AFC Fylde chairman praises Nick Chadwick on taking 'critical' job

The Coasters chairman has also welcomed the addition of Andy Taylor to the coaching staff.

Chadwick is expected to be in charge of the Fylde team in the early stages of the National League North season, with Coasters boss Jim Bentley facing heart surgery.

Former Everton striker Chadwick, 37, was widely praised for this work over the past five years at Wigan Athletic, where he ran the development squad.

Haythornthwaite told the club website: “Nick’s probably going to find himself in charge of the squad for a good bit of the season.

“Even if Jim went in for his operation tomorrow he’s not going to be back in five minutes, so Nick will be a key person in our organisation and it’s critical we get off to a good start. I’ve said that whoever comes in as our number two is critical to our success.”

The chairman believes Chadwick’s contacts within the game will also be an asset as he looks to make the most of the loan market.

Haythornthwaite added: “We’re bringing in a proven, young, ambitious coach, who gives us some great options in the loan market. When the salary cap comes in, or even with your own self-imposed budget, the use of the loan market is really important.

“You need people who understand the loan market, have the contacts in that market and know who the players are who will come and play real football.”

Such is Haythornthwaite’s faith in Chadwick that he was prepared to sanction the appointment without meeting him.

He added: “Jonty (Castle, Fylde CEO) has Wigan connections and spoke very highly of Nick as a coach and as a person, which is really important. Jim also knew him well because they had been on coaching courses together. I think that will be a good combination.

“I’ve gone on Jim and Jonty’s recommendation, but he very much understands the way Fylde want to play and entertain because that’s part of our football philosophy.

“No matter how old you are I think you can benefit from fantastic coaching and I hope our players are excited to learn that we’ve managed to get someone of Nick’s proven ability.

“Bringing some of those younger players through the academy will be helpful but don’t underestimate what he can do with the existing players.”

Former Blackpool captain Taylor, 34, joined Fylde on a short-term deal last October and made 15 appearances but a knee ligament injury shortly before lockdown looked to have ended his Coasters careeer.

However, Haythornthwaite expained: “This is a good story because it was out of the blue. Jonty told me that Andy had said he would like to stay at the club. I said, ‘Great, but we have no money.’ But Andy has been prepared to come in at what I think is a very competitive rate and I’m looking forward to seeing how he develops.

“When someone is prepared to put his money where he mouth is and say, ‘Give me a chance and let me show what I can do,’ those people I have great admiration for.

“They are the ones I want to see succeed in life because they are the ones who deserve to, not the ones who demand a king’s ransom as though the world owes them a living.

“So it’s great to have Andy. He is working towards a sports science qualification and will wear a number of hats. He’ll do match analysis and be involved in the fitness regime.

“Two different and exciting appointments and you need that new thinking sometimes.”