Chapter 157: The Athletes

“Mr. Lynch!” After seeing Lynch’s brief surprise at his youth, the newly hired coach quickly approached, firmly grasped Lynch’s extended hand, and shook it enthusiastically twice. “Your youth and achievements make me feel ashamed!”

This coach was skilled with words. Instead of directly praising Lynch, he used self-deprecation to highlight how remarkable it was for Lynch to achieve so much at such a young age.

It was an effective and pleasant way to flatter. Kane glanced at the enthusiastic head coach and recalled the unofficial description of him at the league—a tyrant coach.

But it turned out even tyrants have to bow their heads when needed.

Of course, the coach’s words weren’t pure flattery. Everyone knew running a professional club was expensive. Even without star players—just ordinary ones—it was costly.

Each player’s equipment and supplies alone cost a lot, plus field maintenance and staff salaries. Even with no stars, Lynch faced monthly expenses ranging from tens of thousands.

In the coach’s eyes, Lynch was likely too young for university, yet at this age, managing a professional club with such success was truly respectable, whether because of his background or self-made ability.

“Let me introduce myself. I’m Mordick, but you can call me Mo or Momo.” Mo hid his other nickname—the Tyrant.

Lynch nodded. “Coach Mo…” He glanced at the curious people lining the roadside and asked, “How’s the selection going?”

Mordick nodded with some satisfaction. “We’ve picked a good group of young men. As long as they don’t slack off, they’ll adapt quickly. As for the girls…” He looked at Lynch and the curious Reynolds beside him. “Maybe you, boss, can give me some advice.”

A sly answer. Reynolds immediately looked to Lynch, clearly interested. Lynch didn’t refuse and nodded. He also called the Foxes, asking them to come over.

The Foxes had promised to form a women’s rugby team, so this was a good opportunity to familiarize them with the selection and coaching process.

Soon, a group gathered in the office. After reviewing the women’s selection process, Lynch quickly stopped it.

Mordick had assumed Lynch wanted an excuse to surround himself with pretty girls. He underestimated Lynch’s vision; women’s professional rugby had a different purpose.

Many of the girls trying out were pretty but looked fragile—better suited as decorations. They wouldn’t survive a high-intensity contact sport for a season.

“Boss, are you really planning to let these girls compete on the field?” Mordick asked incredulously, sensing something fierce—maybe even bloodthirsty—in the handsome young man.

He found it hard to imagine a group of pretty girls running and colliding in protective gear. The world had no phrase like losing beauty to describe such a shocking scene, though it was imaginable.

From its inception, this sport never considered including girls.

Even male players often injured themselves—broken ribs or shin bones were common. A simple collision could snap several bones; the girls wouldn’t last.

“Coach Mordick, I must remind you, that’s prejudice against women!” Lynch reproached from a higher ground. “The Women’s Rights Association closely watches female professional sports I promote. They may often come to watch matches and training, so you need to change your mindset.”

Mordick immediately apologized. His humility came partly because the club was still in a trial period. Lynch seemed difficult but hands-off.

Usually, Kane managed daily affairs. Kane was easy to work with, so Mordick believed they could cooperate long-term.

Also, Mordick had left the university with his team. If he clashed with Lynch now, neither he nor his assistant coaches would have anywhere to go soon.

The professional league was ongoing; no mid-season replacements were possible. The university’s new semester was approaching, contracts renewed. No openings would appear. To avoid starving at home for years or annoying his assistants, his best move was to integrate into the club—his original dream.

Lynch waved off Mordick’s excessive caution and spoke of the ideal girls for this sport. “I discussed this with the Women’s Rights Association. Maybe we can hold open tryouts to select suitable girls from this city.”

“Our target group is educated girls with some cultural foundation, healthy, pretty, and cheerful…” He looked at Fox Jr. “Can you draft a proposal? I’ll discuss it with the Association. Targeting female university students would be best.”

Higher-educated girls preferred this and truly sought equal rights. Most came from wealthy families, able to support the women’s rights movement financially if needed.

Giving Fox a direct task was new, but neither Fox nor his father objected. Fox Jr. nodded. “I’ll prepare a plan quickly.”

Fox studied management in university; project planning was easy for him.

After discussing details, Lynch, Kane, and Mordick left, leaving Reynolds with the Foxes to find common topics.

Lynch’s group went to see the selected young men, who would become the club’s core.

The candidates were somewhat intimidated by Mordick’s strict, hands-on interviewing style. Mordick’s method—physically assessing their bodies—felt odd. Even today, gender issues remain sensitive.

This was understandable. The women’s rights movement gained support partly because many religions had female deities with important roles, like goddesses of war.

But those deities had no orientation issues, often fetishized. Society lacked a foundation for such topics.

The young men still shuddered at Mordick’s touch.

These were strong young men with solid muscles. Mordick was excited describing them: “Their bodies and muscle shapes are more well-rounded than those college athletes shaped by rigid training.”

“That means they’re more adaptable. Once they understand and master rugby rules, they’ll quickly be ready to play.”

Standing outside the group, Mordick hesitated, then assured Lynch, “If all goes well, our club will return to the professional stage next year.”

Besides organizing professional leagues, the association ran a relatively professional amateur league. Teams placing in the top three could enter the lowest continental professional league. Mordick thought this was achievable.

Currently, only 22 teams competed in the amateur league, down by about ten from before due to the economic downturn. Many amateur clubs closed, making it easier to rise to the professional league.

Moreover, many amateur teams didn’t aim for professional leagues since it meant higher expenses. Even without raising player salaries, traveling for matches was a financial burden.

After inspecting the young men, Lynch had an idea. “We need at least three complete teams, using internal competition to decide starters. I trust you understand what I mean.”

Mordick nodded, understanding talent reserves—but not fully grasping Lynch’s deeper intent.

Lynch’s goal wasn’t just building reserves. It was to restrain future salary increases. Once some players become indispensable, their pride turns to arrogance, and they demand more than they deserve—like higher pay.

Continuous competition will keep them aware that their jobs and salaries aren’t secure. They aren’t irreplaceable. If they complain, someone will replace them immediately.

Though having many players may increase monthly payroll, it ultimately controls stars’ salary inflation.

It didn’t matter that Mordick didn’t fully understand; he just needed to follow orders.