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Chapter 226: indispensable things in life

Most Chelsea fans had already left the stands, while the sound of The Lions' supporters singing echoed throughout Wembley, celebrating their incredible achievement.

Aldrich made his way onto the pitch and embraced each player in turn.

Perhaps it was the excitement they had felt just two days prior in the Netherlands, having just claimed the championship. Today, however, the players appeared more composed, quickly returning to normal after the victory, smiling and celebrating together as they acknowledged the fans in the stands.

Chelsea players sat scattered and dejected on the ground, gazing solemnly at their rivals.

The award ceremony commenced shortly after, with Chelsea's players forming a line to watch as the Millwall team ascended to the royal box, eager to claim their trophies. Aldrich lingered at the back, high-fiving fans lining the tunnel and soaking in the cheers.

Wiseman held Aldridge's hand and said with a smile on his face: "I didn't expect to see you here after a year! Hahaha."

Aldridge smiled and teased: "Are you starting to get tired of me?"

Wiseman leaned in closer and whispered, "Millwall has been fantastic. Your contribution to English football this year is significant. Keep it up next season, Aldrich; I really like your team."

His heartfelt declaration came from a place of sincerity.

Millwall's use of Wembley Stadium brought in revenue for the FA, and their impressive performance in European competition added to England's prestige. With UEFA now implementing a points system for European competitions, Millwall's competitiveness would increasingly be tied to their status in the Premier League.

Seizing the moment, the two engaged in a lengthy conversation.

Amid praises, Wiseman expressed his hope, "Millwall's youth training is outstanding—could we see more English players developed in the future?"

In just three years, Aldrich had transformed Millwall from a lower-tier team into Premier League champions. His coaching prowess was no longer merely about winning a few games; he had a record of honor to prove it. Apart from their first year in League One, they had secured five significant trophies over the next two years, an achievement many coaches could only dream of.

However, Millwall's neglect of homegrown talent had also drawn criticism.

The ratio of English players in the first team was appallingly low. Apart from Gareth Southgate, who was a staple starter, other players like Phillips, Lampard, Ferdinand, and Mills had no guaranteed starting positions. A player named Richards had also stepped away from his playing role.

Aldridge faces his own difficulties. Attracting high-quality English players has been very difficult over the past two years due to the Bosman Act. They now have the ability to attract domestic stars, but financial pressures and competition for starting spots have recently deterred him from seeking out established stars.

"Millwall's youth training is still developing, and cultivating English players is one of our goals. Soon, we will have more talented British players." Aldridge said diplomatically to Wiseman. His answer is not entirely official, after all Ashley Cole and his brother in the youth team have become key to Millwall's future plans.

While speaking in front of FA officials, Aldrich didn't see any issue with saying things that pleased them. Wiseman seemed delighted and then went on to present the awards.

Southgate called over Larsson, smiling, "Come on, lift the trophy!"

As the team's third captain, Larsson was certainly eligible to lift it. In the penultimate league match, Nedved had held the trophy. In the Netherlands, it had been Southgate, and for the grand finale, this honor was rightfully bestowed upon Larsson, the team's top scorer with 52 goals this season.

Although he scored a lot of goals, he only accounted for 30% of the team's total goals throughout the season. Millwall's offensive strength in all competitions this year has been fully utilized, which is largely due to their perfect offensive system. The retreat in the playmaking zone combined with the sharp running of the wingers made their offense almost impossible to defend. Nedvěd has also had a number of assists and goals this season, while the front three have scored a combined 97 goals in all competitions. Coupled with goals from other players, Millwall's dazzling attack captivated the English team and won them recognition across Europe!

As Larsson took the trophy from Wiseman, his eyes welled up with tears. He glanced at Nedved on his left, then looked to Southgate on his right, scanning each teammate until his gaze landed on Aldrich at the far left, who met him with a charming smile and encouraging eyes.

Larsson knew how much his teammates had contributed to his success toward the end of the season; without them, he wouldn't have scored so many goals.

"Guys, thank you! Thank you! Millwall, we're champions!"

With a thunderous roar, Larsson lifted the FA Cup trophy high, prompting the entire Millwall team to raise their fists and shout at the sky.

"We're champions! Treble winners!"

After the trophy lift, the players moved down from the podium while Aldrich lingered at the back. The camera followed him as he walked down the tunnel, where Melanie waved her arms excitedly.

"Aldrich! Aldrich!"

Turning around, Aldrich saw Melanie standing beside Victoria and Beckham. He quickly embraced Melanie, sharing a passionate kiss.

The first treble winners in English history—a full season of effort was not in vain, and the joy of harvesting their rewards overwhelmed him.

This was undoubtedly a defining season for him!

Yet football is an ever-pressing sport; he knew he couldn't grow complacent or stop pursuing victory. He couldn't rest on his laurels, but at that moment, he deserved to take a breather and relish it!

As the celebration stage was being set up, the players returned to the locker room to change.

For today, they had prepared special commemorative shirts for their triumph.

As Aldrich left the pitch, the families and girlfriends of players gathered on the field, with a few young children standing on the pitch in mini versions of their fathers' jerseys. Aldrich's expression softened, lost in the moment.

Over 35,000 fans filled the stands, all die-hard supporters of The Lions, eager to witness the celebrations that would soon follow.

"Aldrich! Aldrich! Aldrich!"

A deafening cheer erupted throughout Wembley as fans tirelessly chanted Aldrich's name, expressing their deep admiration and affection for him.

Aldrich raised his hands overhead in appreciation and walked back into the players' tunnel.

Club CEO Adam Jean and Yvonne Lowell entered the field, each holding a trophy.

A simple stage had been erected, and Adam arranged the three trophies side by side on the grass.

In the center stood the Premier League trophy, flanked by the FA Cup and the European Winners' Cup.

Dressed in a stunning white outfit, Yvonne looked elegant and poised, resembling a professional woman in her tailored suit and pencil skirt.

The fans were already familiar with her presence. Once a key member of the fan organization, she had been seen in the stands for every Millwall home game this season, sitting next to Puskas and Arthur, which significantly increased her visibility. She had become the "stand goddess" of Millwall and more recently began working in the club's administration while also serving as a host for Millwall TV. Her voice and on-screen presence in official highlight reels had garnered her a fair bit of recognition.

Now, she took the microphone and stood on the stage, enthusiastically asking the crowd, "Have you enjoyed this season?"

"Of course!"

Laughter erupted among the fans after their loud response.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the winners of the FA Cup, the European Winners' Cup, and the Premier League Champion! The captain of Millwall, Gareth Southgate!"

A thunderous applause and cheers erupted as Southgate emerged first from the players' tunnel, wearing the championship commemorative shirt. On either side of the red carpet stood the families of players, with Southgate's wife holding onto their child, tears of joy streaming down her face.

Outsiders could hardly understand how difficult their lives had been over the past year—not materially, but rather due to the mental pressure. They endured criticism and threats from extreme fans, which left them feeling almost devoid of safety.

Southgate embraced his wife and child, gently kissing their faces before straightening up and waving to the fans in the stands.

"Pavel Nedved!"

Yvonne called out the second player with great enthusiasm.

Nedved entered next, beaming with a captivating smile that won the hearts of countless young admirers, who were enchanted by his indomitable will displayed on the pitch.

...

As the entire first team joined Ronaldinho on stage, they stood in two rows, laughing together. The design on their championship commemorative shirts was particularly eye-catching.

The front featured the blue lion from the Millwall crest, with the image of the three trophies underneath, and the year "1996-1997" displayed at the bottom.

This shirt was one they'd treasure.

"Lastly, who's missing? Let's join in together! Three, two, one!"

The entire crowd roared, "Aldrich Hall!"

Aldrich, still suited up, stepped forward to the front of the stage, his signature smile radiating as he received the microphone from Yvonne.

The audience fell silent, eager to hear what he had to say.

"Ahem. Millwall, champions! Millwall, champions."

Aldrich repeated the phrase twice for himself before suddenly raising his voice, shouting, "Millwall!"

He extended the microphone toward the stands, and the sound of a single voice filled the sky of Wembley.

"Champions!"

"Millwall?"

"Champions!"

...

Aldrich called out the phrase five times before the cheers finally waned.

The fans were elated.

Aldrich paused for twenty seconds, and then, speaking into the microphone with a calm demeanor, said, "Honestly, I wasn't a Millwall fan before I turned eighteen."

Everyone in the audience was stunned.

Was this his way of making a shocking confession?

But it felt like he was digging his own grave!

Anxiety bubbled up among the fans; did that sound like a goodbye speech?

Aldrich continued, "Every member of my family is a Millwall fan—my three-year-old nephew loves Millwall as well—but before I turned eighteen, I wasn't one. I feel ashamed of that. Compared to all of you, my contributions to this club seem minuscule. Some say the achievements of Millwall this season have brought all of England's attention to London, and Millwall is now respected by all. More people across England and Europe will begin to like this club. People are starting to talk about my contributions, but I want to tell everyone, I, Aldrich Hall, I'm just a nobody. What is this club's success built on? It's built on them, upon each remarkable player. What makes Millwall great? It's you! In the past, we didn't have trophies to flaunt to other fans, to boast about our glorious history. But Millwall has you, and that's what makes it the greatest! Without you, this club loses its very meaning. You demonstrate what loyalty means and what it means to stick together through thick and thin, to be devoted until the end! As the head coach, I admire you; as the team's manager, I am grateful to you! If you were to ask me now, 'Aldrich, are you a Millwall fan?' My answer is: I'm not! Because Millwall has become the most indispensable and important part of my life! "

After delivering this heartfelt proclamation, Aldrich bowed toward all corners of the stands.

Many fans in the crowd were moved to tears, and vigorous applause resonated throughout.

Indeed, for the club's most loyal supporters, a lifetime dedicated to a single club defined their love, a love expressed in every unwavering presence at games through all sorts of conditions—a testament full of passion and fervor.

As the applause gradually faded, Aldrich calmly remarked, "You've expressed gratitude to each player, but we've left someone out—a former player who has departed. I'd like to thank him: Jaap Stam. Thank you, and I wish you well. I hope you all can remember his contributions to the team over the past three years, and wish him well. Our success is thanks to his efforts; he is a..."

Aldrich faltered as a deafening chorus of boos erupted from the stands.

Stam's transfer has been officially announced, and it will be executed as soon as the transfer window opens.

The fans cannot forgive this traitor, especially for conspiring with Manchester United at such a critical moment in the title race.

"Please, don't be like this. We must look forward. Millwall will move on. I understand how much we love him; that's why we're hurt by his departure. But life must go on, and the team will continue moving forward. We'll rationally accept this and give due respect to those who leave. Regardless, I want to thank him. If anyone here can't accept his departure, then please let it go. Whatever happens, we will embrace the future confidently, so what we should be looking forward to is tomorrow. I can't wait for the new season to begin, and for other teams to witness Millwall's strength. How about you?"

The crowd channeled their anger about Stam's exit toward a more constructive outlet.

Had it not been for some irrational behavior from certain fans post-transfer announcement, Aldrich might not have needed to say these things today.

"While I'm eager for the new season to start, the players have fought hard for ten months, and it's time for them to rest. Here's a promise: in the new season, we'll continue together, witnessing Millwall's future!"

Aldrich's statement sparked another wave of applause. Fireworks erupted as the entire team jumped and shouted "Champions!" on stage.

They began to pose for pictures on the pitch, each player taking turns in front of the three trophies. Larsson proudly displayed his Premier League Golden Boot, while others showcased their respective awards—like Pirlo winning the Rookie of the Year, edging out Beckham.

This was a season of bounty and a pivotal moment as Millwall surged towards greatness.

In 1997, led by Soros, international financial speculators began sweeping through Southeast Asian countries starting in July, marking the Asian financial crisis as the main theme of the world in the latter half of the year. Countries in Southeast Asia, suffering from financial plundering, rallied to condemn the financial speculators. At the forefront of the list of "economic war criminals" was Soros, with Barnett-Hall prominently included. The Hall family once again achieved capital growth in the international financial market, and Barnett became the youngest billionaire in the UK the following year.

That year, Cantona announced his retirement, the Labour Party gained power under Blair, and fresh economic policies stimulated a robust recovery of the pound, which significantly elevated the economic strength of Premier League teams.

Princess Diana tragically passed away, and Gascoigne fell into a spiral of self-destruction, leaving the UK devoid of its idols. English stars such as Beckham and young coach Aldrich Hall rose to prominence, beginning their ascent to national hero status.

East London, less glamorous than its Northwest counterpart, resembled the rustic heart of a city, yet the blue lion awakened and rapidly grew strong, overturning the Premier League hierarchy, challenging the "Big 5" era. This lion was still not satisfied, gaping its massive jaws in an attempt to seize Europe, with ambitions to wreak havoc across the continent...

Volume Three: Road to Ascendancy - The End.

Volume 4: championship throne.