Fleetwood Town

Chief Executive Steve Curwood has praised Nathan Pond’s ‘unique’ rise to the Football League ahead of the defender’s ten-year testimonial match against Preston North End.

Pond joined Fleetwood Town in 2003 when they were playing in the North West Counties League’s, but is now set to line-up in Saturday’s game at Highbury as a League Two footballer.

And Curwood believes that the 28-year-old, who was born in Preston, has a story unfound within the history of football.

“I think Nathan Pond’s story is an absolutely fantastic one, and I dare say there’s not any other players who have been through so many leagues to reach the Football League,” said Curwood.

“To have gone through so many promotions and step up every time, and now play at a very senior level of football, is absolutely tremendous.”

Despite loan spells with Kendal and Grimsby Town, Pond has always been part of the first-team plans at Fleetwood – with 48 goals in over 300 appearances for the club.

“He (Pond) long deserves this day (Saturday) and it should be a great day for him,” added Curwood. 

“I’m sure the fans will be there to give him the true and proper Cod Army welcome.”

The Chief Executive has also confirmed that Jim’s Sports Bar will be open from 11am for home and away supporters ahead of the 2pm kick-off but, due to on-going building work around the bar, the beer garden will be closed. 

Entry and exits to the bar will be at the end which is nearest to the Memorial Park gates, and, as usual, the bar will shut ten minutes before the match.

The bar will be open as usual at half-time for the Memorial and Highbury Stand fans.

All supporters are welcome into the bar after the game with entry through the gates on Jim’s car car park.

Tickets for the game will be available in advance or until kick-off at Highbury on the day for home and away supporters.