Loans could be key again next season says Fylde boss Challinor

AFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor believes loan players could again play a pivotal part in his plans for next season.
Fylde loanees Luke Burke and Jonny Smith with Jack MuldoonFylde loanees Luke Burke and Jonny Smith with Jack Muldoon
Fylde loanees Luke Burke and Jonny Smith with Jack Muldoon

Don’t miss the latest football news and gossip from leagues in England, Scotland and Europe with footballwire.co.ukAFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor believes loan players could again play a pivotal part in his plans for next season.

Wigan Athletic full-back Luke Burke and Bristol City winger Jonny Smith were two who made an impact on loan at Mill Farm this season.

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Burke made 37 appearances for the Coasters, while Smith notched 10 goals during his 50 games for the club and Challinor hopes for more of the same next term.

Challinor said: “Loan players are an important part of what we do. We can’t afford to carry a massive squad and cover for every eventuality, so that’s where they come in.

“In the main, I have been happy with the lads who have come in on loan. They have all integrated really well. In a few cases it has cost us nothing to bring in these players, so they were no-brainers.

“We can have up to 12 short-term loan deals, and if you can get players in who cost nothing and potentially come into the team, then you’d be daft not to.

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“We also have good relationships with other clubs and that has been helpful.

“A few of the loan lads have figured right the way through the season and have done a good job for us.

“We will certainly look at topping up our squad with loan players again next season. If we can get players in from higher clubs who can affect our team, then we will continue to do that.

“At the moment, we will be planning for next season without loan players. In the main, clubs won’t make decisions on their players going out on loan until the end of pre-season, so we have to be organised before that.

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“The offers of loan players to Football League clubs conclude at the end of August, and it is then that players are made available to non-league clubs.

“Jonny was different last year because he was very young and we got him early. It will be down to what Bristol City believe is the best pathway for his development.

“There will certainly be discussions with them but the ball is in their court at the moment.”