The 2023/24 National League campaign saw AFC Fylde secure their status in the fifth tier, but how could they fare next season?
With the brand new season less than four weeks away, I’ve taken it upon myself to go through and analyse each of the 24 National League clubs ahead of the 2024/25 campaign in further detail (one per day until the day before the new season begins).
I will take in-depth looks at each side’s previous season, their summer recruitment, a standout player to watch and where I believe they should be aiming for this season.
Let’s begin the countdown to the new campaign with Chris Beech’s AFC Fylde…
How did AFC Fylde fare last season?
Chris Beech’s side are preparing for their second consecutive season in the National League, after clinching their safety following an improved second half to the campaign – allowing them to secure an 18th-placed finish.
Midfielder Nick Haughton secured AFC Fylde’s golden boot with 18 league goals and an additional seven assists, with the likes of Jon Ustabasi, Danny Ormerod and the now-departed Connor Barrett also playing a vital role in their survival.
AFC Fylde finished 15th in the home league table last season, losing just eight of their 23 matches, compared to losing 13 away from home.
Summer transfer activity thus far:
Beginning with the club’s retained list, Chris Beech’s side said goodbye to several players including Luke Conlan and Ash Hunter whilst popular loanees like Dan Adshead and Ethan Mitchell (more on him shortly) returned to their parent clubs.
AFC Fylde also said goodbye to three of the five players that were in talks over a new contract, including full-back Connor Barrett who’s since completed a transfer to League Two side Walsall.
Elsewhere, Josh Kay (Oldham), Luke Charman (Hartlepool) and Danny Philliskirk have all also moved on, leaving the football club with work to do this summer.
So far, AFC Fylde have made five new additions to their squad including last season’s loanees Ethan Mitchell and Bryce Hosannah. Meanwhile, Walsall’s Joe Riley, Carlisle’s Corey Whelan and Tranmere’s Charlie Jolley have all made permanent moves to the football club.
Breakout star Danny Ormerod has also signed a new contract with the football club, which is arguably one of the club’s best pieces of business so far this summer.
Verdict so far: Personally, I believe that AFC Fylde have a stronger squad than they did last season and although the division itself has increased in strength, the business they’ve done so far has been very beneficial.
Between now and the season opener, I firmly believe that the focus of their business should be in the midfield department, providing added quality alongside the likes of Haughton, Whelan and Morris.
If further depth isn’t added, I do feel as though they are only an injury/suspension away from entering a very difficult run, which could hurt their season.
Pre-Season 2024:
Currently, Chris Beech’s side have experienced a 100% start to their pre-season campaign with victories against Lancaster City and League One side Blackpool.
The club have six friendlies left to play before they host Solihull Moors on the opening day of the 2024/25 National League campaign next month.
These are against; Longridge Town (16th July), Wigan Athletic (20th July), Curzon Ashton (23rd July), Tranmere Rovers (27th July), Barrow (30th July) and Radcliffe (3rd August).
Verdict: Although pre-season is mainly about fitness and preparation, Chris Beech and his side will be delighted with their two victories so far, especially with one coming against League One opposition.
Star player:
Taking a look at the current AFC Fylde squad, though they have several talented youngsters such as Ormerod or Taelor O’Kane as well as experienced individuals like Corey Whelan, the name that stands out the most to me is Nick Haughton.
The midfielder contributed to 25 league goals for AFC Fylde last season and has already found the back of the net in both pre-season matches so far this month.
Haughton averaged 1.4 key passes, 3.5 successful dribbles per 90 minutes as well as a passing success rate of 79% – proving to be the focal point of the club’s midfield and as long as he’s fit, Fylde almost always look like a better side.
What do AFC Fylde fans think of their sides’ chances this season?
To better understand the feeling currently surrounding AFC Fylde heading into the 2024/25 campaign, I spoke to AFC Fylde supporter Tyron Croucher and he stated…
“We looked good in our pre-season game against Blackpool, new signings also performed well. Emeki Obi also had a good game back from a long-term injury so I’m hopeful in our defensive capabilities this season.
“I was worried when Sam Graham and Connor Barrett left the club but we’ve recruited well but I would like another defensive signing before the season starts just to provide some cover.
“I’m happy with the quality in our midfield, though we could do with another attacking reinforcement to provide experience as our main strikers are younger than most.
“Overall I think we’ll have a much better season than last, I’m predicting an upper mid-table finish, possibly grabbing a late play-off push and finishing 7th.”
Where do I think AFC Fylde will finish?
Given the improved quality within the National League this season, AFC Fylde will likely face another tough campaign, though I don’t believe they will slip into a relegation battle at this stage.
The overall quality of the squad is stronger despite Barrett’s departure, but they are also still at least three players short of being completely ready for the new season in my honest opinion.
Fylde also need to focus on improving away from home and learning how to grind results out, even if they focus on one point per away fixture rather than relying on their home form to carry them to safety once again.
I think AFC Fylde should be aiming towards a mid-table finish this season, though given the current quality higher up the table, they may slip into the top end of the bottom half.
The club have a strong attacking output on paper as well as having one of the division’s best midfielders at their disposal, but I don’t think they currently have the quality of the squad that could make them become dark horses for a top half/play-off finish this season, though that could easily change with further reinforcements in the right areas.
AFC Fylde fans, where do you think you will finish this season?