New contract for AFC Fylde manager Challinor

Challinor has won 164 of his 262 games since taking charge of the Coasters in 2011, seeing his side score 554 goals along the way and win two promotions.

And although Fylde have suffered play-off heartbreak in the last two seasons in their bid to climb into the top tier of non-league football, there was never any doubt in chairman David Haythornthwaite’s mind that Challinor should remain at the helm.

Haythornthwaite said: “Chally and I have always had a great working relationship from the very first time he set foot in the football club.

“He is professional in everything he does and his communication at all times is first class. There will always be speculation regarding a manager’s position, especially at a club like ours where the expectations are so high.

“We know we made mistakes last season but we are all still learning and we will come back stronger.

“Last season we had more injuries and suspensions than ever and this contributed to us falling at the last hurdle.”

Fylde lost the National North play-off final 2-1 after extra-time at North Ferriby United last Saturday.

Haythornthwaite continued: “We had a very productive meeting on the team coach coming back from North Ferriby and we are united in our aspirations to go one better next season.

“I don’t think there is a better manager in this division, or indeed the one above, so we are delighted to announce Dave’s contract extension.”

Challinor was equally delighted to secure his post for the next two seasons.

The former Tranmere and Bury full-back said: “It has been a successful four and a half years at the club and to have the backing of David and (club president) Dai Davis is a big plus.

“They believe we are the right people to move the club in the right direction and that fills us with confidence.

“We are still hurting from the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat but the hard work starts now.

“I have learned an awful lot about myself over the last 12 months and I think I have improved as a manager.

“I am critical of myself because I always want to improve and I can now concentrate on doing that here at Fylde.”