Former Blackpool and Fleetwood Town midfielder hopes to build relationships with both sides

The Northern Premier League Premier Division side has a strong Blackpool connection with Milligan ably assisted by John Hills.

Brett Ormerod often helps out as a coach while the likes of Nathan Shaw, Rowan Roache and Macauley Wilson have all featured for Brig this season.

Milligan, who played for the Seasiders between 2001 and 2003, is hoping to forge a relationship with new head coach Neil Critchley that would involve Pool’s youngsters being sent out on loan.

“I’ll probably look into it next season to see which young lads need games,” he told The Gazette.

“I’m hoping to go and watch training with the new manager at some point and spend a bit of time with him.

“Obviously Fleetwood have been really helpful for me as well as that’s a club I spent a lot of time with.

“It’s good to have those local contacts because it works both ways, we can help them and they can help us – it’s win-win.

“Considering the finances aren’t great here, I’ve had to beg and borrow really getting loans from Blackpool, Fleetwood and AFC Fylde. Those clubs especially have helped me out a lot.”

Milligan made over 200 appearances for Fleetwood in a nine-year spell that coincided with the Cod Army’s rise through the leagues.

The 40-year-old believes the future remains bright for the Highbury club, who were in with a shout of finishing in the League One play-offs before the lockdown.

“I still keep an eye on both clubs,” Milligan added.

“Fleetwood are obviously doing really well, and before the virus came, they were up there in the play-offs so had everything still left to play for.

“Blackpool weren’t far off the top six themselves but I think they just needed to get a bit of identity there.

“I think with Neil coming in that will definitely happen, which bodes well for the future.

“It’s good they’re both doing well because I’ve got allegiances with both of them because of my playing career, so I want to see both of them doing well.

“Fleetwood are right in it and Joey Barton is doing a great job. They play some good stuff as well.

“It would just be unbelievable if Fleetwood got to the Championship, wouldn’t it? But you can’t rule it out.”