Football Dynasty-Chapter 31: "Sheri" and "Tony Goal"

The 1988/1989 season was about to begin, and Richard was ready to capitalize on his knowledge to the fullest.

His first target: Millwall.

After years of battling in the lower divisions, Millwall had come agonizingly close to securing promotion to the First Division—the highest tier of English football at the time.

The Den was disappointed, but that didn't stop the fans from believing. They still held onto hope that their beloved Lions would rise again, triumph in the Second Division, and finally earn their place on the biggest stage in English football.

But not everyone shared the excitement.

Teddy Sheringham, a promising young forward, had spent much of his early Millwall career being loaned out—first to Aldershot, then later to Swedish side Djurgården. While those experiences had helped shape him as a player, they had also left him frustrated.

He wanted stability. A real shot at proving himself in the top tier. Not to be treated as an afterthought, shipped off whenever he was deemed surplus to requirements.

Richard knew that Sheringham's situation presented an opportunity. The young striker had talent, ambition, and—most importantly—something to prove. But for him to succeed, he needed a guarantee.

A guarantee that he would thrive the moment he got his first real chance to make a name for himself. And that guarantee? Richard knew exactly what it was—a proper partnership.

Anthony Guy Cascarino—or as people called him, Tony Cascarino.

For football fans in the 2000s, his name might not stand out. But for those who lived through the 1990s, the moniker "Tony Goal" was anything but unfamiliar.

The Den, Millwall's Stadium

Richard next move was clear: offer Tony Cascarino's services to Millwall.

Richard was more than satisfied with his role as a football agent. Representing players, securing deals—it suited him perfectly.

'Kicked out of Manchester City? Hah, I don't care. Let's see who'll be laughing at the end.'

Convincing Tony had been the easy part. After all, the striker had been stuck at Gillingham for five years, despite scoring an impressive 78 goals in 219 appearances.

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The real challenge was getting Gillingham to agree to the transfer. But in football, as long as there was money on the table, everything was negotiable.

Cascarino's contract had only one month left. Richard had no intention of waiting. He went straight in with an offer: £25,000 to buy out Cascarino's contract.

Or, as he had put it to Tony himself:

"Do you want to play for a bigger club? I'll help you. I'll sponsor your contract termination—but in return, you'll be my player."

Tony had been stunned. In fact, he had nearly bolted from the café where they met. 'Crazy man,' he probably thought. But Richard was ready for this reaction.

"Look," Richard said calmly as he presented his salmon-colored National Identity Card. "I guess my name doesn't ring a bell for you, does it?

'Richard Maddox.' Well-known in football circles. The fallen prodigy. It's no secret that retired footballers either become agents or take up football-related jobs.

"Gillingham isn't offering you a new contract, and no other club has come forward with a bid. So what now? Are you going to take a risk and move forward, or stay put and let your career stall?"

Tony hesitated. "Why are you helping me?"

"Because I know your potential. I've watched every game."

To prove his point, Richard pulled out a thick stack of documents—detailed analyses of Tony's strengths and weaknesses, statistics from his last season, even tape recordings of his matches at Gillingham.

Tony's eyes widened. This guy wasn't just bluffing. He had done his homework.

"Are you a football agent now?" Tony finally asked.

Richard smiled. "Yes. And I want you to join me."

Back at The Den, Millwall's manager, John Docherty, paced around his office, deep in thought. The previous season had been agonizing. Millwall had come so close to promotion to the First Division, only to fall short at the final hurdle.

Now, with the new season fast approaching, the pressure was even greater. And just when he thought things couldn't get worse, a new problem had landed on his desk.

One of his only two strikers was being sent on loan to Cardiff. Not because of tactical decisions, not because of injuries—but because the club was struggling financially.

Docherty ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. How was he supposed to compete for promotion when he was losing key players before a ball had even been kicked?

Millwall wasn't a club blessed with resources in the first place. Every player counted. Every position mattered. And now, with a depleted strike force, they were left scrambling for a solution.

The clock was ticking. The season opener was just around the corner. Millwall needed reinforcements—fast.

"That's why I want to offer Tony's services to Millwall," Richard said confidently. "I believe Tony will become a great striker here, and of course, I trust Coach Docherty to guide him to the First Division. Isn't that right?"

Even though the flattery was well-crafted, Docherty remained skeptical. But as he looked over the neatly organized data Richard had provided—stats, reports, scouting notes—he found himself at a loss for words.

After a moment, he turned his gaze back to Richard. "I've heard about you. About what happened with City. Does Cascarino have anything to do with them?"

"No!" Richard said firmly. "Tony is already my player. I'm his agent, and I will represent him now and in the future. Anything concerning Tony goes through me."

Why was this young agent being so direct? But as he glanced back at the statistics in front of him, he had to admit—Cascarino had potential.

"I know about your situation, Coach," Richard continued. "And to be honest, I'm very concerned."

Docherty sighed and rubbed his temples. He knew exactly what Richard was referring to—Millwall's lack of strikers. Their only real option up front was Steve Anthrobus, and even then, rumors were swirling that Wimbledon had their eyes on him.

With just one forward left, how could they possibly compete this season?

"Coach," Richard straightened his posture, his tone serious, "I'd like to recommend another player to Millwall."

Docherty shook his head. "Impossible. We don't have the funds for another transfer."

"No need," Richard said smoothly. "The player is already at Millwall."

That caught Docherty's attention. He studied Richard carefully. "Oh? Care to tell me who?"

Despite his young age, Richard Maddox was already making waves in the scouting world. His reputation wasn't fully established yet—after all, the players he had discovered were still proving themselves—but their performances had been promising.

Richard met Docherty's gaze and spoke the name with certainty.

"Teddy Sheringham."

"Yes, and—" Richard stopped mid-sentence as his eyes landed on a tall, wiry figure with light brown hair and a self-assured presence.

"Speak of the devil."

It was Teddy Sheringham himself. He strode toward their table, his youthful face radiating curiosity.

"Teddy?"

"Yes, Coach Docherty?" Sheringham responded, glancing between them.

"Aren't you supposed to be in Sweden? Why are you here?" Docherty frowned.

"Uh... didn't you tell me to come? The club paid for the ticket," Sheringham said, still confused.

Oh, poor Sheringham. He couldn't even tell the difference between a ticket given by the club and one arranged by a complete stranger.

Four pairs of eyes immediately turned toward one person—the only person capable of orchestrating such a "coincidence."

Richard coughed, ignoring their suspicious stares. "Well, since Teddy's already here, let's cut to the chase."

With an expression completely devoid of guilt, Richard ignored their suspicious looks and began explaining all the research he had gathered over the last few months.

Sheringham and Cascarino—a classic strike partnership of power and intelligence. Cascarino, the towering target man, thrived in aerial battles, holding up play and bullying defenders. Sheringham, the sharp-minded forward, had the movement and vision to exploit space, create chances, and finish them off just as effectively.

"Coach Docherty," Richard said, leaning forward, "with all due respect, I can tell you this—if you pair these two together, you'll have a partnership that covers everything. One with raw finishing ability, the other with intelligence and movement. They complement each other perfectly."

Before Sheringham lost pace and stamina in later years, his best role was a deeper, more creative one—an assist provider who could drop back, link up play, and pick out runs.

His technical ability and upper-body strength made him excellent at holding up the ball, playing with his back to goal, and laying it off for teammates in dangerous positions.

Cascarino, on the other hand, was the ideal target man—a physical presence, dominant in the air, a nightmare for defenders. His ability to win headers and challenge for long balls made him a constant threat, especially during set pieces and crosses.

Richard turned to Sheringham and Cascarino. "You two—imagine having a strike partner who battles defenders, wins headers, and knocks the ball perfectly into your path. A partner who complements your strengths and covers your weaknesses."

Then, he locked eyes with Docherty. "And Coach, imagine an attack where defenders can't sit deep and wait. With a target man like Cascarino up front, Sheringham will get more space to operate. Defenders won't know whether to mark tight or drop off. It's the kind of duo that forces teams to adjust their entire defensive setup."

Docherty leaned back, deep in thought. Even Sheringham looked intrigued, picturing himself in the role Richard had just described.

What shocked Coach Docherty the most was the sheer lengths Richard Maddox was willing to go to fight for Teddy. He even paid for his ticket.

Richard knew he had their attention. Now, all he needed was for them to take the leap.

"Teddy, my name is Richard Maddox. Today, I'm here as Tony's agent, representing him." Richard leaned in slightly. "You know what a football agent does, right?"

"Yeah, I kno—"

"I guess you don't," Richard cut in before Sheringham could finish. "Let me explain."

Before Teddy could object, Richard laid out exactly what he could offer—and what Sheringham stood to gain by choosing him as his agent.

"First, contract negotiation. I'll secure the best wages, bonuses, and contract terms for you. I'll handle transfer fees, clauses—everything."

"Second, no need to split your focus on anything outside the pitch. Housing, visas, schooling, personal matters—even your earning potential outside of football—I'll take care of it all."

In other words, I'm your negotiator, financial advisor, PR manager, and strategist all in one. You focus on football, and I'll handle everything else—including preparing you for life after football.

"Deal?"