Major League Soccer outfits Orlando City and Stoke City have announced a major strategic partnership, according to reports by Sky Sports.
The developmental partnership will see the two sides share knowledge, players, coaches and facilities when required. Both clubs will also promote the other’s brands at their home grounds, and work closely with one another’s commercial partners, as well as trying to get new ones together – there are already rumours that gambling firm betfaircasino.com could be amongst a number of new companies looking to tap into hte fans of both clubs.
A joint marketing campaign will also be released at a later date. The Potters’ chief executive Tony Scholes told the club’s official website of the thinking behind the deal.
“It’s an opportunity for us to share best practice with Orlando in a variety of areas, primarily in player recruitment, marketing and development, but also to give both clubs chance to grow in each other’s markets.”
The clubs have considerable links; with Orlando City founder Phil Rawlins previously spending 15 years as owner and director of Stoke City.
Additionally, Orlando head coach Adrian Heath, left-back Brek Shea, ‘B’ team head coach Anthony Pulis and Captain Lewis Neal have all previously played for the Staffordshire-based team.
“It was always clear that we could have a great relationship,” said Rawlins, who also serves as Orlando City president.
“It came down to us wanting to reignite that synergy and bring our clubs closer together. This will be our partnership in England, and we hope to ignite passions for both our clubs in each other’s markets.”
Orlando City SC have a similar deal in place with Portuguese team SL Benfica, which sees both players and scouting networks shared. Stoke City have enjoyed a decent season in the Premier League as they currently sit in 10th position. The club still hopes to achieve more next season and they hope the new venture will assist in their efforts next season. The slumped to a defeat to crystal palace but still hope to finish on a high.
Major League Soccer outfits Orlando City and Stoke City have announced a major strategic partnership, according to reports by Sky Sports.
The developmental partnership will see the two sides share knowledge, players, coaches and facilities when required. Both clubs will also promote the other’s brands at their home grounds, and work closely with one another’s commercial partners, as well as trying to get new ones together – there are already rumours that gambling firm betfaircasino.com could be amongst a number of new companies looking to tap into hte fans of both clubs.
A joint marketing campaign will also be released at a later date. The Potters’ chief executive Tony Scholes told the club’s official website of the thinking behind the deal.
“It’s an opportunity for us to share best practice with Orlando in a variety of areas, primarily in player recruitment, marketing and development, but also to give both clubs chance to grow in each other’s markets.”
The clubs have considerable links; with Orlando City founder Phil Rawlins previously spending 15 years as owner and director of Stoke City.
Additionally, Orlando head coach Adrian Heath, left-back Brek Shea, ‘B’ team head coach Anthony Pulis and Captain Lewis Neal have all previously played for the Staffordshire-based team.
“It was always clear that we could have a great relationship,” said Rawlins, who also serves as Orlando City president.
“It came down to us wanting to reignite that synergy and bring our clubs closer together. This will be our partnership in England, and we hope to ignite passions for both our clubs in each other’s markets.”
Orlando City SC have a similar deal in place with Portuguese team SL Benfica, which sees both players and scouting networks shared. Stoke City have enjoyed a decent season in the Premier League as they currently sit in 10th position. The club still hopes to achieve more next season and they hope the new venture will assist in their efforts next season. The slumped to a defeat to crystal palace but still hope to finish on a high.