Football Card System

Luton's historic progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup brought the team's veterans, John and Mayer, to tears.

The players were overjoyed, celebrating the victory with the traveling Luton fans. Captain Kevin Keane even took off his shirt and tossed it into the stands. Amid the cheers, the veteran captain also threw in his shorts, socks, and sneakers, causing an uproar of excitement from the away supporters.

When the players returned to the locker room, all that could be seen was a group of muscular men of various skin tones in mismatched underwear and bare feet.

Gao Bo was equally delighted but did not join the players' celebrations, as he had to attend the post-match press conference. However, his mood took a turn for the worse upon arriving there.

"Mark Hughes said they plan to bring in several players during the winter transfer window, including Adam White. What are your thoughts?" asked a BBC reporter at the press conference. A major outlet like the BBC rarely focused on a small team like Luton.

Gao Bo remained expressionless, staring at the reporter for a moment. He then picked up a bottle of mineral water, unscrewed the cap, took a sip, and cleared his throat.

The reporters in attendance perked up, eagerly preparing to note down any explosive remarks Gao Bo might make about the transfer. The tension was palpable as Gao Bo stood up to respond. The reporter who asked the question looked thrilled, sensing that a headline-worthy outburst might be on the way.

Roy, a reporter for the Hat, specialized in covering Luton news since the paper's audience overlapped with the club's fanbase. Observing Gao Bo's stern expression, she grew concerned. In England, being caught in a media storm rarely bodes well for a team.

Gao Bo surveyed the reporters and cleared his throat again, intensifying the anticipation.

"I'm announcing that the press conference is over!" he declared abruptly.

The stunned reporters could only protest after Gao Bo exited the room. However, Preston's press officer simply shrugged, unable to assist.

"Pfft..."

The sound startled everyone. They turned to see Roy hastily sitting upright, trying to blend in with her fellow journalists.

Even without a statement from Gao Bo, the media wasted no time speculating and analyzing his actions at the press conference.

The day after the game, Gao Bo received an official offer from Manchester City—three million pounds for Adam White. Gao Bo dismissed the offer with a scoff, tossing it aside.

"We don't need to respond!" Gao Bo told his assistants.

As instructed, Luton ignored Manchester City's bid. Though the club received no reply, the media picked up on the story.

"Yes, we've made an offer!" Mark Hughes confirmed at a press conference after Manchester City's 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in their own FA Cup fourth-round match. Despite signing high-profile players like Robinho, Zabaleta, and Kompany in the summer, Manchester City were struggling in the Premier League, sitting 12th with 25 points, far behind league leaders Manchester United.

With little hope in the league, Mark Hughes turned his attention to the FA Cup, determined to deliver a trophy to satisfy the club's wealthy owners. Reports revealed that Hughes had a £100 million budget for the winter transfer window, targeting big names like Kaka, Santa Cruz, Bridge, Bellamy, Toure, Lescott, and Shay Given. Among their targets was Luton's rising star, Adam White.

Gao Bo remained unfazed by the media frenzy or Manchester City's spending power. He convinced club owner David Morton to reject the offer with a simple argument: "Sell Adam now for £3 million, or in two years, his value could increase tenfold." Trusting Gao Bo's expertise, Morton agreed.

Shortly after the FA Cup fifth-round draw, it was revealed that Luton would host Manchester City—a reunion of foes on the field.