Saturday’s victory at Bury brought an end to what has been an unbelievable and record-breaking year for Fleetwood Town.
The year started with a place in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, eventually losing out narrowly to Championship side Bristol City. 2018 will see former Premier League champions Leicester City come to Highbury at the same stage of this year’s competition.
Memorable away victories at Sheffield United and Bradford City are stand out memories in the league, and who can forget the dramatic 3-2 win at Gillingham on the penultimate match of the 2016/17 season which gave Town a chance of automatic promotion going into the last day. Or maybe even Alex Cairns’ heroics in the home win against Millwall, one of Cian Bolger’s trademark headers or Conor McAleny’s double against Rotherham on debut at the start of this season.
We finished in our highest position ever in League One, in fourth place behind Chris Wilder’s Blades, Bolton Wanderers and Scunthorpe United.
Of the 61 matches played in all competitions, Uwe Rosler’s side have won 30, drawn 13 and lost just 14, with striker Ash Hunter featuring in the most games – 55. Amari’i Bell and Kyle Dempsey have played in 53, with Cairns, Bolger and Ashley Eastham representing the Cod Army 52 times.
Now ending the year in the top half of the League One table after back-to-back wins at Oldham and Bury, and with two exciting home fixtures coming up against Bradford and Leicester – as well as a return for Jamie Vardy to Highbury – 2018 is a year to look forward to.
In October, young goalkeeper Billy Crellin won the U17 World Cup with England, a product of the club's ever thriving and growing academy. Just last week Billy committed his long-term future to the club, one certainly to keep an eye on as we move into the New Year.
If you came to one match or 61, we’d like to thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.