In response to New Manchester United's proposal to buy out the District Athletic Stadium and the surrounding land, the Manchester City Government decided to convene a parliamentary consultation. However, the outcome was still unknown for the time being, but Ethan had already asked Walsh to take action.
Although the city council had not even decided when to hold the meeting, Ethan had already asked Walsh to start visiting members of parliament, explaining New Manchester United's determination to run the club properly, the fans' desire for an independent home stadium, and the club's current status in the hearts of Manchester fans.
In his previous life, Ethan had grown up in the countryside and knew very well the importance of building relationships.
While Walsh was busy with social activities, New Manchester United's journey for the new season officially began.
Leek is a small town in Staffordshire, south of Manchester, with a population of less than 20,000. There is hardly any trace of modernity in the town, but the rich ancient English flavor leaves a deep impression.
Leek CSOB is one of two amateur clubs in the town. The other is Leek Town, a club with a long history currently competing in the National League. They are not very strong, and the media speculates their goal this season is to avoid relegation.
Leek CSOB, on the other hand, has been playing in the North West Counties League Division Two for a long time, and their strength is even weaker than Leek Town. The only redeeming feature is that they have the largest stadium in the division, a nameless ground that can hold nearly 3,000 people.
Since Leek is remote, few outsiders visit the town. However, on August 15, a large group of fans from Manchester suddenly arrived to watch the game, causing a great stir.
All the teams in Division Two are amateur clubs, and since the clubs are relatively close to each other, they usually travel on match day. Otherwise, the expenses for hotels and meals would be enough to bankrupt their owners.
New Manchester United's 19 first-team players, plus Ethan and Andy Walsh, along with non-registered players Leo Messi and Curtis Davies, a total of 23 people, boarded a bus provided by a Manchester travel agency and slowly drove into Leek.
Behind the team bus was a row of packed tour buses, all from the same agency.
"I have to say, the owner of this travel agency really knows how to do business," Ethan whispered to Walsh from the front seat.
The bus was silent. The players either closed their eyes to rest or looked out the window. No one was speaking or making noise.
This was a new rule set by Steve Bruce. Once on the bus, no one was allowed to disturb others. Otherwise, regardless of who they were, they would be kicked off.
Another rule was that the bus departed exactly on time. Even being one second late meant you had to travel on your own. If you missed the bus, your starting spot would be given to someone else, and the club would keep a record. More than three times meant a salary deduction, and in serious cases, dismissal.
In addition to these, there were several other strict rules, but Ethan fully supported them.
A team is like an army. Without strict discipline, there can be no fighting strength.
"I heard that to support our activities, the travel agency owner provided the first three away buses for free. Although this will cause them some losses, they'll definitely make a lot of money later," Walsh said with a smile.
Although Manchester City Travel Agency had provided the buses free of charge, all the players had cooperated with them to shoot a large advertising campaign. In return, the agency organized groups of fans for every away match.
There were 22 teams in Division Two, meaning 21 away matches. Although the first few might be losses, the later ones would definitely turn profitable. It was said that many fans had already booked full-season away match packages, including meals, accommodation, tickets, and transport.
Since this was the first away match and New Manchester United's first official game, many fans came to witness the historic moment. Nearly a thousand fans followed the team. Counting those who traveled independently and the locals, the attendance would surely fill Leek CSOB's stadium.
"I heard the English FA also sent someone to watch," Walsh said with a grin.
"Yeah?"
Walsh seemed proud. "Yes, they say this match may set an attendance record for the tenth tier, and they also need to assess whether other stadiums in the division can host us."
"If they can't, doesn't that mean the home team will have to switch grounds?" Ethan smiled proudly.
That's right, any club with such a group of passionate fans had every reason to be proud.
Of course, Ethan also knew that many of these fans came for the unique background of New Manchester United. Whether they could be turned into loyal supporters depended on the club's future operations.
Not long after entering Leek, someone from CSOB came to guide them.
They were clearly shocked by New Manchester United's arrival, especially when they saw the endless stream of fans following behind. It left them embarrassed.
Leek CSOB's stadium was located on a narrow street with no parking nearby. With so many buses and cars squeezing in at once, traffic jams were inevitable.
As a last resort, the local police stepped in, arranging for the buses to park on nearby streets. The players then had to walk more than a kilometer to the ground. Fans driving in had to park even further away.
Fortunately, the match was scheduled for 4:30 in the afternoon, so the fans still had plenty of time to get to the stadium.
"Hey, hello, honest reporter!"
When he arrived, Ethan immediately spotted Scarlett Elan. This beautiful neighbor wore her usual cold expression, especially when she heard Ethan call her "honest."
"You'd better pray your team performs better today," Scarlett warned.
"Really? If performing well can earn your praise, then I'd rather they perform like shit!" Ethan grinned as he walked past.
Messi, who could already speak fluent English, burst out laughing along with Curtis Davies when they heard Ethan's words.
Scarlett was furious. She had never met such a petty man. Wasn't it just an unintentional breach of trust?
But she didn't realize Ethan saw New Manchester United as his own child. He could criticize them himself, but he would never let outsiders do it.
Their spat didn't draw much attention, as the increasing crowd inside the stadium was the real spectacle.
Even the Leek CSOB players felt dispirited when they saw the sea of red in the stands and heard the chants for their opponents. They had never experienced anything like it.
The CSOB ground was so basic that it didn't even have a proper dressing room. Only a small space was available for players to change and discuss tactics.
Steve Bruce stood with a notebook in hand, Walsh by his side, and 19 players gathered around.
New Manchester United's away kit was pure white with green and gold trim. As soon as the kit was released, Scarlett had criticized it in the papers as ugly. But fans strongly disagreed, saying it was stylish and reminded them of Newton Heath.
"I will now announce today's starting lineup," Bruce said sternly, his tone pressing down on the players.
"Goalkeeper: Robert Kane. Left-back: Patrice Evra. Right-back: Kevin Ewen. Centre-backs: Gareth Turner and me. Defensive midfielders: Carl Makinson and Stephen Smith. Left midfielder: Frank Carrack. Right midfielder: Darren Lyons. Forwards: Jonathan Maten and Rhodri Giggs."
"Let me remind you all, today's opponent may not be strong, but this is our club's first official match. I believe everyone understands its significance. We are here because of our love for this club, and at this moment, there is only one thought we should have: to defeat our opponent!"
Bruce's words were passionate. He waved his hand, and ten players followed him out to the pitch.
As the New Manchester United players emerged, the stadium erupted with deafening cheers and applause.
Although it was technically an away match, their fans outnumbered CSOB's many times over. Most were originally Manchester United supporters, so they were skilled at creating an atmosphere. The stadium instantly tilted in New Manchester United's favor.
After the cheers came loud boos as Leek CSOB's players walked out.
Hearing the opposition's fanfare, CSOB's captain turned to his teammates with a wry smile and asked enviously, "Guys, do you think this is still our home ground?"
(To be continued.)