Fylde boss gets to grips with '˜ruthless' new world

Manager Dave Challinor is hoping to boost his squad by the end of the week as AFC Fylde prepare for their debut season in the top tier of English non-league football.
Dave ChallinorDave Challinor
Dave Challinor

The Coasters boss described the hectic weeks since his side clinched the Vanarama National League title as “ruthless” as he holds discussions with players and agents.

Challinor told The Gazette: “Hopefully, we will get an answer this week from two or three players we have targeted. We hope the answer will be positive; if not, then it will be a question of moving on to other targets.”

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One name on his radar is defender Macauley Wilson, who had a spell on loan at Fylde during their promotion season.

The full-back has since been released by parent club Blackpool and Challinor confirmed Wilson is of interest.

However, he said any move by Fylde was very much dependent on the fitness of the 19-year-old, whose season was curtailed by a knee injury suffered in mid-March.

The AFC Fylde boss said of Wilson: “He is a young lad we have looked at but he would have to prove his fitness.

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“He is out with a knee injury for eight weeks and he would have to prove himself before we could think of making him an offer.”

Defender Danny Livesey was linked with Fylde after he was released by Barrow at the end of the season.

However, it is understood that Livesey is bound for ambitious National North club Salford City.

Challinor says it will not be straightforward getting in new personnel. He added: “It is difficult at this time of year. If we fancy a good player, you can be sure that other clubs will be in for that player as well.

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“There are clubs at our level and below who would be prepared to offer more to a player than we could.”

Challinor will be otherwise engaged at St George’s Park in Burton from Monday, working for his FIFA A coaching licence.

However, he says he will continue to stay in contact with the club in case any transfer business develops.