Fleetwood Town eye Manchester City-style global network after buying clubs in Dubai and South Africa

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.

‘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 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.’