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“We going to divvy the work on finding players,” Paulus said. “What this gives me, is an extremely experienced, valuable set of eyes on every player we look at maybe bringing into this program. That can be invaluable, because when you’re working within a salary cap, finding players, getting players in for good value, is going to make or break teams in this league.

“If you can find the odd surprise, you’ll have an advantage and Sean will give us the opportunity to do that. Plus, he’ll just know some names of some players that he’s coached against.”

Through his work with the national team program, Fleming has developed a vast network of connections throughout the continent. He may have a pipeline to import players other teams may be lacking, which will be an advantage to FC Edmonton, who are already a step ahead of many other teams in the upstart Canadian league as an established club.

FC Edmonton spent eight seasons in the North American Soccer League, which is currently on hiatus having lost their Division 2 status from the United States Soccer Federation.

“The biggest thing now, as it is for the six other clubs in the CPL, is getting together the roster,” Fleming said. “A lot of it is looking at talent, looking at all the available players and looking at the different stage the CPL has lined up for establishing a roster, so I’ll be a part of that.”

Fleming feels fortunate to have built a coaching career in Canada and is looking forward to the challenges working with FC Edmonton present. The club will play the second half of a home-and-home exhibition series with Calvary FC of Calgary on Saturday (1:30 p.m.) at Clarke Stadium.

“I feel the timing of how everything has worked out is perfect,” Fleming said. “This is a dream come true for me and I feel very blessed to have a great, supportive family and fortunate to have met some great people who have given me some great opportunities. Hopefully I can continue that success I’ve had with the national team with the professional team as well.”

Email: dvandiest@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @DerekVanDiest