The Coaching System

June 1st, 2024 –

The summer break had officially begun, and most of the players were scattered across different parts of the world—some were on vacation with their families, some were training on their own, and others were simply enjoying the rare downtime after a long, grueling season.

For them, the work was on pause.

For Jake Wilson? It had only just begun.

He sat alone in his office at the training ground, the blinds half-drawn, allowing a faint beam of sunlight to stretch across his desk. The air was still, the room eerily quiet, save for the sound of his pen tapping rhythmically against the wooden surface.

A full month had passed since that unforgettable night at Wembley—the greatest night in Bradford City's modern history. The celebrations had been wild, the entire city had been swept up in the euphoria of promotion, and for a brief moment, Jake had allowed himself to enjoy it.

But that was over now.

The champagne had dried. The medals had been placed in their cases. The parades were done.

Now? League One was waiting.

Jake leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly, his eyes locked on the squad list pinned to his board. He had built this team from nothing, but that wasn't enough anymore. Some names on that list wouldn't be here next season. Others? They needed to step up.

His gaze drifted to the transfer targets written on a separate sheet—positions that needed strengthening, areas where the squad needed depth.

This wasn't about survival.

He wasn't just happy to be here.

He wanted to win League One.

Then, his watch vibrated.

A sharp buzz against his wrist.

Jake's instincts kicked in immediately.

[Ding! New Features Unlocked]

His eyes narrowed. That was new.

He sat up, gripping the edge of the desk as he opened the system interface.

And what he saw?

It changed everything.

Player Season Analysis –

Jake's eyes locked onto the system interface as a detailed performance report loaded before him. It was a full breakdown of every player's contributions from the past season—statistics, consistency ratings, and development potential.

This was what he had been waiting for.

He scanned the first section.

Top Performers

The players who had carried the team in crucial moments, the ones who had consistently performed at a high level.

Silva – Explosive winger. Key player for League One.

He had terrorized defenses all season with his speed and dribbling. His ability to take on defenders one-on-one had won them crucial matches.

Projected League One Impact: Star Player

Okafor – Big game player. Shot-stopping ability at elite level.

He had single-handedly saved Bradford in multiple matches, including the playoff final, where his last-minute penalty save changed everything.

Projected League One Impact: Solid Starter

Carter – Midfield engine. Created the most chances.

The heartbeat of the team. Carter had dictated the tempo of games, breaking lines with his passing, and covering every blade of grass.

Projected League One Impact: Key Playmaker

Barnes – Strong in the air. Improved leadership qualities.

Not only was he dominant in aerial duels, but he had stepped up as a vocal leader at the back.

Projected League One Impact: Defensive Anchor

Jake leaned back slightly. These were his untouchables. The players he could build around, the ones who could thrive even in League One.

But then—

A new list appeared.

Underperformers

Jake frowned. He had expected some of these names, but seeing them confirmed by the system made it clear. Changes were needed.

Grant – Struggled for consistency. Not at League One level.

Grant had moments of brilliance, but he was too inconsistent to be relied on. One game, he'd control the midfield. The next? He'd vanish.

Decision: Put up for sale.

Collins – Needs a loan for further development.

He was still young and talented, but his lack of physicality had been exposed multiple times. He needed a year elsewhere to toughen up.

Decision: Loan move required.

Benson – Limited impact. Not in future plans.

Benson had been a squad player at best, failing to stake a claim in the first team. With new signings coming in, his time was up.

Decision: Release from the squad.

Jake rubbed his jaw, deep in thought.

Grant would be put up for sale.

Collins would go on loan to gain experience.

Benson? He was leaving.

It was a ruthless decision, but at this level, there was no room for passengers.

Then, another alert flashed.

[Ding! Player Departure Confirmed]

Ortega is returning to Real Madrid.

Jake exhaled slowly, his fingers tapping against the desk.

He had known this was coming.

Ortega had been one of his best players, a deep-lying playmaker who had dictated Bradford's attacks and pulled the strings in midfield.

But his loan deal was over.

Madrid wanted him back.

Jake stared at the squad list in front of him, a gap now glaring in the center of the pitch.

This wasn't just a minor adjustment.

This was a problem.

They had lost their midfield maestro.

And now?

They needed a new one.

Squad Upgrade Recommendations –

The system's analysis continued, now shifting focus to where Bradford needed to improve if they were to compete at the top of League One.

Jake watched as three areas lit up on the screen.

Defensive Stability Needed

A detailed report flashed, breaking down the defensive challenges ahead.

League One strikers were stronger, faster, and far more clinical than what they had faced in League Two.

The system flagged that Min-jae was a solid presence, but he couldn't hold the defense together alone.

Solution: Jake needed a dominant center-back to partner Min-jae, someone who could handle physical battles and organize the backline.

Jake exhaled, rubbing his chin. He had already been considering a leader at the back, but this just confirmed it.

They couldn't afford to leak goals next season.

A commanding center-back was a must.

Midfield Control Must Improve

Jake didn't even need the system to tell him this.

With Ortega gone, there was a massive gap in creativity.

Ortega had been the link between defense and attack, controlling possession, dictating the tempo.

Without him, Carter would be forced deeper, limiting his attacking output.

Solution: The system recommended signing a deep-lying playmaker, someone technically gifted who could control the midfield and keep the game moving.

Jake leaned back in his chair. This signing was crucial.

He couldn't just replace Ortega with anyone—he needed someone with intelligence, composure, and vision to orchestrate their play.

A true midfield general.

Striker Depth Required

A list of attacking stats appeared next.

Jake sighed as he saw Thompson's injury record flashing on the screen.

Thompson had moments of brilliance, but his fitness issues had cost the team points last season.

Beyond him, the system flagged a lack of a consistent finisher—they couldn't afford to rely on one striker.

Solution: Bradford needed a clinical number nine, someone who could guarantee 20+ goals a season.

The difference between mid-table and promotion would come down to who put the ball in the net.

Jake cracked a smirk, leaning forward.

"This is exactly what I needed to see."

The weaknesses had been identified.

Now?

It was time to fix them.

Hidden Gem Finder –

Jake's eyes narrowed as a new scouting feature appeared on the system interface.

[Ding! Hidden Gem Finder Activated]

A detailed explanation followed.

The system could now locate young, unknown players with world-class potential—players that traditional scouting networks might overlook.

Jake's pulse quickened.

This was next level.

He immediately ran a targeted scan, setting the filters for midfielders, center-backs, and strikers—the three areas the squad needed the most.

For a few seconds, the screen remained blank. Then—

Names began to load.

Each one was accompanied by a rating, showing their potential and development projection.

Three Hidden Gems Identified

1. Santiago Vélez (18) – Central Midfielder

Club: Independiente Medellín (Colombia)

Strengths: Vision, passing range, tactical awareness

Potential: Future elite deep-lying playmaker

System Analysis: "Elite composure for his age. Dictates play from deep. Could be the long-term replacement for Ortega."

Jake's eyes lingered on the name.

Vélez was young—raw but incredibly talented. His ability to control the tempo of a game stood out immediately.

If developed properly, he could be the heartbeat of Bradford's midfield for years to come.

2. Marco Bianchi (19) – Center-Back

Club: AS Bari (Italy)

Strengths: Aerial dominance, anticipation, leadership

Potential: Future defensive leader

System Analysis: "Commanding in the air. Reads the game well. Needs development, but has the tools to be a top-level defender."

Jake liked this one.

Bianchi wasn't just a physical presence—he had leadership qualities, something Bradford needed in defense.

If paired with Min-jae, they could form a rock-solid partnership.

3. Leo Rasmussen (17) – Striker

Club: FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)

Strengths: Finishing, movement, acceleration

Potential: 20+ goal-a-season striker

System Analysis: "Deadly inside the box. Quick reactions. Has the instincts of a natural goal-scorer."

Jake leaned forward, his interest fully locked onto Rasmussen's profile.

A clinical finisher at just 17?

If developed right, he could be the solution to Bradford's goal-scoring problem.

Jake didn't hesitate. He immediately pulled out his phone, dialing his head scout, Mark Holloway.

The call barely rang twice before Holloway picked up.

"Boss?"

"I need you to arrange immediate scouting reports on three players," Jake said, standing up, pacing slightly. "I'll send their details now."

"Understood. Who are we looking at?"

"Santiago Vélez from Colombia, Marco Bianchi from Italy, and Leo Rasmussen from Denmark," Jake listed.

There was a brief silence before Holloway responded.

"That's an ambitious list," he admitted. "Young talents like that? If they're as good as you think, bigger clubs might already be looking."

"That's why we move fast," Jake said firmly. "Get me everything—strengths, weaknesses, contract situations. I want full reports as soon as possible."

"You got it."

Jake ended the call, sending over the profiles from the system.

Then, he sat back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the desk.

This was a game-changer.

Bradford wasn't just looking for quick fixes.

They were building for the future.

System Prediction –

A final notification flashed.

[System Prediction: Bradford's Chances in League One]

"If key areas are strengthened, Bradford will be favorites to win the league."

Jake grinned.

That was exactly what he wanted to hear.

Then, another message.

[Ding! New Feature Unlocked – Missions]

Missions?

Jake clicked on it, reading the details.

System Missions:

The system would now give him specific challenges.

Success = Rewards (better scouting, tactical upgrades, player boosts).

Failure = No consequences, but no rewards.

First Mission:

Scout and sign at the three young players with high potential.

Reward: Advanced Tactical Simulations for upcoming opponents.

Jake leaned back, exhaling slowly.

This wasn't just about promotion anymore.

This was about building a dynasty.

He clicked the system off, stood up, and grabbed his scouting reports.

Time to find his next stars.