Hartlepool United are proud to announce a brand new partnership with Finnish outfit FC Lahti, with representatives from Finland who joined us for our game at the weekend.
Known as The Black Drones, FC Lahti operate in the Finnish top flight (known as Veikkausliiga) and finished fifth in the table during the 2014 campaign.
The link-up was secured when Chairman Gary Coxall, Chief Executive Russ Green and Manager Ronnie Moore went to meet officials from Lahti in Helsinki late last year.
It is hoped that the two clubs can benefit mutually from the partnership, with players from both clubs able to go and experience playing football in a different country and culture.
“It’s a very competitive league in Finland and we think playing in it could be very beneficial for some of our younger players,” explained Green.
“FC Lahti already has links with clubs in Holland and Brazil so they know that good things can come from such partnerships and we’re really excited to take this forward.”
Lahti’s Chairman Mika Halttunen, Managing Director Tomi Honkenen and Head Coach Toni Korkeakunnus have all travelled to England to cement the partnership and enjoy Saturday’s game against Derby County.
“At FC Lahti we are very interested in co-operating with different clubs,” explained Honkennen.
“We have already established partnerships with clubs in Europe, outside of Europe and also in Finland as well.
“For example we have ties with a club in Holland through one of our former players and we also have co-operation with Fluminense in Brazil and we loan in some of their players who want to develop in Europe.
“We’re very interested in the link with Hartlepool United – we play summertime football and Hartlepool play wintertime so it’s a good fit in terms of players going in both directions.”
The Club would like to welcome Mika, Tomi and Toni to The Vic and we look forward to a prosperous partnership in the years to come.