AFC Fylde boss targets further reinforcements ahead of hectic programme

Bentley’s Coasters won their first four matches of the campaign in the space of 11 days but have since gone 11 without a game as two fixtures were moved back due to opposition clubs in self-isolation.

Fylde’s return to action tomorrow, with their third FA Cup tie of the season at home to Altrincham (1pm kick-off), heralds another intense period of games, with midweek matches scheduled for four of the next six weeks.

Bentley says an irregular match routine can place more pressures on a playing squad, hence his wish to further boost his resources.

Over the past week Fylde have signed full-back Reagan Ogle from Accrington Stanley and agreed professional terms with academy defender Jack Byrne, but Bentley (below) told The Gazette: “I still think we need a couple more bodies.

“We now have quite a few midweek games coming up and possibly more games to rearrange if we keep our run in the FA Cup going.

“It will be strenuous because it’s such an unusual time. We hadn’t played for six months, then we’d just got back into a routine when we had another 10-day break. Now it’s going to be flat out again for the next few weeks.

“We have enough players at the moment but we now face a batch of games and we need a couple more bodies to get us through.

“Because now it isn’t only injuries and suspensions you have to take into consideration, there’s the matter of players having to self-isolate too.

“It was good to bring Reagan in to give us more options in an area (full-back) where we were a little light but we still have one or two more areas to strengthen.

“So we are identifying players within our budget who we could add to the squad.”

Tomorrow’s fourth qualifying round tie will see the launch of the club’s live streaming service Coasters.tv, enabling season ticket holders and subscribers to watch Fylde matches from home.

Supporters are also invited to watch tomorrow’s tie with Sunday lunch in Bradley’s Bar at Mill Farm.

The draw for the first round, which will see EFL League One and Two clubs enter the cup, will be made on Monday evening from around 7.10pm.

Bentley is set to undergo a long-planned heart bypass operation next month.