Danny Philliskirk signs new AFC Fylde deal - and says supporters will see him injury-free for the first time

Danny Philliskirk in airborne action for Fylde in the FA Cup tie at Sheffield United in January

Philliskirk, who joined the Coasters after two and a half years at Blackpool, revealed: “I’ve got an operation booked in for July. It is good timing for me really as the season looks like it will start a little later. I will then hopefully be fully fit in time for the start of the season.

“I think I have been playing at 75 to 80 per cent over the last two years, so this will be great for me to get back to what I feel will be 100 per cent fit and ready to go.”

Of his new contract, the former Oldham Athletic forward told the club website: "“I am delighted to stay here. I was in a position where I had a couple of options, one of those was with a Football League club. I have enjoyed my time at Fylde over the last two years, so I wanted to be here.

“I’ve spoken with Jim (Bentley, manager) and Jonty (Castle, chief executive) a few times over the summer and the plans sounds great. I also have a good relationship with the chairman (David Haythornthwaite) as well as Jonty and Jim, so it’s great to be part of it still.

“Little things are important to me, such as being close to home and my family, I also coach in the local area and I enjoy that, and I like the club and the set-up here. There’s a good positive feeling around the place despite the position we are in.”

“We obviously don’t know what league we will be in, but if it is worst case scenario, we will all be looking to bounce straight back with the squad we have here.

“Everyone just wants to know our future now. It has been a yo-yo for the last three months and we’re still not sure what’s happening, but we are desperate to know either way so we can fully concentrate on what we need to focus on for next season and the task ahead.

“Whatever league we will be in there is always one objective at this club, and that’s to be at the top end of it. That’s the view throughout the whole club and we’ll be looking to do that.”

The announcement will come as a pleasant surprise to Fylde supporters - earlier this month owner Haythornthwaite had said he expected the out-of-contract Philliskirk to leave but would be sorry to see him go.