Luke Burke signs new contract at AFC Fylde

Luke Burke's next AFC Fylde appearance will be his 100th for the club Picture: STEVE MCLELLAN

Praise for new assistant manager Nick Chadwick on 'critical' appointment at Fyl...

The 22-year-old full-back has made 99 appearances for the club since joining from Wigan Athletic three years ago.

Burke told the club website: “It has been ongoing for a few weeks. The club offered me a deal, so I wanted to make sure my head was right and totally focused on AFC Fylde.

“We all want to work towards the same goal – that’s promotion – so I wanted to be here and remain a part of this club.”

Coasters manager Jim Bentley said: “Luke has impressed me since I have been at the club. He’s a good pro, works hard and is very committed.

“Although still only young, he has good experience and still has plenty of potential that hopefully we can help him fulfil. He’s also a great lad, so I am really pleased he’s staying with us.”

Burke said that boss Bentley, who faces heart bypass surgery, was a major factor in his decision, adding: “Since he arrived I have loved playing for him, loved training and loved working with him.

“I have played nearly every minute in every game that he’s been here and I am enjoying being part of what he’s building. Hopefully we can build on that this year and get the promotion we all want.”

The Liverpudlian came through the academy at Wigan and made five Championship appearances for Latics before moving on to Fylde and featuring in their three National League campaigns.