COD ARMY AT READY FOR UZBEK ADVENTURE
Fleetwood’s Asia link-up
FLEETWOOD Town have been like a runaway train in the last decade – so it’s fitting they’re linking up with Lokomotiv Tashkent.
The Cod Army have been on a first-class journey from the North West Counties League to League One – and now it’s all on board for their latest adventure.
It’s something a bit different, too, as the Lancashire outfit are teaming up with one of Uzbekistan’s top clubs for a partnership they hope will bring major benefits to both.
Fleetwood and Lokomotiv will sign the historic partnership agreement that will see them share their on and off-field experience.
It will also see the development of a number of commercial opportunities, including the introduction of new potential sponsors, and a pre-season tour for the Cod Army in 2016.
Fleetwood are also planning to take advantage of their new training ground development. They want to have an international academy which would welcome young players from Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
There will also be opportunities for Fleetwood’s development group and youth players to travel to Uzbekistan for friendly matches during the forthcoming season. Fleetwood chief executive Steve Curwood said: “If somebody had said to me 12 months ago that this partnership would happen, I would have said they were crackers! “But we felt growing the club beyond UK shores was essential to reach out to a wider audience, both in the way of general recognition but also to attract new sponsors and partnership opportunities.
“This exciting opportunity, with another proactive and relatively new club like Lokomotiv, will allow work with a region as yet unexplored by European clubs.”
Lokomotiv’s partnerships manager Alisher Polatov said: “The achievements of Fleetwood in such a short time have been amazing and their plans for the future are very exciting.
“We are delighted that Fleetwood have agreed to become our partners and we look forward to working together for mutual benefit and to building long-term friendships.”
The pioneering relationship is being supported by the British ambassador in Uzbekistan, George Edgar, who will host a welcome dinner when Fleetwood representatives visit the country.