June 2000 – Meadow Lane, Nottingham
The boardroom at Meadow Lane was thick with age and tension. The fluorescent lighting buzzed above the polished oak table, but couldn't brighten the mood. Notts County—the oldest professional football club in the world—was about to change hands, and not everyone in the room was thrilled about it.
Malcolm Frost, the long-time chairman, sat at the far end, flanked by two weary board members and a pile of finance reports no one wanted to look at twice. Frost wore defiance like a badge but didn't hide the sweat above his collar.
Across from him sat Eleanor Ashford.
Twenty-three, sharp in a navy suit and armed with a binder full of financial forensics, she wasn't here to play games. To her right sat Michael Ashford, her father, calm, controlled, and confident in his daughter's lead.
"We have been through this plenty of times. We're not here to negotiate minor shares," Eleanor said, flipping to a page marked REDUNDANCIES. "We're offering a full acquisition—club, academy rights, media partnerships, affiliate contracts, and operational control of Meadow Lane under lease terms. No board seats were retained. No legacy conditions."
"So it's true, then," Frost said bitterly. "You're taking everything."
"We're formalizing what's already been negotiated," Eleanor replied evenly. "Notts County needs stability. That only comes with full control."
"Full control," he repeated, scoffing. "And you're handing it to a twenty-year-old."
"No," Eleanor replied evenly. "The Ashford Group is facilitating the acquisition. But the club will belong to one person."
Frost glanced at me for the first time.
"You've got to be joking."
"He's qualified," Michael said quietly. "More than most, and he won't be running spreadsheets. He'll be doing what he's trained for."
Eleanor pressed forward. "The terms are simple. We're clearing £2 million of existing debts upon signature. A further £1 million is invested within six months, allocated to academy refurbishment, training facilities, and deferred infrastructure. In return, the Ashfords acquire 100% equity. The current board is dissolved. A new executive team will be appointed."
Frost shook his head slowly. "He's a child."
Michael didn't blink. "He's our future."
Silence fell. One board member sighed audibly and resigned. Another rubbed his temple, skimming the numbers.
Eleanor laid out the shareholder resolution. "If you sign, ownership transfers immediately. This club will belong, in full, to James Ashford."
Frost looked like someone had just kicked the last piece of tradition out from under him. But after a long pause, he reached for the pen.
"You'd better not ruin her," he muttered, signing.
"He's planning to rebuild her," Eleanor said, glancing briefly toward the door where I had been watching.
The paperwork was filed with the Football League two days later. The final documents passed vetting by midweek.
I was in my room that evening when Eleanor knocked.
"Come to Dad's study," she said. "It's time."
I found Mum, Dad, Eleanor, and our solicitor standing around the desk. A single folder lay open.
"What's this?" I asked.
Dad smiled. "Your club."
Eleanor held up the final title deed. "You're the legal owner of Notts County Football Club. Every blade of grass. Every academy contract. Every key to Meadow Lane is under full operational control. All of it."
I froze.
"I... I don't know what to say."
Dad just patted my shoulder. "You're our son. Eleanor's little brother. We trust you and believe in your ambitions. If this is the course you want to take in life, then we are behind you 100%. Just remember that with great power comes great responsibility."
I chuckled as I teared up. "Really, Dad... you quoting Uncle Ben now."
Michael just turned around, grinning. "I don't know what you're talking about. It's a completely original line I just thought up."
Everyone just smiled as the mood lifted.
I took the pen. Hands slightly shaking.
And I signed.
Ping!
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Requirement 5 of 5 met: Take Full Command of a Club.
SYSTEM CORE UNLOCKED – Tactical Interface | Transfer Engine | Staff Network | Real-Time Adaptation Protocols Activated. New Modules Unlocked: Team Traits Engine | Player Card Interface.
I blinked. Well, now... this is getting interesting. The mental interface lit up, brighter, smoother, and more responsive than ever.
Eleanor grinned. "So, Head Coach, what's next?"
I looked down at the scarf draped across the fireplace. The same old Notts County scarf I'd stared at since I was a boy.
"Preseason," I said. "We've got a legacy to restore."
PRESS RELEASE: NOTTS COUNTY ANNOUNCES NEW OWNERSHIP
Notts County Football Club is proud to confirm that James Ashford, who now serves as the sole owner, has acquired the club 100%.
Earlier today at Meadow Lane, members of the press gathered to witness one of the most surprising announcements in the club's storied history. Speaking on behalf of the Ashford family, Eleanor Ashford confirmed that all shares and assets—including academy rights, affiliate contracts, and complete operational control of Meadow Lane—were transferred to James Ashford following a full buyout of the previous board.
PRESS CONFERENCE – MEADOW LANE
The Meadow Lane media room buzzed with reporters from across the country. With the club's historic 100% acquisition announced, cameras flashed as Eleanor Ashford stepped forward to introduce the new ownership structure.
"We believe Notts County deserves a future worthy of its legacy," she said. "Today, that begins with a full transition—ownership, operations, and vision—under one name: James Ashford."
Gasps rippled through the room as murmurs filled the air. James, calm and suited, stepped up to the podium for the first time.
Rob Draper (Mail on Sunday): "James, you're just 20 years old. This is unprecedented. Why now?"
James: "Because I'm ready. I've spent over a decade studying this game. From youth academies to tactical schools across Europe and South America—I know what I want to build."
Gabriele Marcotti (The Times): "How do you plan to manage the dual role of owner and coach?"
James: "I'll surround myself with the right team for business and operations. My focus will be football—player development, tactical identity, and performance."
Henry Winter (The Telegraph): "Are you concerned about perception? Some see this as a rich family's indulgence."
James: "Perception only lasts until the first whistle. After that, it's about results."
Natalie Pirks (BBC Sport): "What's the first thing you'll change?"
James: "Culture. We'll build a team that knows who we are and what we stand for—grit, belief, and modern football rooted in discipline."
David Ornstein (Evening Standard): "Will you appoint a new head coach?"
James smiled.
James: "That would be me. I will be the Head Coach of Notts County."
The room erupted in flashes and rising voices. For a moment, James just stood there, eyes steady.
A new chapter had begun.