In the closing segment of the interview, as customary, Huang Jianxiang invited Aldrich to share his insights and suggestions for the development of Chinese football.
Aldrich responded candidly:
"I won't say that the most important factor for the development of football in any country or region is its playing style. Every football philosophy has its own strengths and weaknesses. When you can perfect a style, it becomes powerful. So, there is no definitive blueprint for success in football—no single style or philosophy that guarantees triumph. The principles of football development align with the fundamental rules of human societal advancement: competition mechanisms."
Huang found himself deeply enlightened by the European coach's perspective. After all, the most debated issue in Chinese football's developmental journey has always been about mentorship—choosing the right teacher.
Should they emulate Brazil? Learn from France? Or perhaps follow Italy?
But is the choice of a mentor the real focal point?
"Mr. Hall, could you elaborate further on this?" Huang asked.
Aldrich nodded and explained:
"Take Millwall as an example. Two summers ago in London, 158 young players voluntarily attended trials, hoping to join our club. Last year, that number rose to 223. This summer, it climbed to 379. We are merely one of nearly a hundred clubs in England's fourth-tier league. We're not the only club with a comprehensive youth training system. The 'Class of '92' from Manchester United is world-renowned. They, too, command immense influence and attraction in the Greater Manchester area. Across England, over five thousand young players undergo trials at professional clubs each summer, engaging in a rigorous elimination process. Year after year, this competitive system determines outcomes.
"While it's true that the younger generation in England currently lacks standout talents, a concern for the FA, this issue is relative—compared to the world's top national teams. Here, the Premier League bears some responsibility. The influx of high-caliber foreign players into the Premier League makes it harder for English players to establish themselves in the top league."
Indeed, England's national team appears to be in decline, even earning the nickname "Europe's China" among Chinese fans. But no matter how far England's world ranking falls, it will remain within the broader circle of strong teams. Poor performance in major tournaments has complex causes. Beyond tactics and skills, it is closely tied to the Premier League. As Michel Platini once said, "Even if Pele played in England, you couldn't expect him to shine in tournaments after exhausting his energy on a grueling schedule."
"So, you're saying China should focus on youth football? That's a concept our national leaders introduced long ago—starting football with kids."
"I wouldn't know about that," Aldrich replied. "I only know that talking and doing are two different things. How many kids are playing football at different age levels? How do they play? Are there professional coaches guiding them? Are there fields for training? How many matches do they play weekly?
"Of course, you could argue that many African countries with decent football levels lack these conditions. But the circumstances in Africa differ. Their strategy involves sending talented young players to European professional leagues to develop. Once they've made a name for themselves, they return to represent their home countries. That's why African national leagues are relatively weak, but some national teams are strong.
"I've noticed that China is also actively working to send players abroad, hoping they will improve and contribute to the national team. I don't want to discourage anyone, but as I mentioned earlier, sending players over 25 to Europe means they can only do one thing: prove themselves. Beyond that, it's tough to make significant strides. Experience alone isn't enough without solid technical skills to back it up."
After the interview aired in mainland China, it attracted wide attention from fans. Aldrich and Millwall gained huge popularity in China, and his comments during the interview were even commented on by Milu, the head coach of the Chinese national team.
Later that afternoon, Aldrich boarded a flight back to London.
The Asian tour was undoubtedly a massive success. Besides earning substantial revenues from friendly matches and commercial activities, the club secured 23 commercial contracts.
Market expansion efforts like these yield greater returns the earlier they begin, especially in this era of media explosions.
As Aldrich reflected on the interview during the flight, one topic lingered in his mind: introducing Chinese players to Millwall.
Previously, he had no such notion, primarily due to labor certification regulations and the fact that most prominent Chinese players of that period no longer fit Millwall's recruitment criteria.
It wasn't about them being too old; it was about their development phase. Their technical abilities were already set, making further significant improvement unlikely. Breaking into Millwall's squad was next to impossible. Perhaps they could find opportunities at lower Premier League clubs.
During the interview, the topic turned to young players, and it instantly made him think of someone.
Not the usual overhyped teenage genius the Chinese media loves to boast about, but a Chinese wonderkid who's about to light up next year's U-20 World Cup, already named among the 8 brightest young stars.
Qu Bo.
Participating in the World Youth Championship meant he was young and still had room for development.
Aldrich's interest wasn't purely about competitive considerations; commercial factors also played a role.
During their Asia tour, numerous Chinese sponsors approached Millwall, suggesting the possibility of signing a Chinese player. Some were even willing to pay the transfer fees out of their own pockets.
Imagine the reaction of millions of Chinese football fans if one of their players were included in the starting lineup of Europe's strongest contemporary club. The economic benefits arising from such a scenario would be astronomical.
Of course, Millwall wouldn't directly benefit. After all, less than 1% of Chinese fans might purchase official Millwall jerseys, attend live matches, or consume Millwall's branded merchandise.
However, the attention alone would significantly boost Millwall's brand value, indirectly encouraging other sponsors to invest more, leveraging the increased exposure to promote their brands in the Chinese market.
A few years later, when Manchester United signed Dong Fangzhuo, was he really worth millions of pounds? Not for his athletic value, but his commercial worth was immense.
Upon landing back in London, Aldrich immediately called Adam. He instructed him to coordinate with the transfer department and Chinese sponsors to explore the possibility of signing Qu Bo. Such a transfer wouldn't need secrecy; on the contrary, it required high-profile publicity to create impact.
Meanwhile, Millwall's transfer activity was far from over. The transfers of Joe Hart, Baines, and Johnson had been successfully completed, and the trio had joined Millwall's youth team.
But another transfer caused a massive uproar in English football.
"Millwall, the Robber!"
"The Lions are Looting Everton!"
For the first time, Aldrich erupted in anger over a player issue with Andrew. Storming into Andrew's office, he slammed a newspaper onto the desk and coldly demanded, "Look at the mess you've caused!"
Andrew's secretary, who failed to stop Aldrich, stood nervously by the door. Only after Andrew waved her off did she close the door on her way out.
Andrew picked up the newspaper, glanced at it, and discarded it. The story had already spread across England over the past few days.
The saga involved four parties: Millwall, Everton, a young Wayne Rooney, and Andrew.
Millwall wanted to sign Little Fatty, and when Andrew heard the news, he didn't hesitate—he offered himself as Little Fatty's agent.
The famous Andrew didn't speak in empty platitudes. Instead, he made a clear promise: to help the family escape poverty and own a home of their own, no longer depending on renting from the city.
The Rooney family were loyal Everton fans, but when it comes down to it, everyone wants to live comfortably and provide for their own—that's only natural.
Rooney, under his apprentice contract with Everton, lacked the protection of a professional deal. He wasn't eligible for one due to his age but was seen as a rising star by the club.
Millwall had initially planned to approach the situation carefully. Rooney wouldn't turn 15 until October, giving them ample time to maneuver.
However, the media exposed Andrew's dealings with the Rooney family. Adding fuel to the fire, Rooney was quoted in an interview as saying that Millwall was "a very attractive prospect." This sparked widespread condemnation of Millwall across English football.
Critics accused Millwall of employing unethical tactics to lure Everton's prized asset.
For players aged 16 and above in the UK, their decisions are considered autonomous, and refusing to sign with their current clubs is seen as their right. Should Rooney choose not to sign with Everton upon turning 16 and opt to leave, it would likely result in little more than public criticism.
But Rooney was only 14. Millwall's interest, while legitimate, became a moral issue when combined with Andrew's involvement and Rooney's public comments. Critics painted it as the manipulation of a minor to betray his club.
Rooney's family's deep Everton roots only amplified the controversy.
Managers from Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, and even struggling West Ham united in their condemnation of Millwall, calling on the FA to establish stricter protection mechanisms for young players and to penalize Millwall heavily.
Historically, the FA implemented transfer restrictions for young players roughly a decade later to prevent top clubs from poaching talent from smaller teams.
But Aldrich, acting as the proverbial butterfly, had accelerated the process. Much like Brazil's early introduction of U18 transfer bans to protect domestic interests, England might now be on the brink of similar reforms to safeguard its young talent.
Aldrich didn't care about the policies or rules in this situation. The game was the same for everyone—everyone played by the same set of rules. What mattered to him was the negative impact this scandal could have on the club.
This was a moral condemnation.
And moral condemnation could be harsher than any law. It stripped you of the right to argue your case, leaving you permanently judged and forever a topic of gossip, with no chance of redemption.
For this reason, Aldrich was visibly furious with Andrew, an exceedingly rare occurrence.
Andrew had been a little too smug lately. Bored and restless, he had personally sought out Rooney, only to stir up a hornet's nest. Now, he was lying low in his office, avoiding the countless reporters clamoring for an interview. He knew that no explanation could calm the storm. The best strategy was to wait it out—scandals came and went, and the world outside thrived on fresh gossip every day.
"I'm sorry. All I can say is, I'm sorry," Andrew said, seated behind his desk. His guilt was evident, and he avoided meeting Aldrich's glare.
Aldrich raised a finger toward him but ultimately let out a sigh and said, "Forget it."
What Aldrich really wanted was for Andrew to fight back—to argue or yell. At least then, Aldrich would have an outlet for his frustration. But Andrew's immediate apology defused his anger in an instant.
Andrew tossed Aldrich a cigarette and offered a bitter smile. "I didn't think it through. What's your plan now?"
Lighting the cigarette, Aldrich sighed and smiled wryly. "What else can I do? Pay Everton."