Football Card System

Gao Bo had no idea that, far away in Shanghai, thousands of miles away, a young man was preparing to embark on a journey to England to chase his dream.

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After the tenth round of the league, the midweek schedule featured an FA Trophy match. The Football League Trophy is a competition for lower-league teams in the English football pyramid. The tournament has had different names depending on sponsorship (e.g., "Johnstone's Paint Trophy") and is also known as the "Associate Members' Cup." However, the distinction between full members and associate members has long since disappeared.

Gao Bo didn't place much emphasis on this match. He fielded a team made up entirely of youth players and did not set any specific expectations for the result, treating the game as a chance for the youngsters to gain experience.

The focus remained firmly on the league campaign.

In this midweek match, Luton faced Brentford, a team from the division above, and ultimately suffered their second loss of the season, falling 2–1. Gao Bo didn't mind the result—he had no intention of overextending his team in cup competitions. The League Two season alone comprised 46 matches, and Luton's squad depth was limited. Although Gao Bo had brought in a few players, there was still a significant gap in quality between Luton's starting eleven and their bench players.

Gao Bo knew it was unrealistic to expect his main squad to go an entire season without injuries, so he managed his key players' game time cautiously.

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Injuries are every coach's nightmare, and Gao Bo encountered this issue during a training session on October 17th. Charlie Austin suddenly sat down clutching his ankle with a pained expression.

Frowning, Gao Bo immediately signaled for the team doctor, Haruko Sakuragi, who rushed onto the pitch to examine the injury.

After an initial diagnosis, the news was grim.

"Charlie has sprained his ankle and will need at least two weeks to recover," Haruko reported.

Gao Bo sighed. Injuries are an inevitable part of football, but they are always unwelcome. He walked over and hugged the visibly frustrated Austin, offering words of encouragement.

For Charlie Austin, the injury was a bitter blow. He had been thrilled to finally play in the professional league, only to find himself sidelined.

Meanwhile, Matt Schmidt saw a glimmer of opportunity.

At the start of the season, Matt had hoped to secure a starting spot in Luton's attack. But Vardy and Charlie Austin had firmly established themselves as the starting duo, leaving Matt as the first-choice substitute. Although he had managed to score four goals in his substitute appearances, opportunities had been scarce due to the team's consistent winning form—after all, a winning lineup is rarely changed.

Matt bore no personal ill will toward Austin, but his injury presented a chance for Matt to step into the starting eleven.

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On October 18th, Luton hosted Accrington Stanley at Worth Field. The most notable change in the lineup was Matt Schmidt partnering with Vardy up front.

Before the match, Gao Bo had to select his lineup enhancements.

After ten league rounds, Gao Bo had leveled up to Level 2, unlocking an additional card slot (now four slots). His current stats were:

Name: Gao Bo

Level: 2 (1500/10,000 XP)

Nationality: Chinese

Date of Birth: August 30, 1981

Occupation: Football Coach

Cards Owned: 12

Special Skill: Wisdom Eye (24-hour cooldown)

Among the cards in his collection, Gao Bo prioritized equipping his highest-level blue card. He also selected three additional cards:

1. [Match Card (Yellow): Increases heading ability by 8%, assigned to one player.

Gao Bo had previously used this card on defenders. However, with the 198 cm Matt Schmidt starting, he decided to use it to bolster Luton's aerial threat.

2. [Match Card (Yellow): Increases speed by 7%, assigned to one player.]

This card was given to Vardy to maximize his pace.

3. [Match Card (White): Increases crossing ability by 3%, assigned to one player.]

Gao Bo assigned this to Kevin Keane to improve the team's flank play.

While Gao Bo had accumulated several cards, only a few were impactful. He eagerly looked forward to the rewards that awaited him at the end of the season.

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Accrington, aware of Austin's absence, came into the game hoping to steal points. They adopted a defensive strategy, packing the box to deny Vardy space. Their plan also included relying on a single fast forward to launch occasional counterattacks.

In the first half, Luton's attack struggled to break through Accrington's compact defense. Vardy, heavily marked, found his usual runs neutralized. The half ended 0–0, with Accrington's players encouraged by their defensive success.

At halftime, Gao Bo decided to adjust tactics. He instructed his team to focus on wing play, delivering more crosses into the box.

The change paid off. In the 68th minute, Matt Schmidt used his height to dominate an aerial duel, forcing a save from the goalkeeper. Vardy was quick to react, converting the rebound to score the game's only goal.

Despite the narrow victory, Gao Bo wasn't pleased. The game had exposed Luton's vulnerability against defensive setups. Breaking down compact defenses is a challenge for even the best teams, and Luton needed solutions.

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After the match, Gao Bo announced a rest day for the players, much to their delight. However, he remained at the training ground to analyze the team's performance and plan improvements.

As Gao Bo prepared to leave the pitch, Uncle Margis ran over, panting.

"Coach Gao Bo, there's a young man from China looking for you."