AFC Fylde squad’s positive outlook going into the new National League season

Craig Mahon insists AFC Fylde will show no fear as they make their return to the National League this afternoon.

The Coasters are back in non-league’s top flight at the first time of asking, having won National League North last season.

Wealdstone, who finished 15th in 2025/26, are the visitors to Mill Farm with Mahon looking to replicate the style which brought 100 points and 112 goals last season.

Fylde’s head coach told the club’s website: “They’re a tough team. Myself, Alex (Kenyon, assistant boss) and Chris (Neal, goalkeeping coach) do all the analysis.

“We show the lads what we expect of them, where their strengths are, where their weaknesses are, where we feel we could hurt them the most.

“We’ve worked really hard this week to get that message across, to get the clips across, and to show them in our meetings.

“I feel like the lads have taken everything on board. Some of the detail we’ve gone into and the lads are picking up is fantastic to see, and it shows that what we’re saying is starting to come alive on the pitch.

“We’re really looking forward to going into the game but, as much respect as we will show Wealdstone, we don’t fear anybody in this league.

“We will go, like we did last year, and play our way. We’re looking to make headway and we’re looking to excite people.”

Fylde go into the season on the back of seven pre-season friendlies.

While the results were mixed, Mahon believes it has been a positive summer’s work.

He added: “It’s been a good pre-season, the lads have worked really hard.

“They’re in a good mindset, they’re positive, I feel like they’re ready to go.

“It’s going to be an exciting weekend, it’s great to be back home and playing the first game here.”