AFC Fylde sign former Blackpool and Wigan midfielder David Perkins

David Perkins joins Nathan Pond and Chris Neal in adding experience to the Fylde squad Picture: STEVE MCLELLAN

Fylde sign keeper Neal as Jameson moves on

The 38-year-old has made more than 700 senior appearances and the Coasters are his 10th club in a two-decade career.

Perkins has spent the past 18 months at Tranmere and made 33 appearances last season, 27 of them in League One.

He spent the first seven years of his career at Morecambe, most of those as a team-mate of Fylde manager Jim Bentley.

Perkins made 65 Championship appearances for Blackpool during an 18-month spell (2014-15), either side of longer stints with Barnsley and Wigan Athletic. He had two spells with Rochdale, also spending time with Colchester United, Chesterfield and Stockport County.

Perkins told the AFC Fylde website: “The relegation last season was disappointing but I’ve kept a close eye on the project that they’re building here and now I can’t wait to be a part of it.

"I’ve had a proper look around the ground and the facilities made it a no-brainer really. I’ve played for a lot of league clubs and they don’t have half the set-up that we do here.

“I now want to help get the club into the League. I started my career with Morecambe, so I have a non-league background to call upon which I am quite excited about.

"I know Jimbo well from Morecambe. I am going to have to get used to calling him the gaffer now instead! He was a massive factor in me coming here.

"I also know Burkey (Luke Burke) and Jonty (Castle, chief executive), both from Wigan as well, so this is a perfect fit for me.”

Bentley said: “Perks is someone I have known for many years and is one of the fittest and best professionals around.

"He’s been successful in his career and, along with Chris (Neal) and Nathan (Pond), they bring great experience, professionalism, a know-how of winning games of football and winning promotion.

“Perks is energetic, solid and is a good all-round footballer. He’s played the majority of his football in the centre of the park but he’s adaptable and is the type that can play anywhere.

"He will always give his absolute all and is a consistent performer. I am really pleased Perks is on board and I am sure he will do well for us on and off the park.”

In recent days Fylde have also announced the signing of goalkeeper Chris Neal, while Tom Walker and Jordan Williams have been sold, with Kyle Jameson being released from his contract.