Balancing act for AFC Fylde boss Jim Bentley ahead of heart surgery

Jim Bentley (centre) feels confident in handing the AFC Fylde reins to his coaching team at the end of the month

Fylde boss Bentley left frustrated by FA Cup exit at Exeter

The club confirmed in July that team boss Bentley required a bypass because of a blocked artery, but an operation planned for last Tuesday has now been delayed until the end of the month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bentley, 44, has decided to remain at the Mill Farm helm in the interim to help the Coasters continue their successful start to the season.

He told The Gazette: “It’s been a mad one, and with the Covid situation it has gone on a long time.

“I was supposed to have a stent to help and then they decided to do a bypass, so I had to wait. I finally got a date, then it was in danger of being cancelled and I got the go-ahead for last Tuesday.

“I was in self-isolation and psychologically you build yourself up to a big operation, and you get your head round everything.

“Then you get a phonecall to say that due to the (Covid) situation it’s moved back to end of month. But again because of the situation I’m not holding my breath because that could change at any time.”

As he prepared for his operation, Bentley said a temporary farewell to the club after the FA Cup win over Altrincham a fortnight ago and his assistant Nick Chadwick took the reins for the first time in the National League win over Kettering Town three days later.

But by the weekend, the Coasters confirmed that Bentley was back in charge after his operation was postponed.

Bentley, who arrived at Fylde in October last year after a 17-year association with Morecambe, is happy to remain in his role for as long as possible but knows his health must come first.

He explained: “It’s on your mind and it can play on your mind, but I’ve learned over the years how to blank things out of my mind and concentrate on the job in hand.

“At the minute all I’m interested in is making sure we are doing everything right to give ourselves a good chance of winning games of football.

“And I’m trying not to get too excited on the sidelines, which is easier said than done when you are passionate about the game, but I know that first and foremost I have to make sure my health is right.

“At the moment I think I’ve got the balance right. I have a strong family behind me and good people around me.

The chairman (David Haythornthwaite) and chief executive (Jonty Castle) have been fabulous and I have a good backroom staff.

“It’s been a stressful time. I lost my right-hand man (longstanding assistant Kenny McKenna) but now I have a good staff in place. They are hardworking people and when the time comes I know the club is in safe hands.

“I’d like to think that psychologically I can manage myself. There will be the old moment and I got a bit excited against Altrincham in the FA Cup, but sometimes I have to curb my ways a little.

“I’m so passionate and want to win games but I mustn’t get too uptight.”

Having won their first seven games of the season in all competitions, Fylde drew at Alfreton in the league last Tuesday and bowed out of the FA Cup 2-1 at League Two Exeter City on Saturday.