Football Card System

Chapter 36: Chapter 36



The match continued, and the replay of Luton's goal was shown on the TV screen.

From another camera angle, Vardy's movement was captured in full detail.

So fast!

Lin Sen couldn't help but praise. Before the cross, Vardy had been outside the penalty area. But as soon as he accelerated, he looked like a cheetah pouncing on its prey, his falcon-like eyes locked on the ball. The defenders seemed completely unaware of his presence.

Lin Sen felt a sudden surge of emotion.

That determination... it's truly enviable.

His eyes fell on a small book lying beside his pillow—a coaching certificate.

It was only a D-level certificate, the most basic qualification, issued by the Chinese Football Association. But for Lin Sen, a football enthusiast, this was just the first step. To eventually earn an A-level certificate and coach a professional team, he would have to pass one exam after another.

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As the game returned to live action, Lin Sen refocused on Luton's performance.

Their relentless high pressing left the opposing team struggling. This style of play was particularly difficult for teams in England's League Two, where tactical sophistication was rare. In these lower leagues, most coaches relied on passion and effort from their players rather than implementing advanced strategies.

England had always lagged behind continental Europe in football tactics, especially below the Premier League. Most lower-league teams were still managed by old-school English coaches whose conservative approaches defined their style.

This season, Gao Bo had yet to face a coach who could devise a strategy to counter Luton's unique system.

The talent pool in League Two was too limited, and Gao Bo knew he had to lead his team to promotion as soon as possible.

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Standing on the sideline, Gao Bo remained focused. This match was a milestone for Luton, and he wasn't willing to leave anything to chance.

In the 32nd minute, Luton scored again.

This time, it was Charlie Austin who found the net with a powerful shot in the penalty area. The ball hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the goal.

Gao Bo threw his arms into the air and shouted in triumph. For him, the game was now under control.

Lin Sen also cheered loudly, clapping for Gao Bo's team. As someone who rarely got emotional while watching football, he couldn't help but applaud the determination and skill on display.

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However, the match wasn't without drama. Near the end of the first half, Port Vale sent a cross into Luton's penalty area, creating chaos. Their forward capitalized on the confusion, scoring from a rebound.

The camera immediately panned to Gao Bo, who was furious. He tore off his suit jacket and threw it to the ground.

"Oh, even Gao Bo, who's usually so composed, is losing his temper! This shows just how much this victory means to Luton. During halftime, the players will probably face his famous 'hairdryer treatment,'" Letkinson said with a chuckle.

Sweat soaked through Gao Bo's white shirt, clinging to his broad shoulders and chest. But the camera focused on his angry expression as he shouted at the pitch:

"George! Did you forget how to play football today?!"

The scolded George Parker didn't dare respond—it was his misjudged header that had allowed the goal.

The first half ended with Luton still leading, but Gao Bo's frustration was evident.

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When the second half began, Luton quickly regained their momentum.

A corner kick led to redemption for George Parker, who made up for his earlier mistake by rising high in the penalty area and heading the ball into the net.

Gao Bo punched the air in celebration, his face still intense.

For him, the result of this match was crucial. Without the 30-point deduction, Luton would have been at the top of the league table by now.

This goal reignited the stadium's energy. The fans roared as Luton pressed on with unrelenting attacks.

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In the 63rd minute, Luton struck again.

Kante intercepted the ball near the penalty area and unleashed a shot that deflected off a defender and into the net.

"GOAL!!! Kante scores!! Luton's king of steals showcases his shooting skills with this long-range effort! The score is now 4-1, and I can officially announce: Luton's points are back to zero!!!" Letkinson shouted.

The stadium erupted in celebration. Fans sang and danced, with some even embracing in tears.

At the end of last season, news of Luton's relegation and subsequent point deduction had devastated the fanbase. Most people believed the team would inevitably drop out of the professional leagues.

But Gao Bo had silenced all doubters in just ten league matches.

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With Luton's current form, their fans dared to dream.

If they continued this winning streak, they could potentially secure promotion. While no one expected them to win every remaining match, their ten-game winning streak had already made history.

"Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Luton secures a spot in the promotion playoffs by the end of the season," Letkinson said, echoing the thoughts of many.

In League Two, Luton seemed like a shark in a small pond—too strong for their competition.

"This team doesn't belong in the second division!" Letkinson declared.

Some fans even speculated that Luton's dominance might extend to higher leagues.

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Luton's style of play was both simple and revolutionary.

They avoided possession-based tactics, instead launching swift, direct attacks that often resulted in shots within a few passes. Their suffocating high press allowed them to regain possession quickly.

While the strategy seemed straightforward, Letkinson understood the discipline required to execute it. Such an approach also demanded exceptional physical fitness, but Luton's players showed no signs of fatigue.

What Letkinson didn't know was that Gao Bo prioritized endurance and mental toughness when selecting his starting lineup. Physical training was a cornerstone of his methods, and he held his players to the highest standards.

This was a team built to dominate—and they were just getting started.


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