long as the other teams fighting for survival don't manage to rack up some insane double-digit wins while Blackburn loses big at home, they'll be okay.

Of the six teams, Coventry was at the lowest with 38 points, while Everton had the most with 42 points.

Due to Everton's poor goal differential, if all the other relegation rivals won and they suffered a heavy defeat, relegation could be in the cards.

There weren't any direct matchups among the relegation opponents.

Without a doubt, this season's final match would be a nail-biting survival battle in the Premier League!

It was even more intense than in previous years' championship races, as these relegation teams would be fighting tooth and nail to remain in the Premier League!

The following day, Millwall would head to the north bank of the Thames, visiting Upton Park.

Due to their team's struggles in the relegation battle, West Ham fans focused entirely on supporting their team to stay afloat, leading to decreased intensity in the rivalry outside the match.

Millwall's fans celebrated loudly, chanting as champions, while the Hammers' supporters remained tense and gloomy, worrying in hushed tones while checking the scores of other matches on their headphones.

When Aldrich entered the stadium, it was unusual that he didn't receive any boos from the fans, leaving him somewhat puzzled.

He stood at the sidelines, gazing up at the bright sky, then surveyed the stadium, feeling the heat. He took off his suit jacket and placed it on his seat, looking sharp in his shirt and tie.

Old Ray and his players were delayed, likely engaged in a pre-match talk in the locker room.

Three minutes before kickoff, the players finally emerged from the tunnel. Old Ray, with a serious expression, walked out and caught Aldrich's gaze just as Aldrich looked at him back. Old Ray's reaction nearly made Aldrich burst into laughter.

He seemed like a startled animal, quickly averting his gaze and turning toward the home team's bench.

"Hi, I'm Martin, and sitting next to me is Andy. Today marks the final match of the 1996-1997 Premier League season. All matches will kick off simultaneously, and we're live from Upton Park for the East London derby! Who would have thought that Millwall would win the league title in their second season in the Premier League, while the traditionally dominant West Ham finds themselves in a relegation battle? Yet, Redknapp should be relieved today; at least Millwall clinched the title early, so in the last match, he wouldn't need to field his strongest squad."

"Indeed! Let's take a look at the starting lineups. West Ham has fielded their full strength... while Millwall's lineup consists mainly of substitutes, with only goalkeeper Butt retaining his starting position, likely to keep him match-fit. Defenders: Mills, Materazzi, Ferdinand, Zambrotta. Midfielders: Gattuso, Lampard, Ballack. Forwards: Van Nistelrooy, Tony, Phillips."

Aldrich's choice of attackers today was quite unconventional.

The positioning had Tony and Van Nistelrooy up front, with Phillips tucked behind them.

"We should update our viewers on the current Premier League standings among the bottom seven teams:

Everton: 42 points. 

Southampton: 41 points. 

West Ham: 39 points. 

Middlesbrough: 39 points. 

Sunderland: 39 points. 

Coventry: 38 points. 

Nottingham Forest: 32 points.

Already relegated are Nottingham Forest, while the remaining six clubs still face the threat. Everton is in the safest position; they'll be fine as long as the other teams don't all secure wins and don't win by large margins. Among the other five, only Coventry must win, while the goal differential will be crucial!

After 90 minutes, we'll know who manages to escape and who tumbles into the depths of relegation!"