**Title: Jackpot**
To say that New Manchester United's current lineup is invaluable is an understatement, but the most valuable player is undoubtedly Jonathan Matten. The former National League striker scored 53 goals for New Manchester United in the past season, setting a tenth league goal record.
According to external evaluations, Jonathan Matten's worth is around £50,000, the highest in the team.
However, in Levi's mind, the most valuable player at New Manchester United is Evra. This future world-class left-back is priceless. Although the league has not ended, several higher-level teams have expressed interest in Evra. Levi refused their offers, and Evra repeatedly expressed his desire to stay at New Manchester United.
In fact, New Manchester United's players are not just attractive because of these two players.
David Bell, a forward who was the third choice on the front line last season behind Jonathan and Giggs, also scored 11 goals and had 7 assists in his limited appearances. He performed exceptionally well.
According to Levi's plan, this year, he will transform the team into a professional outfit, and many players, including David Bell, will switch to full-time contracts.
But what was unexpected was that someone had already gotten to David before Levi could.
"Okay, have a good day, David!" Walsh said, hanging up the phone and walking toward the living room with a bit of disappointment.
In addition to his desk, Levi's office, like the European tradition, has a coffee table surrounded by a sofa.
At this point, Bruce and Cassell were sitting on the sofa, along with Levi.
"He still decided to leave?" Levi's tone was stiff.
Just yesterday, David Bell called Walsh suddenly and said he had decided to sign a contract with a Northern Division 1 Premier League team because of the salary offered.
Although Levi responded immediately, promised to sign a full-time contract with David Bell, and had someone draft it right away, it was too late.
"David said he has signed a contract with the other team, and his departure will bring the team £3,000 in transfer income," Walsh said with a wry smile.
"I'd give him £3,000 in a heartbeat; I bought Newton Heath for £3 million!" Levi cursed indignantly.
Although he had already prepared for the players to come and go, he really hated this feeling of being left in the dark, but he couldn't stop it.
"In addition, David also revealed some news," Walsh said, glancing at Levi's expression.
"What?" Levi yelled suddenly.
Although New Manchester United was in the low-level amateur league last year, and even if the players performed well, they might not attract the attention of higher-level professional teams. But what about high-level teams in the amateur league?
"Some teams are in contact with the main players, including Karl Markinson, Stephen Smith, Darren Lyons, and more!"
Levi was a little surprised at first but soon calmed down. "It's okay, Karl, Stephen, and Darren are all full-time players we signed, and they all have contracts for at least three years. As long as we don't agree, no team can take them!"
"Though that's true, it's better to call them and learn about the situation," Cassell reminded.
Levi nodded, stood up, walked to his desk, found Markinson's phone number in the address book, and called.
"Hey, Karl, are you home?" Levi asked with a smile.
"Yes, boss. I'm so sorry, my son is too noisy!" Markinson apologized, then took the child who had just yelled aside, probably out of the room.
"Boss, you called me at this time because a team contacted me?" Markinson was not stupid.
Levi smiled awkwardly, "I know you're on vacation. I didn't want to disturb you, but I still hope to understand your thoughts."
"Boss, I'm almost 29 years old. I've been in the National League for a long time. No big team will look at me. If I go to other amateur teams, I'd prefer to stay at New Manchester United. At least I am very happy here."
"I'm glad to hear you say that, Karl. You know you are our core player and the first full-time player in our club. You are important to us."
"Thank you, boss. Rest assured, I won't go!" Markinson said with a smile.
After putting down the phone, Levi turned and smiled at Bruce and the others, who immediately felt relieved.
Karl Markinson's ability is also good in the amateur league, and at the age of 28, he is in his golden age. He is one of New Manchester United's most important players.
Of course, he is not indispensable because, in Levi's team-building philosophy, no one is indispensable!
In this regard, Levi aligns with Bruce and Cassell's philosophy.
In addition to Karl Markinson, Levi called Stephen Smith and Gary Turner, both of whom assured Levi that despite being invited to higher-level teams, they still chose to stay with New Manchester United.
Of course, Levi has also shown his sincerity. He will raise the salary of several players according to the team's situation, which is regarded as a reward for the team's promotion.
However, despite Levi's quick response, some players still chose to leave. The biggest loss was undoubtedly New Manchester United's leading shooter, Rodriguez Giggs.
This outstanding speed shooter with a certain technical skill is the second shooter in the New Manchester United team. In the case that Jonathan could not be removed, they chose Rodriguez Giggs and offered a price of £35,000. The latter returned to Manchester in person and talked to Levi. It was clear that he had no intention of growing with New Manchester United; he was more willing to go to a higher-level league to prove himself.
Seeing Rodriguez Giggs's determination to leave, Levi did not do more to retain him because, apart from being able to raise his wages, what else could he offer?
The salary system of each club is hierarchical. Just like Evra, although Levi likes him very much, he cannot give him the team's highest salary, as that belongs to Jonathan Matten.
Even now, Evra is still receiving only the third-class salary of the team. Levi is preparing to raise it, but only to the second class. After all, Evra is not yet a core player, and a too-high salary will inevitably cause players to criticize.
With no way to pay more, Levi felt he had hardly left any excuse for Rodriguez Giggs because the so-called future, goals, and grand causes are all illusory. Only the money in hand is real.
Obviously, Rodriguez Giggs understood this too, and he did not forget to bid farewell to the coaching staff, such as Bruce and Cassell, before leaving.
"Steve, it looks like we have to find another striker this season!"
As soon as Bruce entered the office, Levi smiled bitterly.
From Giggs' farewell, Bruce had already gotten the answer, so he could only accompany Levi with a bitter smile.
"What can we do? The amateur league has always been difficult to retain players. Free transfers abound, and at least we can recover some transfer fees."
Levi suddenly understood a little why Bruce didn't want to stay in the club for a long time. The players were too mobile. Even if you won the championship, could you keep the players?
The tenth-level league champion still has nine levels above. Hundreds of clubs can easily attract your players with higher positions. Can such a club provide any sense of security?
"I previously discussed with Andy if I could hold another trial in July and pick some players to fill the team," Bruce said, sitting down opposite Levi.
"All the transfer fees from Rodry's transfer can be bought out. You can pick and see which player can satisfy you and is willing to come to our team. I will satisfy you!" Levi now just wanted to keep Bruce.
Players can come and go, but a good head coach is hard to find, especially for low-level teams like New Manchester United.
"With your support, our strength next season will not drop!" Bruce smiled confidently.
"My goal is to win the Northwest Division A title next year and win the Challenger Cup at the same time!" Levi responded with a smile.
Bruce nodded sympathetically. Winning the double title for two consecutive years would showcase his coaching level.
"You are all too bad!" Walsh's voice appeared outside the office.
Then they saw Walsh, who had gotten a bit more blessed, at the door of the office, shaking a fax in his hand.
"Guys, do you know what this is?" Walsh teased.
But it wasn't hard to see from his expression that he was very excited.
"Who knows what the hell it is!" Levi replied with a smile.
Walsh came over, and Bruce tried to reach out for the fax, but Walsh avoided it.
"Hey, I tell you, if you see this fax, it will absolutely scare you."
"Really? Let's hear it!" Bruce didn't believe it either.
Walsh waited for a moment, then found a chair for himself, and said dramatically, "Do you know how many guaranteed places there are this year in the National League?"
"Didn't you say three?" Bruce said.
"It was published in the newspaper long ago!" Levi answered.
Walsh chuckled, "Yes, but do you know how many teams are on the shortlist?"
As soon as he said this, Levi and Bruce suddenly sensed something unusual.
Could it be...is there really a pie in the sky?
Levi almost jumped up. Walsh caught off guard and grabbed the fax in his hand, scanning the list of clubs on the fax paper at a glance. Twenty clubs were competing for three places, and the name of New Manchester United was among them.
"Steve...I think we should consider buying a lottery ticket and winning the jackpot!" Levi said with surprise.