Manchester City have expanded their scouting network by forming a partnership with Republic of Ireland junior side Cherry Orchard. Manager Joe Royle, chief operating officer Chris Bird and youth academy director Jim Cassell were in Ireland today to announce the deal, which will cost City £100,000 over the next two years.
City will have first pick of Cherry Orchard's players and the Premiership new boys have already signed up Stephen Paisley and Will Flood from the Irish club. Bird said, "We're forming a strategic alliance and we're buying into the club. We will have a look at the best of what they have got to offer and bring them over to our academy".
