Flood on Possible Franchise with VC Fusion

Burnley are hoping to build relationships with the Ventura County Fusion similar to last year when the Clarets developed a franchise with the Cary Railhawks in North Carolina, another Premier Development League club The Railhawks have also since changed their name to the Cary Clarets in recognition of the deal.

Burnley Operational Director, Brendan Flood sees the Cary Clarets as "a franchise of the Burnley brand" and is now looking to do something similar with a West Coast US PDL club.

The Clarets are currently out in LA and are playing VC Fusion tonight in the first match of their US Tour.

Flood is also out there enjoying the California sun with Chief Executive, Paul Fletcher with both predominantly looking to build relationships with US clubs. Brendan however also visited Ventura earlier in the year back in February

Speaking to the Ventura County Star this week, Flood said:

"We feel like we`d like to franchise ourselves in the East Coast and West Coast and try and work more long term to source players here.In due time, we`d expect two or three players a year to be coming into the senior squad in Burnley from U.S. links.We`re certainly building a good relationship with manage Ranbir Shergill and coach Graham Smith with the Fusion. We`d like that to sort of go further, toward a franchise."

In response, VC Fusion manager,Ranbir Shergill said:

"It`s something that we`ve spoken about and it`s something that we`ll continue to speak about. Burnley have had a great time here. We`re looking to expand our relationship with them."

VC Fusion have had some success recently in devloping players to Premier League standard.Midfielder Anton Peterlin signed with Everton this month.

Many thanks to Burnley FC for the use of the photograph

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