AFC Fylde sign midfielder Liam Nolan

The 26-year-old Liverpudlian joins the Coasters following his release from Macclesfield Town, having only joined that crisis-hit club last month.

The 6ft 3’ former Northern Ireland Under-21 player boosts a highly experienced Fylde midfield containing Danny Philliskirk and David Perkins.

Since coming through the youth ranks at Everton, Nolan has had two-year stints at Crewe Alexandra, Southport and Accrington Stanley, helping the latter to win the League Two title.

After a loan spell with Salford City in 2018/19, when they won promotion to the Football |League, Nolan spent last season with FC Halifax Town, who reached the National League play-offs.

Fylde now hope Nolan brings that promotion-chasing mentality to Fylde and manager Jim Bentley told the club website: “He’s a player I’ve seen a lot of in the past, especially his time at Accrington Stanley.

“He’s done well since, having a pretty successful time at Halifax last year, so we like him as a player. He’s different to what we’ve got and he’s adaptable. He gives us extra height, is good with the football and he’s a good character.

“He was in training with us a few weeks ago and we really liked him, but then Macclesfield came in for him and he made the decision to go there purely for the level they were playing at.

“We respected that decision but the devastating news about Macclesfield (expelled from the National League) now means he’s available again and we are really pleased he’s chosen to come here.”

Nolan said: “As soon as I spoke to the gaffer I wanted to be here. I obviously know he did a brilliant job at Morecambe. I’m just delighted we’ve got it done.”