Fleetwood Town's former owner has been jailed for 13 years for fraud.

The 53-year-old took over the Cod Army 20 years ago and took the club up through the non-league pyramid and into League One- where they will face Reading for the first time ever next season.

Pilley stepped down as chairman and director of the League One club during May after being convicted on four counts of fraud, appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday.

He was found guilty of two counts of fraudulent trading, fraud by false representation and being involved in the acquisition, retention, use or control of the proceeds of fraudulently mis-sold energy contracts.

Also chairman of BES Utilities, Pilley had been involved in High Court litigation with Cheshire West and Chester Council, but lost a civil court fight over investigating allegations of mis-selling.

At the Crown Court sentencing, he was jailed for a total of 13 years and was also disqualified from being a director for 13 years.

Fleetwood, who finished 13th last season, had already announced the club were in discussions surrounding a change of ownership and control which remain ongoing.

A statement on Tuesday afternoon read: “Fleetwood Town Football Club acknowledges the sentencing in the court case involving former club chairman, Andy Pilley.

Reading Chronicle:

“The club would like to reiterate convictions are against individuals and not Fleetwood Town FC, or any of the businesses associated with them, and will continue to operate as normal.

“Fleetwood Town remain in communication with the EFL and will be making no further comment at this time.”

Reading host Fleetwood for the first time in October, while travelling to the Fylde Coast in February.

They are managed by Celtic and Scotland legend Scott Brown, who came close to becoming a Royal in 2007.