Jim Bentley returns to AFC Fylde after heart surgery and eases back into manager's role

The Coasters boss is ready to start “easing myself back in” and to be reunited with deputy Nick Chadwick, who Bentley says had become “like my second wife” as they spoke on the phone several times each day.

The 44-year-old spoke of the frustration of watching games on his computer while recuperating at home, though he must wait until a week on Saturday to see Fylde play their first match for four weeks as National League North has been suspended.

Speaking to the club website, Bentley first gave an update on his condition. He said: “I’m ahead of schedule. I was looking to come back for the Blyth game on the 16th but obviously the Covid situation put an end to that.

“I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back but it’s important I don’t rush because I’ve had a major operation.

“I’m walking an hour or 90 minutes a day and I feel strong.

“I’m not fully recovered. Your lungs take a bit of time as well when you’ve been on a ventilator after the op, but I’m pleased with the way it’s gone. I’m feeling fit and strong, and I just can’t wait to get back into it.

“It’s been difficult to watch games on computer at home at 3pm on a Saturday, and it’s been hard to get involved on matchdays with so much going on on the touchline

“I have been getting in contact a little with Joe Potts, the goalkeeping coach, with anything I see from afar but it’s difficult to affect the game from behind a computer. I have full trust in Chaddy and the lads.”

That relationship with assistant Chadwick has developed during their many telephone conversations, which these days have to cover far more topics than just tactics and selections.

Bentley added: “Chaddy has become like my second wife really. I speak to him three, four or five times a day about training, players, potential ins and outs, everything that goes on around managing a football team.

“Chaddy has been thrown in at the deep end and has done fantastically well. I’m really pleased, certainly with the last couple of games.

“But in these uncertain times we aren’t just talking about coaching. We’re talking about how we can do a gym session with social distancing and planning around Covid. There’s so much to take on board and to do.

“Now thankfully I’m going to start easing back in. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, and making sure that when the games do come round we have the best chance of finishing the season successfully.”

The Coasters have had Covid cases of their own, forcing players and staff to spend last week in isolation before the league’s two-week suspension was confirmed.

It’s just another challenge in a season full of them for Bentley and his team.

He added: “We were looking to build our momentum but with Covid it hasn’t been possible.

“Like everything in life that’s thrown at you, you have to get on with it. The most important thing above all else is everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

“We’ve had a few issues and that’s going to happen because we don’t all just live in one bubble.

“We have to shop, go home to the families and whatever. It’s important that we follow the protocols to give ourselves every possible chance when we train and play games.

“The players have had to make sure they tick over as best they can.

“It’s important they are professional in their outlook, do the right things and make sure they are fit and ready to get points on the board when we get back into playing.”