With startup funds finally in place, David's first step wasn't to assemble a star-studded lineup of the future's brightest superstars. Instead, his priority was clear: find the perfect coach.
An incompetent coach can turn an invincible team into a joke, while a skilled leader can turn a group of average players into champions. Such is the power and importance of a coach in football.
When the previous coach, Jokie Scott, left—taking with him two key players whose contracts had expired—David saw it not as a setback, but as an opportunity.
The Judas-like Scott had spared David the trouble of firing him. The vacancy now gave David the chance to handpick the ideal manager to take Notts County into the future.
David briefly toyed with the idea of taking on the coaching role himself. He had spent his past life critiquing coaches—rattling on about how he would have organized the team differently, or how he would've countered an opponent's tactics.
But reality quickly tempered his delusion. Knowing which inexperienced players would rise to superstardom was useful, yes. But coaching a team? Training players? Designing tactics? That was another beast entirely.
He didn't just lack expertise. He lacked basics.
And David was practical enough to leave such responsibilities to professionals who did know what they were doing. His role was clear: be the chairman—and perhaps orchestrate the club's behind-the-scenes revolution.
As David began searching for a manager, his mind went into overdrive. He cycled endlessly between candidates, envisioning the possibilities.
At first, the bold idea of recruiting Pep Guardiola crossed his mind. In a month's time, Guardiola would leave Barcelona for Brescia, aimlessly drifting across European clubs before transitioning to coaching. Could Notts County catch him early?
While Guardiola's potential as a tactician was undeniable, the flaws in his candidacy were glaring. First, as a player, Guardiola's on-field perspective might not yet translate to proper coaching adjustments from the sidelines. More importantly, in 2001, he had zero coaching experience. Selling him as a coach at Notts County—even in the Second Division—would be a gamble David wasn't quite ready to take.
David's mind then wandered to the legendary José Mourinho. At this moment, Mourinho was merely an assistant coach at Barcelona, waiting to succeed in his first head-coaching role at Benfica. He was relatively unknown—perfect prey for ambitious clubs like Notts County.
David liked Mourinho's strong personality, meticulous preparation, and winning mentality. But there was one thing he couldn't get past: Mourinho's tactical style often lacked flair. Mourinho's philosophy—results over beauty—contrasted with David's vision of attacking brilliance. For David, Mourinho's football, while effective, was simply too pragmatic.
Other renowned coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Vicente del Bosque, and Louis van Gaal were untouchable at this stage. They either commanded the top European clubs or were biding their time for massive projects. None would heed the call of an obscure club languishing in England's third tier.
The idea of bringing in a younger prospect, like Diego Simeone, excited David momentarily. However, Simeone was still an active player nearing the twilight of his career, and he wouldn't transition into coaching for years. Handing the reins of an entire club to an untested prospect like Simeone was simply too premature a risk for David.
Finally, a name emerged, dispelling all doubts: Joachim Löw.
Löw wasn't yet the household name that would go on to guide Germany to World Cup glory in 2014. But for David, he was the ideal candidate. Known for his attacking philosophy and tactically intelligent football, Löw resonated deeply with David's vision for Notts County.
Though Löw's Germany wasn't perfect, his teams always played with a strong identity, exuding dominance and flair. His triumphs in 2014 would be the stuff of legends. But even now, the "Magic Triangle" he orchestrated at Stuttgart in 1996 was proof of his talent for modern, attractive football—even in an era of primarily defensive tactics.
And, conveniently, Löw was currently unemployed after struggling in Turkey with Adanaspor. His future saw him returning to Austria to coach Tirol Innsbruck to an Austrian League title, before joining Klinsmann at the Germany National Team.
David realized he had no time to lose. Löw had to be convinced now, before another club offered him a project that might get his career back on track.
With his decision made, David wasted no time. He flew straight to Freiburg, where Löw was living, and knocked on his door unannounced.
Though his arrival could be considered audacious, David believed in being direct. The stakes were too high for subtleties or bureaucracy.
Löw opened the door to find David young, eager, and seated casually in his living room within moments.
"You're the chairman of a club?" Löw asked skeptically, his incredulous tone reflecting David's youthful appearance and casual demeanor.
David shrugged, already anticipating such doubts. "Yes—for Notts County."
Löw's expression shifted slightly. Despite the club's struggles, Notts County's reputation as the oldest professional football club had earned it a certain degree of respect. "I see. And you're here to ask me to coach Notts County?"
David nodded. "Exactly. There's no one better suited to lead this project than you."
David opened his heart, describing his vision for Notts County:
- Building a modern training base.
- Constructing a modern stadium.
- Establishing a world-class youth academy.
His words sounded almost reckless—an idealistic dream from an overconfident young man. But the passion in his tone left an impression. David truly believed in this vision, and somehow, his conviction made the impossible seem plausible.
However, Löw's concerns were practical. "Building youth academies and stadiums sounds great, Mr. Parvis. But how much input will I have in building the squad?"
In English clubs, managers traditionally served as head coaches and transfer overseers, unlike in other leagues where recruitment was often left to sporting directors. Löw needed control over transfers—he couldn't risk inheriting a squad that didn't fit his tactical philosophy.
David understood the request, but for now, this responsibility remained non-negotiable. Armed with knowledge of future superstars, he knew which players could transform Notts County in the coming years. Once his vision materialized, control over transfers could be loosened. But for now, the club roadmap required his direct intervention.
"I promise," David vowed, "by the end of this summer, I'll give you a competitive squad—one that could challenge even Premier League teams."
Löw smiled faintly, unimpressed by what he considered a blatant exaggeration.
Sensing Löw's skepticism, David decided on a bold move: "If you're unconvinced, come with me. Join me on a scouting trip across Europe. See the players I'm eyeing. Once you see their talent, you'll understand that I'm not bluffing."
Löw hesitated for a moment but eventually relented. Intrigued, and perhaps charmed by David's dogged determination, he agreed to accompany him.
And so, the two began their journey—a young chairman and an ambitious, unemployed coach, ready to transform the future of Notts County.