Exciting teenager joins Nick Haughton in signing new contract with AFC Fylde

Teenager Sheldon Green has joined Nick Haughton in signing a new contract with AFC Fylde.
Green in action for the CoastersGreen in action for the Coasters
Green in action for the Coasters
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The 18-year-old forward, who signed a professional deal last summer, has committed his future to the Coasters by penning a new contract.

Green, who has recently been out on loan with Bamber Bridge, has impressed Jim Bentley with his performances this season and is keen to break his way into Fylde’s first-team plans.

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“When the new gaffer came in, I felt like I really progressed,” Green said. “Jim taught me a lot of things and I improved as a player.

“Going out on loan to Bamber Bridge really helped me as well, getting a few goals and assists whilst there was great.

“Getting those minutes under my belt helped in proper men’s football, it was different to what I had played in before at youth level.

“My goal is now to get into the team when we come back, whenever that may be.

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“I’ve been keeping fit and working hard, so I hope that whenever we get going again I can get a chance in the team, learn more about the game and continue to work hard.”

Bentley is tipping Green for a big future and is delighted the club have been able to tie him down to a longer deal.

“Sheldon is a product of our own youth system and it is always good to give home grown players a chance in football,” the manager said.

“Since I have been at the club, he’s shown a real hunger and desire to succeed.

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“He’s a decent player who is certainly getting better and his recent loan spell at Bamber Bridge was a success and improved him both physically and mentally with each game he played.

“He has good potential and hopefully he can fulfil that and affect the first team here at his home town club.”

Despite the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus, Green follows Haughton in recently signing a new contract with the club.

While owner David Haythornthwaite recently admitted the club would have to release a number of players due to the lack of funds, he also said it was important the Coasters looked after their best assets.

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Green has been keeping busy during lockdown despite being furloughed by the club, having accepted Haythornthwaite’s offer to work in a factory to boost his wages.

It comes after the Fylde owner invited all of the club’s players to replenish their wages by working at his VetPlus warehouse in Lytham.

Haythornthwaite had previously stated that none of the Fylde players had replied to his offer, though teenager Green has now started work helping to pack the company’s veterinary products.

Haythornthaite told the club website: “We’ve had the first footballer, Sheldon, who maybe needs the money more than some of our higher-paid stars out there.

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“He started working in the factory last week. So far it’s been pretty successful for us and hopefully successful for them in bridging the loss of earnings.

“Many of us live in a bubble and I’m probably very fortunate. I’ve been up at our house in the Lake District ever since the lockdown and touch wood I’ve managed to steer clear of coronavirus.

“But I think about people living in small houses with young family – you could go stir crazy very quickly.

“Just going to work is therapeutic and sometimes it’s just good to get out of the house.”