World First Church started from the 02 World Cup

Chapter 55 Young Rooney

This was Ye Xian's first formal meeting in Everton since taking office.

However, compared to his "private chat" with Moyes, this formal meeting was essentially just three more people.

Chairman Kenwright, CEO Winters, and Chief Scout Cook.

The topic of this meeting was undoubtedly the details of adjusting the team's roster during the summer transfer window, which is roughly what Ye Xian and Moyes were just discussing.

Tactics are of course the coach's responsibility, but player recruitment inevitably involves financial issues, so the chairman and CEO must also be involved.

Scout reports are absolutely essential!

This chief scout, Cook, is certainly not the future Apple CEO named Tim Cook.

His name is Robbie Cook, and he was brought over from Preston North End by Moyes after he came to Everton. He can be considered one of Moyes's confidants.

In fact, most of the current first-team coaching staff are Moyes's people.

This is also an important reason why Ye Xian wants to get along well with Moyes.

Otherwise, if he were to arrive at Everton alone, he would be busy for a long time just assembling the coaching team, which would be exhausting!

"Ye, what did you talk to David about regarding team building for the new season? You can elaborate here," Kenwright asked.

He now calls Ye Xian "Ye," which shows that he considers him one of his own.

"Okay." Ye Xian first explained the general plan for the lineup and player recruitment, then looked at Moyes:

"Regarding other personnel changes, David has a better understanding of the team's current situation, and I'd like to hear his plans first."

This is also a way of showing respect to the former head coach.

As can be seen from the conversation just now, Moyes has definitely made a lot of preparations for the new season.

We can't let all his careful preparations go to waste!

"Okay, Ye." Moyes nodded and took out a piece of paper.

"First is the list of youth academy players to be promoted. Based on my observations over the past period, these kids can be promoted to the first team in the new season to gain experience."

"Leon Osman, midfielder for the U21 youth team."

"George Pilkington, defender for the U21 youth team."

"There are also three from the U18 youth team. Sean O'Hanlon, a defender."

"Steven Schumacher, midfielder."

"Wayne Rooney, striker..."

At this moment, Ye Xian couldn't help but say, "Rooney? This kid is good. He's strong, fast, has great dribbling and shooting skills, and also has a good ability to drop back and create chances."

Moyes was a little surprised again: "You know him too? He's definitely the best player in our youth team, and I think he's reached Premier League level. My plan is to have him play as a second striker behind Campbell."

"I've heard a little about it," Ye Xian said with a smile. "Since I'm coming to Everton, I still need to do my homework."

In the original timeline, Rooney burst onto the scene this season, becoming Everton's youngest goalscorer at just over 16 years old.

He then gradually rose to prominence and became a legend for Manchester United and England.

Therefore, it can be said that Moyes is very concerned about the development of young players, which is exactly the same as what I am doing.

When Ye Xian said this, all three people except Moyes nodded slightly.

At least for now, Ye Xian seems to be very serious about his work!

Youth academy players don't get much exposure, yet he knows Rooney's characteristics; the research he did must have been far more extensive than he claims...

Moyes continued his report:

"Next is the list of players leaving the team."

"These are mostly players whose contracts have expired, and I don't think they can secure a place in the roster for the new season."

"Of course, the players I just mentioned who were promoted from the youth team can also be added to the loan list if they don't perform well in the preseason."

"Forward Joe Max Moore is preparing to return to the United States to play in Major League Soccer."

"Midfielder Itan Tar, Rayo Vallecano of La Liga wants him."

"Defender Peter Clarke, I'm prepared to loan him to Port Vale in League Two."

"..."

After patiently listening to Moyes finish speaking, Ye Xian asked, "What about Blomqvist? Isn't his contract also expiring this season?"

28-year-old Blomqvist is a Swedish international who won third place with the Swedish national team in the 1994 World Cup.

His professional career is also quite impressive, having played for AC Milan, Parma, Manchester United, and other teams.

However, due to injuries, his performance since joining Everton has been only average.

Moyes glanced up at Kenwright and Winters, then looked at Ye Xian: "We're currently lacking star players, so... we'd like to sign him to a short-term contract; it's still under negotiation."

Ye Xian understood.

This is probably what the higher-ups mean.

After all, besides competition, promotion and marketing are also very important in football.

This is also a problem that Moyes faces as a "coach" rather than a "manager".

In fact, wasn't it the higher-ups who forced Chinese players to come in?

Now that Ye Xian has taken over the teaching position, he's become a useful personal guard in my hands...

"Since his contract has expired, let him transfer as a free agent." Ye Xian waved his hand. "He has too many injuries and won't be able to fit into my tactics for the new season. As for star players, we can find others."

Moyes smiled, while Kenwright and Winters could only nod helplessly.

Moyes continued, "That's pretty much the list of youth academy graduates promoted and those leaving. As for transfer targets, let Cook tell us."

The chief scout is responsible for this aspect of the work.

So Cook picked up a folder on the desktop, cleared his throat, and said:

I won't go into detail about Li Tie and Li Weifeng, who have already been confirmed for loan signings.

"Our attack was terrible last season, mainly because we lacked quality players up front."

"Kevin Campbell's form has declined, Nick Chadwick seems inexperienced, and Radzinski is inconsistent."

"Therefore, our main focus is still on selecting forwards."

"It just so happens that David Ginola has lost the trust of the manager at Aston Villa and is seeking a transfer."

"This French international has played for top teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United. He is incredibly creative, whether playing as a striker or an attacking midfielder. Moreover, his international reputation meets our requirement of having a star player."

"More importantly, his contract expires this season, so we can sign him for free. This will save us a lot of transfer fees..."

Ye Xian gently shook his head.

Ginola, one of the best strikers in the Premier League in this era.

Ye Xian understood why Everton would target him.

From the club's perspective, this is indeed a very good deal.

Experienced national team player, star player, excellent technique, can serve as the attacking core, free transfer...

But Ye Xian didn't want him.

He immediately explained his reasons.

"No, not Ginola."

"First of all, he is already 35 years old this year, his performance has declined rapidly, and he does not fit my idea of ​​building a younger team."

"Secondly, his physical fitness and defense are weaknesses, which cannot support the high-intensity pressing tactics that I will be focusing on in the new season."

"Furthermore, his team discipline was very poor, and he had conflicts with Jacquet and Houllier. Jacquet didn't bring him to the 98 World Cup, also because he was afraid that he would affect team unity."

"Finally... even though he can get a visa-free visa, his salary must be very high, right?"

Cook paused for a moment, then could only reply, "As far as I know, his weekly wage at Villa is around 40,000 pounds."

"What is the weekly salary of our key players?" Ye Xian asked, looking at Moyes.

"They're mostly between a few thousand and ten thousand pounds. The highest-paid player in the team right now is Gravesen, who earns close to twenty thousand pounds," Moyes answered honestly.

"You see, if Ginola comes, it will not only likely affect the implementation of our new tactics, but it will also disrupt our salary balance. So..."

Ye Xian tapped the table lightly, emphasizing his words:

"My decision is clear: absolutely no Ginola!"

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