AFC Fylde camp awaits outcome of National League clubs' vote

Clubs voted over the weekend on a National League proposal which would see its three divisions finalised on an unweighted points-per-game basis, with the champions of each promoted.

However, as the proposal is to promote a second team via play-offs in the top division only, the sole club relegated from the National League would be bottom team Chorley.

Fylde would remain second-bottom under PPG but would survive and chairman Haythornthwaite said: “Sitting on that meeting I got the feeling the majority will vote for it. There were one or two dissenters but it was one or two.

“From day one I’ve said I had faith in people and that fairness and decency will prevail, and it looks at the moment as though it may have done, even if it’s maybe in a way none of us imagined.

“I have a little bit of sympathy for the guys in National League North and South who feel they should have play-offs, but with my Fylde hat on I’m not delighted yet but mildly confident we’ll be okay.”

Haythornthwaite also revealed that three members of AFC Fylde’s backroom and non-playing staff are due to depart Mill Farm.

Physio Sean Riley, strength and conditioning coach Jake Simpson and groundsman Ian Forshaw are the three in question.

“It’s not coronavirus-related but we felt it was probably time for Sean to move on,” Haythornthwaite said.

“I’d like to thank him, he’s been fantastic during the time he’s been at Fylde.

“Jake Simpson, the strength and conditioning coach, he’s decided to move on as well. He’s one you might see around for the future. He’s a name to look out for.

“Ian has been approached by someone to go into a consultancy role, so he will be working his notice and we’ll be looking for a replacement groundsman.

“There were always going to be casualties because there’s no money. Eventually something has to give. I want to thank them all because they’ve all been great.”