Just as David was beginning to fully process the reality of his time travel, an unexpected visitor arrived at his door.
It was the club's head coach, Jokie Scott, accompanied by a strange young man.
Out of politeness, David invited them inside and motioned for them to sit in the living room, though inwardly he was wary—he wasn't particularly fond of Scott, whose record with the team had been disappointing.
Despite years of investment, Notts County's squad was no worse than other English teams. Yet their performance remained embarrassingly poor. David suspected there might be deeper issues underlying the team's struggles.
He had resolved that once he got a handle on things, the first major step would be to relieve Scott of his coaching duties.
Scott ignored the impatience flashing in David's eyes.
"Mr. President, allow me to introduce you," Scott said with a smile. "This is Mr. Gino Pozzo of the Pozzo family, who controls Udinese in Italy. He came specially to visit you, and asked me to introduce you. I believe you're all young men—surely you'll find common ground."
David's heart skipped a beat at the name.
The Pozzo family?
The legendary football dynasty known for their business in the sport?
David recalled that in his previous life, the Pozzos controlled three notable clubs across Italy, Spain, and England—from Udinese to Valencia and Watford—and were shareholders in several other famous clubs.
But with their reputation for buying low and selling high, David thought of them less as gentlemen and more as "European slumlords," second only to Porto's notorious operations.
He wondered what they could possibly want with Notts County.
Gino Pozzo wasted no time.
"Mr. Parvis, forgive my frankness," he said plainly. "I'm here to propose acquiring Notts County. I understand your club is struggling financially. Perhaps it would be better for you to accept a cash buyout."
Acquisition of Notts County?
That gave David pause. The Pozzo family had only entered English football years later via Watford, turning them into a Premier League contender. Why interfere in Notts County now?
Was history shifting somehow?
David still firmly rejected the idea.
Before David could respond, Scott unexpectedly spoke up.
"Mr. President, I support Mr. Pozzo's offer," Scott said bluntly. "The club is struggling, and the only way out is with new leadership and fresh investment. The Pozzo family controls Udinese, a Serie A powerhouse, and their experience surpasses ours. They'd be the perfect owners to elevate Notts County."
David couldn't believe his ears. Scott's betrayal felt like a knife to the back.
He sipped his drink slowly, fixing Scott with a cold glare. "If you think I'm going to sell the club to those foreigners, you're sorely mistaken. If you don't support me, then I'll find a new coach who does. And let me warn you: the players won't resign their contracts either if you keep this attitude. Without us, Notts County is doomed to relegation."
Scott bristled, his voice hardening. "I am responsible for this club's results. If I think you're unfit as chairman, I'll say so."
The two men's voices rose, their argument fierce. David spat, "Then let's see who's really qualified to save this club."
Watching the humiliation of his manager, Pozzo remained composed, as if amused by the spectacle.
"Mr. Parvis," Pozzo said smoothly, "If you won't consider my offer, that's a pity. I'm very interested in Notts County, and I urge you to think again. I came here with sincerity—you should at least listen."
David shook his head. "I'm not interested, no matter how much you offer. This club will never be sold."
"800,000 pounds," Pozzo countered, "plus we'll take on the club's debts. The deal can be done immediately."
David scoffed. "800,000? That's your idea of sincerity?"
He'd done his homework: the club's market value, including Meadow Lane, was close to £20 million. Even subtracting debt, it was worth around £15 million. Pozzo's offer was a clear lowball, though realistic given the club's troubles.
David understood why Pozzo was optimistic. Without a Premier League club in Nottingham, Notts County had the chance to be a standout project.
Nottingham Forest was richer and more valuable, but Pozzo family wouldn't commit all their resources there. Notts County was relatively cheap—in name and fanbase—the perfect entry point.
David smiled coldly. "Maybe you should see a doctor, Mr. Pozzo. Because if you insist on offering such nonsense, it must be your hearing. Luckily, medicine has advanced!"
With a parting jab, the meeting ended.
As Pozzo left, he spat curses over his shoulder. "Fine, be stubborn! You'll stay down, like a dog! I'm here to buy a Nottingham club, and I'll be back!"
David laughed arrogantly. Let them come.
He was angered by their brazen attempts to buy his club—trying to sabotage his coach, poach his players, and treat his club as charity.
He'd assumed Pozzo's influence in England would only grow after taking Watford years from now. Now, that day seemed much closer.
Could the Pozzo family really acquire a Nottingham club?
Whether at Nottingham Forest or Mansfield Town—the city rivals—Pozzo's presence disturbed David little. No matter which club they attached themselves to, David would not be shaken.