AFC Fylde praise fitness conditioner but may not replace him

That’s according to chairman David Haythornthwaite, who admits the Coasters couldn’t afford to have such a “luxury” in the National League North.

It comes following Jake Simpson’s decision to leave Mill Farm, with Haythornthwaite speculating he could be due to rejoin former Fylde boss Dave Challinor at Hartlepool United.

“Jake was one of those guys Dave brought in a couple of years ago. He was our first strength and conditioning coach,” Haythornthwaite told the club website. “It was something I questioned at the time because we were in the National League not the Premier League and it did occur to me it may be a luxury.

“But there’s no doubt Jake quickly showed his worth to the club, getting the information to the manager he needs to help the club to be successful. He’s a young lad making his way and he has been great.

“We are a stepping stone club to greatness, be it for a manager or a centre-forward. They can come here and help themselves to progress on that road.

“If Jake ends up at Hartlepool, I wish him all the best but it may be that these are among the first jobs that get cut.

“If we stay in the National League we will go with a strength and conditioning coach but if we are relegated we won’t be able to afford that luxury. That’s what changes when you get relegated – you have to discipline yourself.”

Simpson says he leaves Mill Farm with plenty of good memories. “It’s been a quick couple of years and a strange ending with what has gone on recently,” he said.

“But from day one you could see what this club wants to do and where it wants to go. That’s the big reason I came.

“As soon as you arrive at Mill Farm you can see the ambition and quality of facilities.

“Last season was very close to the ultimate ambition of reaching the Football League. We had some great games and performances to finish it off and some silverware.

“This season it hasn’t quite gone to plan but everyone has been brilliant. I’ve been open and honest with Jim (Bentley) in my decision-making. What I’m doing is no reflection on anyone I’ve worked with. I have brilliant memories.

“Just before lockdown we had seen a bit of momentum built and I honestly believe we’d have survived with a couple of weeks to spare.

“You can’t deny the quality at the club but this season it hasn’t quite clicked. I want the best for everyone I’ve worked with at the club.”