After the deal with Ridge Rovers FC had been finalized, Ethan sat in his office, the city skyline stretching out behind him as he mulled over the next steps. Taking over a football club wasn’t just about signing documents—it required structure, leadership, and strategy. He had big plans for Ridge Rovers FC, which needed the right people in place.
First, he needed to set up a proper hierarchy for the club. Ethan would assume the role of Chairman—he wanted to oversee the bigger picture and ensure that the club’s future aligned with his broader goals for NovaTech.
But he knew he couldn’t do it alone. The next step was forming a Board of Directors to guide the club’s operations, strategy, and overall vision.
He had a few names in mind already.
David and Jessica were obvious choices. They had both been crucial in building NovaTech, and their business acumen would also be invaluable in guiding the football club. Ethan trusted them implicitly, and their experience in managing projects, marketing, and finance would provide the insight he needed.
Then there was Charles Weston, the manager of Novan Bank. Charles had been an invaluable ally in handling financial matters for NovaTech, and his expertise in managing large-scale investments and budgets would translate well to the football world.
The club had debts to deal with and needed major infrastructure investments. Having someone like Charles on the board would be essential for managing these financial complexities.
But another name made Ethan smile as he thought about it—Jordan, his best friend. He had meant to call Jordan for ages to arrange a summer getaway, but now an even better idea crossed his mind. Why not offer Jordan a role at Ridge Rovers FC?
Jordan was a football maniac, and it wasn’t just about being a fan. He deeply understood the game, both on and off the pitch. Jordan had been obsessed with football for as long as Ethan could remember.
They’d spent countless nights playing Football Manager during school days. Jordan is always tweaking tactics, building squads from scratch, and turning underdog teams into champions.
The best part? Jordan wasn’t just playing the game; he studied it. He knew the trends in football management, the types of players that fit certain systems, and the inner workings of a football club’s structure.
While some might scoff at drawing expertise from a game, Ethan knew better. Football Manager wasn’t just a simulation—it was a tool many real-life managers had admitted to using.
There are countless stories of actual football managers who have been inspired by the game’s detailed scouting systems, youth development strategies, and tactical experiments.
Jordan’s knowledge of players—especially young, unknown talents—could be a huge asset for Ridge Rovers FC. He had an eye for spotting potential and loved experimenting with promising young players and backroom staff.
Ethan could easily cover the cost of getting Jordan the proper coaching, scouting, or management licenses. Besides, it wasn’t just about having a friend on the board but about giving Jordan something meaningful to do. Jordan had always wanted to be involved in football, and now Ethan had the chance to offer him that dream.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Jordan would be a perfect addition to the board, offering insights that few others could provide. He could advise on potential signings, help with scouting, and bring his knowledge of football systems.
However, the rest of the management structure still needed to be filled. Ethan already focused on retaining Harris as the club’s Head Coach and Manager.
Harris had been with Ridge Rovers for a while, and while the team’s performance had been modest, it was clear that Harris had potential. Ethan didn’t want to disrupt the locker room too much, especially not so soon after the takeover.
The Director of Football would need more opinions. This was a crucial role—someone who could bridge the gap between the board and the football. He would ask David, Jessica, and Charles for suggestions and seek Jordan’s input. The Director of Football would need to align with Ethan’s vision for the club while understanding the intricate dynamics of player transfers, contracts, and scouting.
Other positions, such as Finance, HR, and Marketing, could be handled by trusted individuals from Novatech’s existing network. Still, they’d need to be people who can operate within a football club’s unique environment.
And then there was the CEO role. This was perhaps the most critical position after the Chairman. The CEO must handle the day-to-day operations, ensuring that Ridge Rovers FC runs smoothly and profitably. Ethan didn’t have to think too long about who would fill that role—Theodore Graves.
Theodore had decades of experience in football management, and though he had sold the club, his love for Ridge Rovers was still palpable. He knew the club’s inner workings, the people, and the culture. More importantly, Theodore had expressed a desire to stay involved.
Giving him the CEO role would provide continuity and allow Ethan to focus on the bigger picture without worrying about the operational side. Even though Theodore wouldn’t require a salary, as he wanted to see Ridge Rovers succeed, Ethan would still pay him well.
Ethan could feel the pieces falling into place. With the right board and management team, Ridge Rovers could be transformed into something far more competitive than it had been in recent years. The groundwork was being laid, and Ethan was excited about the potential. He had big plans for this club—to survive in the second division and thrive.
He sat back in his chair, mentally noting everything that was needed. His mind briefly wandered to Jordan again, picturing his face when he got the call. It felt right to offer his best friend a chance to be part of something this big.
Ethan picked up his phone and dialed Jordan’s number. After a few rings, Jordan picked up.
“Hey man, what’s up?” Jordan’s voice sounded casual, but his tone had an underlying excitement, as always.
“Hey, Jordan. You free today?” Ethan asked, keeping his voice light but carrying a hint of mystery.
“Uh, yeah, why? You wanna grab lunch or something?”
“Not exactly. I need you to come over to NovaTech,” Ethan replied, a small smile on his lips.
There was a brief pause on the line. “NovaTech? As in the massive tech company everyone’s talking about?”
“Yeah. Just come over and tell the receptionist you’re here to see me. I’ll text you the address,” Ethan said.
Jordan chuckled nervously. “Uh, okay… what’s this all about?”
“You’ll see,” Ethan replied cryptically. “Just get here quickly. I’ll clear my schedule for the afternoon.”
Jordan sounded bewildered but intrigued. “Alright, I’ll be there. This better not be some weird techie prank.”
Ethan laughed. “Trust me, it’s nothing like that.”
After hanging up, Ethan sent Jordan the address and leaned back in his chair. He was excited to see his friend’s reaction, not just to NovaTech’s transformation but also to the fact that he’d soon be part of something much bigger.
Ridge Rovers FC wasn’t just another project; it was the start of something huge, and Jordan was about to be thrown into the heart of it.
Less than an hour later, Jordan arrived at NovaTech’s sleek, towering building. As soon as he walked in, he was greeted by the lobby’s grandeur, complete with polished marble floors and an intricate, modern design that left him wide-eyed.
He approached the receptionist, his sneakers squeaking on the floor, and told her he was there to meet Ethan Cole.
The receptionist smiled politely and called Ethan’s office. Moments later, one of the assistants escorted Jordan up to Ethan’s office, still stunned by everything around him.
The elevator ride felt like something out of a sci-fi movie, with smooth panels and quiet music playing in the background.
He froze when the elevator doors opened, and Jordan entered Ethan’s office. He took in the high-tech surroundings and the expansive city view from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Dude… Chairman’s room?” Jordan muttered as he entered. “What the hell happened to you in just a few weeks?” He asked in shock. He could not believe his eyes.
Ethan grinned as he stood up from his desk, walking over to greet Jordan with a firm handshake and a friendly pat on the back. “A lot’s changed, that’s for sure.”
“No kidding,” Jordan said, looking around in disbelief. “Last time we talked, you were still troubled with paying bills. Now you’ve got this massive office, and NovaTech is blowing up! What did I miss?”
Ethan gestured for Jordan to sit on the sleek leather couch. “It’s a long story in a very short time, but I’ll explain the important parts. Let’s just say things moved a lot faster than I expected.”
As they settled in, Ethan explained his rise within NovaTech and how he had expanded the company’s reach with new projects and acquisitions.
He detailed the BiteWave launch, the apps they were developing, and the company’s incredible growth in such a short amount of time.
Jordan listened attentively, nodding, but he still couldn’t believe what he heard. “This is insane, man. You were always the smartest guy I knew, but this… this is next level.”
Ethan chuckled. “Yeah, it’s been a wild ride. But that’s not why I asked you to come here.”
Jordan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Okay, now I’m curious. What’s this all about?”
Ethan leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. “I just acquired Ridge Rovers FC.”
Jordan blinked, completely taken aback. “Wait, what? Ridge Rovers FC, as in the football club?”
Ethan nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. “Yep. I’m the new owner.”
For a moment, Jordan just stared at him in disbelief. “You… you own a football club now?”
Ethan grinned wider. “Yeah, and I want you to be a part of it.”
Jordan laughed, shaking his head. “No way. You’re messing with me, right?”
“I’m serious,” Ethan replied, pulling out the signed documents from the deal. He slid them across the table toward Jordan. “Take a look.”
Jordan grabbed the papers, his eyes widening as he scanned through the legal jargon. He saw Ethan’s name listed as the owner of Ridge Rovers FC, and his jaw dropped.
“This… this is real?” Jordan asked his voice a mixture of awe and disbelief.
“Very real,” Ethan said, leaning back in his chair. “And I want you to help me run it. You’ve always been a football fanatic and have the knowledge. Why don’t we take that Football Manager’s experience into the real stage? I need someone like you on the board, helping with scouting, advising on signings, and guiding the football side.”
Jordan was speechless for a few moments. He looked up from the documents, staring at Ethan like he had just told him he’d won the lottery. “Are you serious? You want me to be part of the club?”
Ethan nodded. “Absolutely. You know the game better than most, and I trust you. Plus, I can cover the costs of any coaching or management licenses you need. This isn’t just a favor—it’s a real job offer. I want you to be a part of something big.”
Jordan let out a breath, running a hand through his hair as he tried to process everything. “Man, I don’t even know what to say. This is… this is incredible.”
Ethan smiled warmly. “Say yes, Jordan. I could use your help, and I think you’ll enjoy this more than you realize. It’s not just a football club—it will be a legacy.”
Jordan stared at the documents for a moment longer before looking back at Ethan with a grin. “Hell yeah. I’m in.”
Ethan clapped him on the shoulder, feeling a sense of satisfaction as the final piece of his plan fell into place. “Welcome to Ridge Rovers FC, Jordan. Let’s make this club something special.”
The two of them sat back, excitement buzzing as they discussed Ridge Rovers FC’s future, from scouting young talents to building a stronger team. Ethan knew this was just the beginning, but with Jordan on board, he was even more confident they were on the right track.
And now, the real work would begin.
