In recent years, Giggs has become a prominent figure in English and European football, renowned for his skillful left-wing play. His exceptional speed and dazzling dribbling abilities have garnered admiration from fans worldwide.
However, Giggs's decision to join an amateur team like New Manchester United came as a surprise to many.
Levi followed Walsh to the training ground and quickly spotted Giggs amidst the bustling crowd.
"How's that? I wasn't lying, it's really Giggs. Just look at his running form!" Walsh exclaimed, pointing out Giggs in the distance with a grin.
Levi couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief. Could their small club truly attract a world-class player like Giggs? Even if he did come, could they afford his hefty salary?
But then, Levi's thoughts turned to another possibility.
"Haha, Andy, are you trying to pull one over on me? That's Rodrigue Giggs, isn't it? Ryan Giggs's brother?" Levi joked, trying to catch Walsh off guard.
"How did you figure that out?" Walsh chuckled, impressed by Levi's knowledge.
"I still remember a news story from two years ago about a Manchester United winger named Giggs who got into legal trouble for smashing his girlfriend's door and window with a hammer. It turned out to be Ryan Giggs's younger brother," Levi recalled.
Walsh shook his head in amazement. "I didn't realize that news was still circulating. Good thing you remembered. If I hadn't seen the information he provided, I might have overlooked it."
Levi smiled, patting Walsh's shoulder. "They say Rodrigue was quite talented when he was younger. But after a car accident, he became a bit temperamental and struggled to find his footing."
"Yeah, according to his resume, he trained with a youth team in a small Scottish club in 1993 but left after a year. It wasn't until 1996 that he found a spot in a Scottish B league team, though he never got a chance to play," Walsh added, providing more context.
Reviewing the data Walsh provided, Levi noted Rodrigue Giggs's versatility—he could play forward, midfield, and left wing, in addition to his usual spot on the right.
"For a small team like ours, having a player who can cover multiple positions is definitely an advantage. Of course, he needs to meet the game's demands," Levi remarked thoughtfully, handing the information back to Walsh.
This statement essentially confirmed Rodrigue Giggs's place in the team. Despite Ryan Giggs's success at Manchester United, he hadn't helped his brother secure a spot, and Rodrigue hadn't had systematic training or competition for two years. Whether he could play effectively for New Manchester United remained uncertain.
The reason why Levi was willing to sign Rodrigue was mainly because he had known about the previous New Manchester United established in 2005. At that time, Rodrigue played a key role in the team and performed admirably, indicating he could still contribute in amateur games.
"Andy, how many players are we aiming to pick this time?" Levi asked, noticing the large number of players on the training field, likely over a hundred, with many appearing to be over twenty.
"Seventeen," Walsh replied. "Mr. Pace said an amateur league team must have that many players, considering the need for substitutes."
"What about contracts?" Levi inquired.
"In that regard, Mr. Pace had his lawyer help us draft part-time contracts. Each selected player will sign one. We're still a small team with limited funds, so we won't be able to compete with the big clubs in terms of salaries," Walsh explained.
As they discussed, Walsh remembered something and chuckled. "Did you hear? Droisten is joining the Northern Premier League this year. Mr. Pace considered signing several players to full-time contracts to expedite our entry into the English National League. But it turns out, the club already has a bunch of veterans. Quite amusing!"
Levi laughed. "Our humor is quite different, isn't it?"
However, Walsh's words reminded Levi of something important.
In England's professional leagues, from the Premier League to the English C, and even in the semi-professional fifth level of the English National League, teams must meet various requirements beyond just performance. This often leads to amusing situations, like when promoted teams fail to meet requirements or relegated teams are unable to stay in their league.
"Levi, I think we should sign some promising players to full-time contracts and have them work for us," Levi suggested, gazing at the dilapidated turf of the Butcher's Knife Stadium. "It's a considerable expense," Walsh noted, surprised by Levi's suggestion.
Indeed, even a club at the lowest level faces significant expenses, from coach and player salaries to training and game costs. Signing players to full-time contracts would entail greater financial responsibility and commitment.
"We'll have to find a way to generate more revenue. Gradual professionalization is inevitable. And we'll need to find a proper training ground," Levi said, feeling a headache coming on.
Renting a training venue and maintaining it, along with covering other expenses, would require a considerable sum.
"But for now, let's take it one step at a time, Levi. We believe in you, and the fans will support us," Walsh reassured Levi, sensing his pressure.
Then, Walsh shared some exciting news. "You know what? We've already had nearly 1,500 fans register as members on the first day alone. And many are eager to attend our first warm-up match!"
Levi couldn't help but feel encouraged by the fans' support. It was a sign that they were on the right track, despite the financial challenges ahead.
However, Levi's excitement was dampened by a sudden realization.
"We still don't have a head coach!" Levi exclaimed, feeling a sense of urgency.
Walsh nodded, acknowledging the problem. With less than two months until the league started, finding a head coach was indeed urgent.
"Who are we going to get?" Walsh asked, echoing Levi's concerns.
Finding a coach for an amateur club in England's lowest league wouldn't be easy. Levi couldn't help but feel frustrated by the daunting task ahead.
"It seems like this problem won't be solved anytime soon. I'll have to think it over. In the meantime, you help with player selection, and I'll go for a walk outside," Levi said, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Walsh understood Levi's predicament and offered his support, reassuring him not to worry too much. Then, they both went back to work, knowing they had their work cut out for them.