Chairman admits AFC Fylde will be sorry to see Danny Philliskirk leave

AFC Fylde chairman David Haythornthwaite has sung the praises of Danny Philliskirk as the midfielder heads for the exit door at Mill Farm.
Danny Philliskirk could have lined up a return to the EFL Picture: STEVE MCLELLANDanny Philliskirk could have lined up a return to the EFL Picture: STEVE MCLELLAN
Danny Philliskirk could have lined up a return to the EFL Picture: STEVE MCLELLAN
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Haythornthwaite confirmed that it’s unlikely the 29-year-old will be offered a new deal.

The 29-year-old, who signed for the Coasters in 2018 following his release from Blackpool, is in talks with a League club according to Fylde’s owner, who is sad to see him depart.

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Haythornthwaite told the club website: “He’s been an ever-present for us. He’s hardly missed a game through injury as far as I can remember.

“If I had to put two or three on the teamsheet every week, his name would be there. He’s a fantastic footballer, who takes care of the ball and very rarely gives it away.

“He’ll always be in my mind for scoring the winning goal at Solihull away (in the play-off semi-finals last season) to take us to Wembley.

“He’s a true professional. He comes from a footballing family and he’s very honest.

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“He’s told us he has interest and maybe even offers from a League club and I’m not surprised. The guy is a quality footballer.

“Ultimately we’d like to keep him but because of the situation we can’t guarantee him anything at the moment. It wouldn’t be right for me to spend that money when I can’t afford to pay the players we’ve got.

“We hope we can persuade Danny to stay and if the offers he gets aren’t as good as he’s hoping, then I’d love nothing more than to see him wearing a white shirt when we kick-off again next season.

“But if he does depart, I have to thank Danny for being a great player for us. The fans love him and he always gives 110 per cent.”

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AFC Fylde’s survival in the National League looked to be back in the balance last night, after clubs were given new proposals to vote on.

Fylde’s prospects of a fourth season in non-league’s top tier looked good over the weekend, when the league issued proposals to finalise the league table via the unweighted points-per-game system and relegate only the bottom club, namely Chorley.

This would have seen only the champions of National League North and National League South go up because play-offs to promote a second team from both divisions were not deemed possible.

However, it appears this has been successfully challenged and a proposal to promote four clubs to the National League instead of two is now on the table. If approved, this would see second-bottom Fylde relegated. It is understood clubs must vote by the end of today.