Fleetwood Town take a leaf out of Manchester City’s book as League One outfit buy two clubs in DUBAI and SOUTH AFRICA… with owner Andy Pilley keen to explore new revenue streams across the globe
- Fleetwood Town have purchased two teams in United Arab Emirates and Africa
- The 19th-place League One side want to replicate Man City’s global network
- The move centres on trading players and utilising an international academy
- Owner Andy Pilley is keen to ‘balance the books by various sources of income’
Fleetwood Town are attempting to replicate Manchester City’s global network of clubs by buying two sides in United Arab Emirates and Africa.
The club, 19th in League One, own Fleetwood United in Dubai and Western Cape Fleetwood in South Africa — both third division clubs. Owner Andy Pilley hopes to continue Fleetwood’s rise and explore new revenue streams.
The move centres on trading players and utilising an international academy based at their Poolfoot training ground.
Fleetwood Town owner Andy Pilley is trying to replicate Man City’s global network of clubs
The 19th-place League One outfit have purchased teams in Dubai and South Africa
‘We’re a forward-thinking club,’ Pilley said. ‘It’s one thing Man City having a network of clubs, but who would have thought little old Fleetwood would go down the same route?
‘We’re starting at humble levels. We want to climb those pyramids while developing players. It’s a way of us achieving sustainability that is so topical right now with the fan-led review.
‘This club should not be reliant on any one man’s donations, so I need to be in a situation whereby we can balance the books by various sources of income.’
Pilley wants to expand their network of clubs in the same way Premier League giants City have
Pilley intends to acquire more clubs and revealed that scouting, analytical and sport science resources will be shared.
Fleetwood also believe the emergence of the club’s academy can help financially sustain them.
Pilley added: ‘We’ve had 12 academy graduates playing in the EFL this season, which is remarkable for us.’