Chapter 494: You Are Not Exempt Either

It was the eve of the last match of the 2002-03 Premier League season.

Yet, no one could guess who would emerge victorious.

Manchester United was leading with 80 points from 24 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses, closely followed by Leeds at 79 points.

In third place was Chelsea, owned by Roman.

Chelsea had 69 points, and the teams below them had tightly packed scores, differing by just a point.

Thanks to this, neither the champion nor the Champions League qualifiers had been determined yet this season.

The club requested that I, the owner, personally attend the final match.

I gladly accepted, bringing Myeong-su along for a visit to the UK before heading to the U.S.

Having arrived in London a day early, Myeong-su and I briefly parted ways.

He needed to meet with the UK government.

"Ugh! I wanted to soak in the city's vibe the day before the match too. Damn it…"

I planned to meet Myeong-su again at the stadium tomorrow. As soon as we disembarked from the plane, he sighed in frustration.

Seeing him like that made me chuckle.

"You're just focused on having fun. Get to work! You're representing Korea in a meeting with the government—what's with that face?"

"Kim Mu-hyeok, you bastard. Just saying the right things makes it worse. Fine, I'm going!"

Myeong-su let out an exasperated sigh before disappearing with the embassy staff.

I couldn't help but smirk as I watched the diplomatic car shrink into the distance.

Even though he complained like that, I knew he'd be serious when it counted, so I didn't worry too much.

"Let's get going too."

After seeing off Myeong-su, I headed back to the airport.

I took the private jet again, arriving at Leeds Bradford International Airport.

Aili was there to greet me.

"Long time no see, Aili."

I gave her a light hug.

"James can't make it. He has something important going on in Russia. Sorry about that."

"It's fine. Work is more important. I actually got a call this morning. I thought he called to ask about me, but he just wanted to remind me to take good care of Charlie."

I couldn't help but laugh. Who was looking out for whom?

"Really? James is something else…"

"I know, right? He calls after so long and doesn't even ask about me, just wants to make sure I look after Charlie in Leeds. I wonder if it's okay for me to keep seeing him?"

Aili's sulky expression made me burst out laughing. I couldn't stop until I got a sharp look from her.

"Oh, sorry! James likes you a lot too. It's just that the work he's taking care of in Russia is really urgent, and he couldn't make time."

"I get it, but it's still a bit disappointing. It's the last game, such an important one…"

Understanding something with your head and feeling hurt are two different matters. I could fully grasp her disappointment.

"Once he wraps up this work in Russia, he'll get quite a long vacation. Maybe you can take a trip together then. I'll cover all expenses."

Only then did Aili's face light up as she stepped forward.

"I'll look forward to it! Well, let's get moving for now."

We headed to where the club executives were gathered.

Today was also the day we were to receive a report on the club's overall management status.

As I entered the conference room, everyone stood up.

"Welcome, Charlie."

Ellen, the president, approached me and extended his hand.

I smiled as I took his hand.

"Long time no see, Ellen."

"Indeed. It's been a while. Aren't you being a bit indifferent to the club?"

"I heard that the best club owner is the one who just provides funding and stays out of it. Isn't that right? If the owner meddles in everything, it only complicates matters. You won't find a better owner than me."

My nonchalant reply prompted laughter from everyone in the room.

I approached Coach Hiddink and gave him a brief hug.

"Coach Hiddink, it's good to see you again. I was a bit disappointed I didn't get to greet you properly when you came to Korea. What do you think will happen in tomorrow's match? I'm hoping to see us lift the trophy. But even if not, watching our club grow is pretty exciting too."

"I can't gauge it either. A season ending in such chaos right up to the last match is rare."

"True. The Champions League spots are also up for grabs depending on the result tomorrow."

After exchanging a few words with Hiddink, I took my seat at the table set in the center.

Sitting down, I nodded at the management team, which had completely changed.

I had dismissed the entire old management team and replaced them with people Ellen wanted.

Most were individuals who had guided Leeds during its golden era.

They'd all left when Ellen stepped down, but they returned when he made his comeback.

Unlike the previous management, they genuinely cared about the team Leeds.

"While we review the documents, let's have some other discussions. This feels too stiff. For starters…"

The LK Law Firm lawyers and accounting firm personnel who came with me began reviewing the documents prepared by the club.

Meanwhile, I brought up another topic.

"How's the new stadium construction coming along? I received a general report, but I'd like more details."

Ellen opened his mouth at my question.

"For now, we're using the existing stadium while expanding it. We've finalized the purchase of the land for the new stadium in coordination with Leeds City. We started construction earlier this year. The city is keen on contributing to this stadium project, but we turned it down, as you expressed that you don't want that."

In the UK, football closely intertwines with the municipal authorities.

Leeds United, facing financial struggles, attempted to maintain the club by selling and leasing the stadium, training ground, and clubhouse to Leeds City.

The city authorities had seriously considered that approach.

From the city's perspective, it would be disastrous if Leeds United went under, so they were keen to give support in any way possible.

"Well done. I'm not entirely sure, but I've heard that in the UK, it's common to build and lease stadiums in your hometown."

"Yes. That situation is quite prevalent, especially among teams in the second or third division."

"We have no reason to do that. Who will handle the design and construction?"

"It's been assigned to HOK Sport Venue Event from the U.S."

Ellen replied smoothly, and the thought of a new stadium seemed to make his eyes twinkle with excitement.

"HOK? Isn't that a subsidiary related to the HOK Group from the U.S.?"

"Yes. It's a company recommended by James. As you said, it's a subsidiary of the HOK Group. They have experience constructing stadiums for Premier League clubs. They handle new designs as well as renovations. Initially, we planned to expand and renovate Elland Road, but we decided to build a new stadium instead and continue with them."

If it's a subsidiary of the HOK Group, I can trust them. HOK Group was involved in planning various major sports events, including the 2002 World Cup.

I hadn't kept an eye on things but seeing them take charge so well was satisfying.

I nodded and continued the conversation.

"What's the anticipated construction cost?"

"For now, we're looking at £300 million. It might increase, but at minimum £300 million and a maximum of £500 million, according to the company's estimation."

That was a hefty sum, but it was less than I expected. Were they trying to cut corners?

"I thought you could go up to £1 billion."

"Yes, I know. That's why I'm bringing this up… I think it would be better to use around £500 million for the stadium itself and put the rest towards redeveloping the surrounding area. I wanted to get your opinion first before proceeding with it. Is that alright?"

"Redevelopment?"

"Yes. I want to create spaces for supporters around the stadium. Like building facilities for fans coming from afar, including hotels, and also making a venue where they can enjoy drinks at pubs nearby while watching football on a big screen, even if they can't enter the stadium."

That was quite a good idea. I thought about what could be around that area and asked.

"About the area around the stadium… you said you would build it in the Skelton region on the outskirts of Leeds, right?"

"Yes, that's the originally planned area. We had to scrap that plan due to financial issues with the club, but it has several parks around it, making it even better. Overall, we want to create a space where citizens can relax."

That's not a bad choice. If the club takes care of the area around the stadium, the fans will naturally grow fonder of it.

"But is this feasible within the budget?"

"It might be tight, but we can work with Leeds City on it. That would make it sufficient."

"Is Leeds City authority positive about this?"

"Yes. They've promised to expedite all permits. If we aim to finish the surrounding development by the stadium opening, we need to make decisions now."

In reality, developing the entire surrounding area is no easy task.

The £1 billion I promised would amount to about 1.5 trillion won, much too little for stadium construction and surrounding development.

Ellen said it was possible, but there's a chance it could go over budget. No, it was definitely going to cost more.

"Will £500 million really be enough?"

"We'll make it happen. The city has promised to support us as well."

"But if the city's funds come in, doesn't that pose a problem later? I don't like the idea of the authorities interfering with the club."

With a desire to keep outside influence away, Dream High acquired the club's entire stake.

Thanks to that, we could purchase land for the stadium without any assistance from the city.

"That's not a big problem. We can split the zones where we develop and the areas managed by the city. Personally, I prefer doing it that way; if we have the city's backing, things will proceed faster."

Ellen seemed genuinely considering accepting aid from the city authorities.

When told to utilize a wealthy club owner, I hadn't expected such a broad vision.

Shaking my head, I let out an exaggerated groan.

"Does Ellen prefer a penniless club owner? My back is breaking here."

"Huh? What do you mean…"

Ellen looked startled for the first time.

Seeing Ellen like that made me burst into laughter.

"I can't even joke with you, Ellen. Whatever the budget, go ahead with what you want. If we're going to do this, we might as well go all out. I'll tell James to spend as much as needed, be it £1 billion or £2 billion. Use it as you see fit."

Everyone in the room lit up with excitement.

"Is that really okay? Even if it costs an arm and a leg?"

"As I stated when acquiring the club, money isn't an issue. I will make Leeds the best club in the world. I said that, and Ellen has shown results in just two years. Thus, it's only natural that I support you as the club owner."

"Thank you."

Ellen bowed his head repeatedly.

"Is there anything else? If there's something you want to do, speak up."

Then Ellen began discussing plans for the club's training ground and youth system reform as if he had been waiting for this moment.

It seemed like he had been hesitant to speak out as there was money involved.

I listened to everything and accepted it all without hesitation.

As I made all the approvals, the other executives appeared shocked.

"I trust the executives gathered here. However, if anyone betrays my trust or puts personal greed over the club's interest, I won't forgive you. Not even you, Ellen."

I was warning them that while I would spare no support and grant autonomy, I would hold them accountable.

"I'll hold you legally responsible and make sure you're ostracized from society."

An attorney from LK Law Firm, who had been listening beside us, leaned in and whispered to me.

"That's clean. No issues whatsoever."

I nodded and continued,

"The documents are all good. Thank you all for your hard work. Now, shall we move and enjoy the pre-match festivities?"

Coach Hiddink raised his hand.

"I'll take my leave now. I need to speak with the players. We might not be training for the last match, but mental preparation is a must."

"In that case, let's arrange some time for you after the match, Coach."

Coach Hiddink nodded and exited first, and I celebrated with the club executives in Leeds.

The last season holding the trophy was the 1991-92 season, just before the Premier League was launched.

Since then, Leeds had never gotten close to claiming victory.

The atmosphere in Leeds was truly festive, as they were on the brink of winning after so long.

I joined the tide, sharing many conversations with Ellen and raising our glasses in celebration.

It was a pleasantly memorable night.