Hands across the Baltic!

Currently playing in the second tier of the Baltic nation's football pyramid, FBK Kaunas famously beat Glasgow Rangers in the qualifying rounds of the 2008-2009 UEFA Champions League after facing Rafael Benetiz’s Liverpool in the same competition three years earlier.

The Ryman North club's delighted officials say the official agreement will enable them to cooperate on a number of mutually beneficially fronts including marketing, sponsorship and infrastructure while exchanging useful information on club management, on and off the pitch. Both parties are also hoping to find another two or three clubs in Europe to include in a network of partner clubs.

In a statement announcing what he hopes is the start of a long-term partnership, Thamesmead chairman Paul Bowden-Brown told fans their first link-up with an Eastern European club had opened an historic new page in their history.

Bowden-Brown said: “In my opinion, everything depends on the efforts put into any agreement by everyone. I feel it is always good to listen to different views rather than relying on your own experiences. We are glad to sign this agreement and hope it will bring benefits for both clubs.”

FBK Kaunas – the Geltonai Žali – are based in the Lithuanian city of the same name and club director Valdas Knyzelis said: "We are glad to have signed a cooperation agreement with the club from such a rich football history country as England.

"We hope this agreement will benefit both clubs, and in return will be able to gain not only theoretical but also practical knowledge. These days the most important thing is to have contact and constant communication and exchange of information.”

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook