First AFC Fylde player takes up factory job as working routine boosts mental health for staff

All the Coasters’ players and most other staff have been furloughed, and owner David Haythornthwaite invited them all to replenish their wages by working at his VetPlus warehouse in Lytham.

And staff who have taken up the offer say that shifts on the factory floor have boosted their mental health as well as their wage packets.

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.

The forward, who signed his first professional contract last summer, has been retained for next season after loan spells at Bamber Bridge.

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.

“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.”

Someone who didn’t hesitate to accept the work offer is AFC Fylde’s commercial manager Jonathan Eighteen, who describes the decision as “an absolute no-brainer”.

Jonathan, who joined the club last September, spoke of the benefits of being back in a team again, though in a different working environment.

He said: “There’s a mentality that we’re all in this together. As football fans we’re all desperate to see the first game.

“For the first couple of weeks (of lockdown) it was something different and we weren’t sure what was going to happen.

“But I’m a big advocate of taking about mental health and I was one of those longing to get Mill Farm back to what it was, which is lively on a Saturday. I really miss that.

“I kept myself reasonably busy trying to help people but I was ready for doing something, and then I got a letter from David offering the chance to work for VetPlus.

“For me it was an absolute no-brainer and it helps the business overall.

“Getting up at 4am was a bit of a shock to the system but I’m so glad I did it. I’m conscious of mental health and having some sort of structure to my week – and now weekends mean something again.

“I’m doing a bit of quality control, packing and checking, and I’m part of the team. I’ve met some good people and it’s all been very positive.”

Mill Farm is branching out to find new ways of generating income as its Mediterranean restaurant launches a takeaway/delivery service and the cafe operates for drive-through customers.