Fleetwood Town fans in Belgium look forward to return to Highbury

There has never been a more important time for the growing international family of Fleetwood Town supporters to stick together.
The Belgian fans who visited Fleetwood Town were greeted by chairman Andy Pilley (centre) and their hero Paddy Madden (far right)The Belgian fans who visited Fleetwood Town were greeted by chairman Andy Pilley (centre) and their hero Paddy Madden (far right)
The Belgian fans who visited Fleetwood Town were greeted by chairman Andy Pilley (centre) and their hero Paddy Madden (far right)
Read More
Fittest squad I've known at Fleetwood Town says coach Youl Mawene

And this season the club has been visited by a group of supporters from Belgium, who plan to form a branch of the Fleetwood Town Official Supporters’ Club in their homeland.

Niels du Puydt and three friends – Kevin Bonte, Bart De Pourcq and Tom Moerman – made the round-trip of close to 1,000-miles and got the full VIP treatment when they attended the League One clash with Gillingham in December.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They were greeted by chairman Andy Pilley and met their favourite player Paddy Madden.

Niels said: “The reception at the club was amazing!

“We had an unbelievable time and meeting Paddy was great, but also meeting Mr Pilley and the many fans who just wanted to say hello to the ‘Belgian Fleetwood Guys’. We also got a tour of the stadium. Great day!”

The quartet come from the Ghent area of Belgium and their passion for Fleetwood can be traced back to Kevin playing the Football Manager computer game.

Niels told The Gazette: “Kevin had followed the team for seven or eight years and made the rest of us enthusiastic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Last season he went to see a match and he made the rest of us keen on going to a game this season.

“After an amazing experience and reception at the club, it is hard not to lose your heart at Highbury Stadium.

“On our way home we were already making plans for our next trip.”

Niels and has friends have a meeting place to plan future trips and hope to bring 10 fans over from the continent for their next visit when football resumes.

Related topics: