Still some shopping to do for AFC Fylde?

AFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor says he is happy with how his squad is shaping up ahead of the new National League season.
Dave Challinor    Picture: Steve McLellanDave Challinor    Picture: Steve McLellan
Dave Challinor Picture: Steve McLellan

The Coasters have added seven new faces this summer, with Ashley Hemmings the latest to arrive at Mill Farm.

Challinor says he is still actively looking to bring in new recruits, although it might just be a case of bringing in one or two more to strengthen their options in defence.

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“We could possibly add another one this week,” the Fylde boss told The Gazette. “Everything is done, it’s just a case of waiting for it to go through.

“We’re still actively looking. Ideally we’d like one, possibly two more defenders. But we are in a decent place.

“I think we just need one or two more to provide cover more than anything. The back four have looked really good but you’re only ever one injury or suspension away from not having enough cover.

“So we need to make sure we get enough bodies in to provide that competition.

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“Ashley Hemmings is a player who will give us some natural width over on the left-hand side, which is something we didn’t really have.

“He came on for a short spell against Blackpool and showed some little flashes. His set piece delivery is a real bonus too. But he’s just a really good footballer that is able to create as well as score goals.

“He will give us variety and options as well as providing competition.

“Joe Cardle, another new signing, has been really good for us so far.

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“He gets into some good positions but what has also been pleasing to see is the manner in which he’s got into some different positions.

“He’s now coming inside as well as being capable going down the line, so he’s showing some really positive signs.

“He’s now back home which suits him, so he shouldn’t have any issue settling.

“It’s certainly going to be a tough ask selecting the team for the first game.”

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Fylde play their final pre-season friendly at Curzon Ashton today, although Challinor doesn’t expect to name his strongest side ahead of their curtain-raiser with Bromley.

“I think we’ll be naming a mixed team at Curzon.,” he added. “We made a conscious decision to name two strong sides against Carlisle and Blackpool on Saturday and Tuesday.

“But the lads who still need minutes will play. That might leave us open in terms of how we play, as we might be a bit imbalanced.

“But it’s a case of getting some minutes into those lads who need it, with the focus of course being the game against Bromley next week.”