How the Cod Army are looking ahead of the League One campaign
LAST SEASON
The 2013-14 campaign was highly successful for the Cod Army as they rose to League One – via the play-offs – for the first time in their history.
At the beginning of the season there was a lack of consistency as Fleetwood won three and lost two of their opening five league games.
However, after this, they began picking up the points and gaining confidence that saw them pick up great wins against the likes of Rochdale, Chesterfield and doing the double over Portsmouth.
They comfortably reached the play-offs with a fourth-place finish and lost only once in their final eight league games.
They beat York in the two-legged semi-finals and at Wembley Antoni Sarcevic's free kick deceived Burton Albion goalkeeper Dean Lyness to win the game 1-0 and with it promotion to the third tier of English football.
THE MANAGER – GRAHAM ALEXANDER
A penalty expert during his playing days, Alexander took on his first managerial role at Fleetwood in December 2012 following the departure of Micky Mellon. Alexander oversaw Fleetwood's promotion to League One in his first full campaign in charge at Highbury.
As a player, versatile Alexander – who could play right back or in central midfield – represented the likes of Scunthorpe United and Luton Town – making over 150 for each of these clubs – before moving to Preston North End in 1999.
Little did he know at the time that he would go on to be a Lilywhites legend and be voted their greatest ever right back. He spent eight years at Deepdale, totalling over 150 appearances before making the short journey to sign for Burnley.
He would play over 150 games with the Clarets – and help lead the club to the Premier League during his time at Turf Moor before returning to Preston for the 2011-12 season.
Alexander made another 18 appearances for the club and went out with a bang when his free kick in the 90th minute in his final appearance found the back of the net from 25 yards – it was to be the last kick of his playing career.
VISITING THE GROUND?
Fleetwood play at Highbury Stadium, and it's been their home for the last 75 years. The ground will be the smallest in League One for the 2014-15 season. Travelling fans for the trip to Lancashire will be housed in the Percy Ronson Stand, which holds over 800 supporters.
SUMMER BUSINESS SO FAR
Following promotion, Alexander has only recruited one player – left back Danny Andrew from Conference side Macclesfield Town for an undisclosed fee. Loanee Charlie Taylor has returned to parent club Leeds United but after an impressive time with Fleetwood, the Cod Army may look to bring the left back to Lancashire for another spell.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The two sides have only ever met twice – back in the 2010-11 Conference season. The first match was played at the Broadfield Stadium and finished all square as the teams battled to a 1-1 draw in September 2010. Craig McAllister gave Steve Evans' side an early lead only for former Crawley man Magno Vieira to equalise just before half time.
In the game at Highbury in March 2011, Matt Tubbs scored his 30th of the campaign five minutes before half time and Richard Brodie doubled the visitors' lead just after the break. Fleetwood striker George Donnelly headed in a corner just after the hour mark but Reds held on for a key 2-1 victory.
THEY PLAYED FOR BOTH
Former Reds trio Charlie Wassmer, Glenn Wilson and Richard Brodie have all had loan spells with Fleetwood from Crawley over the last few years.
One player who has played for the Cod Army on a permanent basis is ex-Reds' fans' favourite Dean Howell, who moved to Fleetwood in the summer of 2012 following his release from Crawley. During his time with us Dean made 72 appearances and played his part in Crawley's two consecutive promotions.
He spent the end of last season on loan at Bury. Magno Vieira has also played for Fleetwood in his career.
WHAT THE BOOKIES THINK
Fleetwood Town are 6/1 with Sky Bet to win promotion from League One next season.
