AFC Fylde defender backs new assistant boss to shine

New number two Chadwick is set to take charge of the Coasters in the early stages of the season, while Jim Bentley recuperates after heart surgery.

Burke knows Chadwick from Wigan, where Fylde’s number two worked in the academy for the past five years, and says the Mill Farm club will be in good hands.

Burke told the Fylde website: “I had a little bit of time with Nick at Wigan. He came in to be the under-18s coach when I stepped up to join the under-21s but we would have days when we worked together, which were great.

“We had a pre-season together and did some other bits, but away from football he’s helped me out a lot as well.

“I had a bit of a tough time a while ago, so I popped into the Wigan training ground for a chat and he gave me good advice.

“He was there for me and he helped me to try and clear my head. I’m really grateful for that.

“I’m sure we will be close this season and that’s what we need – all the staff and players to be close to make a tight group.”

Players had personal regimes for staying fit and active during lockdown but Burke’s was certainly unusual, as he explained.

He said: “One of my family friends is a bricklayer, so I did some labouring for him.

“It was a bit of an experience getting my hands dirty and I got cramp in some places I never thought you could get it.

“I tried to keep fit after having a bit of a rest period.

“It was hard to get motivated to get running when you don’t know when you’re coming back.

“I went on plenty of bike rides and did a few little sessions with the ball.

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back in now and getting some normality.”