2019/20 Opposition Guide: Fleetwood Town

Ahead of Wanderers' 2019/20 Sky Bet League One campaign, bwfc.co.uk will profile the various opponents the team will be pitting their wits against this term.

Next up, we have Fleetwood Town...

Nickname: The Fishermen, The Trawlermen

Founded: 1908 as Fleetwood FC and then 1998 saw a second reformation under their current guise after an initial formation in 1977.

Stadium: Highbury Stadium

Capacity: 5,327 (2,672 seated)

2018/19 Finish: 11th in Sky Bet League One

2018/19 Top Scorer: Paddy Madden, 19 goals in all competitions

Manager: Joey Barton

One of the game's most well-known names, Joey Barton's current role at Fleetwood Town is his first venture into the managerial field, with him having taken the reins at Highbury last year.

As a player, the midfielder started out in the youth set-ups of Everton and Liverpool in his native Merseyside before moving to Manchester City where he eventually earned his professional stripes.

Going on to figure over 130 times for the Citizens in a five-year period, he made the switch to Newcastle United in 2007 before spells with Queens Park Rangers (2011-2015), Marseille on loan (2012-2013), Burnley (2015-2016) and Rangers before returning to Turf Moor where he ended his playing days.

Also a one-time England international courtesy of a solitary cap against Spain at Old Trafford in February 2007, Barton's time in the game so far has been eventful but he will be hoping to make his mark as a manager as he enters his second full season in charge of Town.

Distance From The University Of Bolton Stadium: 40 miles

Getting To Highbury Stadium

Highbury Stadium 
Park Avenue 
Fleetwood 
Lancashire 
FY7 6TX

Exit the M6 at Junction 32 and take the M55 towards Blackpool. Then leave the M55 at Junction 3 and take the A585 towards Fleetwood. 

On the outskirts of the town you will come to a roundabout with Blackpool and Fylde college on your left. Continue straight on towards Fleetwood but after the roundabout take the first left into Copse Road. 

After about a mile as you pass Fleetwood Fire station, branch left and turn left on to Radcliffe Road, as if you were going back on yourself.

Then take the next right on to Stanley Road and the stadium is at the bottom of this road on the left.

There are a limited number of parking spaces available at the ground but street parking is permitted on the surrounding roads.

Nearest Train Station: The most convenient mainline station is Blackpool North. The station is 7½ miles from the football ground, so you will likely need to travel by bus, tram or taxi to complete your journey.

By Bus: The No.14 and No.1 buses leave Blackpool town centre every ten minutes and pass close to the ground. The journey time is about 30 minutes and the fare £2.

By Tram: Leave Blackpool North train station, turn right and head for the sea. Trams run north to Fleetwood, passing close to the ground, every 20 minutes and cost £2.50. The journey time is approximately 40 minutes.

By Taxi: A black cab, holding up to six people, will take you from Blackpool North to the ground for about £18 and the journey time is about 25 minutes.

Head to Head: Wanderers and Fleetwood have previously only met on two occasions competitively back in the 2016/17 Sky Bet League One campaign, with the Whites running out 2-1 winners at the University of Bolton Stadium in August 2016 and then completing a double with a 4-2 victory at Highbury Stadium the following March.

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