Why Fleetwood’s promotion odyssey is not done just yet
Published:Former Burnley stalwart Graham Alexander may be the man who led Fleetwood Town into League One via the play-offs, but even the 40-times capped Scotland international admits their spectacular rise over the past decade has little do with him.
Fleetwood’s six promotions in 10 years are almost exclusively down to chairman Andy Pilley, the lifelong Blackpool fan who has pumped the best part of �10m into a club that plies its trade less than 10 miles down the sea front from the Tangerines.
Pilley and co are 7/1 to move up another division at the end of this term, which looks a meaty-enough bet considering their recent prowess and taking into account a number of eye-catching signings heading to the only Highbury Stadium now featured in the football league.
Former Seasiders Keith Southern and Stephen Crainey – who made 51 appearances combined during the 2010/11 Premier League campaign – are already in situ, and will add high-level nous in midfield and at left-back.
Of even greater importance to the 2013/14 League Two play-off winners is news that Crystal Palace striker Stephen Dobbie’s also hopeful of making the same move on loan, having spurned a fourth temporary spell with the Championship strugglers.
Alexander’s charges may be up against a whole new beast in the third tier, with the likes of Sheffield United, Leyton Orient and – of foremost importance to the Cod Army faithful – Preston set to provide stern tests, but Fleetwood won’t be taken for mugs.
Centre-half Nathan Pond is yet to find a level he doesn’t thrive at, after experiencing all of his side’s six promotions, while attacking-midfielder Antoni Sarcevic will have no excuses for hiding his obvious talents in the illustrious pastures of League One.
Former Manchester City trainee Sarcevic notched 13 times during the regular League Two campaign in 2013/14, before bagging the only goal at Wembley against Burton to send Fleetwood up.
Sarcevic is 100/1 to end the season as the division’s top scorer, with Town strikers David Ball and Jamille Matt both available at 40/1 for said honour.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to �100 in free bets.
