The British media might be one of the most well-informed organizations in the world; from the Premier League down to regional Leagues, you can always find what you want in the newspapers.
The day after Huang Hao accepted the contract, Cambridge United once again became the subject of media discussion!
"Youth Team Assistant Coach Transforms into Louis's Successor!"
"Unknown Oriental Takes Over Cambridge United!"
"Cambridge United Deep in Financial Crisis! Completely Giving Up!"
News reports about Huang Hao's appointment as Head Coach of Cambridge United quickly spread throughout Cambridge, becoming a laughing stock for local cricket, kayaking, and other clubs during their leisure time.
Amidst overwhelming doubts, Huang Hao officially became the Head Coach of Cambridge United.
There was no press conference, no flashing lights; everything was completely different from the scene Huang Hao had once envisioned.
But then he thought, his current resume was completely unpresentable, so being low-key didn't seem to have any drawbacks.
Huang Hao, having successfully comforted himself, arrived early at the Cambridge United Training Base, located next to Abbey Stadium; he had already worked here for a year, and everything was very familiar.
"Good morning, Huang! Congratulations!"
The gatekeeper Old Jack's blessing was full of sincerity.
Although Old Jack was just a gatekeeper, he had worked at the Cambridge United base for over 30 years, already treating it as his home; in terms of seniority at the club, no one surpassed him.
Unlike the media and most fans, Old Jack had a good impression of this diligent Oriental.
Although he wasn't sure if Huang Hao would lead Cambridge United to success, at present, the team didn't seem to have many other options.
"Thank you, Jack! I wish you happiness every day!"
Huang Hao smiled and nodded, responding to Old Jack before stepping through the gate of the base.
The players had just gathered and were doing warm-up exercises under the guidance of assistant coach Darren; Huang Hao walked over and stood quietly by the side of the field, watching the players running laps, an inevitable hint of nervousness and excitement appearing in his heart.
Soon, the warm-up ended, and the players successively returned to the side of the field, lining up to await their new Head Coach's first address.
Looking at the team, where there were only one or two familiar faces, Huang Hao exhaled softly, trying hard to calm his emotions.
"Ahem, hello everyone, my name is Huang Hao. You can call me Huang, or you can call me Hao; Hao seems a bit easier to pronounce than Huang. Of course, you can also call me Boss."
Huang Hao's somewhat humorous opening remarks made some of the more easily amused players in the team burst into laughter.
"If nothing unexpected happens, this season, I will be your Head Coach. Of course, regarding this matter, my dad is just as surprised as all of you!"
Hearing the laughter, Huang Hao's nervousness also relaxed a lot.
It seemed this meeting was simpler than he had anticipated.
"Although most of you are around my age, or even older, and your football skills are far superior to mine."
Huang Hao scanned the players who would soon fight alongside him and continued:
"However, from today onwards, I am your boss. From now on, please call me Boss."
"You can discuss tactics with me in private, discuss arrangements for you, but on the field, please do as I say. Because I am the Head Coach! Coach!"
Suddenly, Huang Hao's gaze became sharp and resolute.
"Although I'm not sure how far we will go, I will definitely present a completely different Cambridge United to all of you!"
"Our dream is to return to the League!"
After Huang Hao finished speaking, he excitedly raised his fist.
"Heh, why should we believe you? Louis made us a bunch of promises a few days ago, and what happened? He just packed up and left!"
This sudden remark from the crowd made everyone turn their attention to the player who spoke, Biloni Harris, the team's main center forward.
Harris had long been active in lower-tier leagues; this summer, he had just transferred to Cambridge United as a free agent.
Unexpectedly, the newcomer Harris quickly became the leader in the locker room.
After all, most of Cambridge United's players were very young, with very few over 30 years old.
Cambridge United was the 11th team Harris had played for in his career; he was a typical mercenary.
"That's right! I'm even worried I'll be released before I even get to play in the League!"
The team's other center forward, Dave Perrotta, spread his hands in agreement.
Perrotta and Harris were birds of a feather; both had long been involved with various teams in lower-tier Leagues. He had arrived at Cambridge United a year earlier than Harris. In their eyes, only money was the most important thing.
Team glory, player dreams—in their dictionary, they were worthless nonsense.
Because of this, the two kindred spirits regretted not meeting sooner and quickly became close, dominating the Cambridge United locker room.
The team's former Head Coach, Louis, even had to give them some face, discussing on-field tactics and personnel arrangements with them. So, at this moment, they didn't take the young Oriental in front of them seriously.
"Very good, gentlemen, thank you for your frankness. I believe the League table at the end of this season will tell you everything you want to know."
Clearly, Harris and Perrotta didn't care what Huang Hao's answer was; their provocation was more about showing Huang Hao who was the boss here.
"Darren, I think Harris and Perrotta's condition needs to be adjusted properly. Starting today, they will train with the U23!"
During his first official meeting with the players, Huang Hao suddenly made a difficult demand, surprising assistant coach Darren.
Darren quickly leaned towards Huang Hao and whispered, "Uh, Hao, you might not be too familiar with the first team's situation. They are our main strikers..."
"Darren, do I need to personally tell them how to get to the U23 base?! I'd be happy to do so!"
Huang Hao waved his hand at Darren, clearly indicating there was no room for discussion on this matter.
Harris stood frozen, the somewhat mocking smile still on his lips; Huang Hao's assertiveness was indeed a bit unexpected for him.
However, the seasoned Harris quickly composed himself and sneered:
"Woah, woah! Not bad, not bad! Our young boss really has some personality, I like it!"
"But I think you'll soon realize what a foolish decision you just made!"
Harris stared fiercely at Huang Hao, then turned and left with Perrotta, not going to the U23, but directly leaving the base!
"Darren, mark them both absent for a day. Is there anyone else who wants to follow in their footsteps?! If so, please hurry and catch up, otherwise, start your training immediately!"
The powerful aura that Huang Hao suddenly exuded instantly shocked every player present.
But no one continued to follow Harris and Perrotta; everyone turned and ran back to the center of the field, starting their group scrimmage training under Darren's leadership.
This kind of opening, to be honest, was entirely within Huang Hao's plan. For a relegated team, a team deep in a financial black hole, the players' morale was inevitably unsettled.
But he knew very well that he absolutely could not back down at this time. If he chose to retreat now, he would probably lose control of this team on his very first day in charge.
His originally unremarkable resume and his Oriental ethnicity already gave him no advantage in the players' minds; if he lost in terms of aura as well, his coaching time at Cambridge United would probably be numbered.
So, even if he had to disband the first team on the spot and use his familiar U18 players for matches, he would never bow down to them!
Fortunately, after this conflict, the team did not experience much turmoil and continued to carry out its training plan in an orderly manner.
With Harris's precedent, the team was exceptionally calm these past two days, and no one continued to challenge Huang Hao directly.
After all, for players, what matters more are playing opportunities and salary; who the team's Head Coach is sometimes isn't important.
Similarly, Huang Hao, lacking a full understanding of the team, could not make drastic changes to the team in a short period.
Thus, both sides coexisted peacefully, and Huang Hao soon welcomed his first friendly match after taking charge of Cambridge United.
Cambridge in July was somewhat like Huang Hao's hometown; there was no scorching heat and high temperatures, but instead, a hint of coolness in the wind, making it feel very comfortable.
Although it was just a regular warm-up match, over 3,000 fans still flocked to Abbey Stadium, and small vendors selling various team scarves and souvenirs were visible everywhere on the paths around the nearby Priory Park.