AFC Fylde will be on the search for a new, permanent manager at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, but who could they turn to next after Kevin Phillips’ dismissal.
The National League side parted ways with Phillips recently after falling to 22nd in the fifth-tier and face the strong possibility of being relegated. Coaches David Longwell and Chris Neal have taken caretaker charge until the end of the campaign, with their task being to ensure the clubs survival.
Heading into Saturday’s clash with Gateshead, AFC Fylde have just 14 cup finals to go in order to try and preserve their National League status.
This is day three of our countdown to Non-League day. You can check out part one and part two on our website.
With one eye firmly focussed on next season, here are four potential managerial candidates that AFC Fylde could pursue this summer…
What calibre of manager is likely required?
Ultimately, the calibre of manager required by AFC Fylde is likely to depend in part on the division that the club will be in next season.
Recent season’s in the National League North have proven that AFC Fylde are more than capable of making an immediate return to the fifth tier if they were to go down.
However, the club’s number one priority currently will be to avoid relegation and remain in the National League.
An experienced figure is likely to be the preferred route for AFC Fylde to take moving forward.
This doesn’t necessarily mean an ‘older’ manager, it could also mean someone that has managed a lot of matches within his career or has proven promotion success.
With that said, let’s dive into our four suggestions…
Darren Sarll:
Fitting the profile regarding ‘experienced National League managers’, former Woking and Hartlepool United boss Darren Sarll could be a potential candidate for AFC Fylde to consider.
The 42-year-old began the 2024/25 campaign with Hartlepool, earning 16 points from his first 13 matches before being dismissed.
His preferred system is a 4-2-3-1, suggesting he likes his sides to control play, defend as a unit and catch teams on the change over – and this could be an exciting prospect for Fylde, especially with players like Nick Haughton at their disposal.
Paul Caddis:
One name that could be considered for a lot of National League sides is former Birmingham City and Swindon Town defender Paul Caddis, who is currently in charge of NL North side Hereford.
The 36-year-old had an illusive playing career and has been in charge of Hereford since May 2023, and although he hasn’t had a promotion to celebrate, he has brought positivity, good football and clear communication to supporters into the club.
Caddis’ formation preference is a 4-5-1, which again creates an ideology of dictating play in midfield, protecting the defence and countering sides, which with some of the talent that Fylde have – can be very handy. He’d also have NL North experience should Fylde go down this season.
Mike Williamson:
Admittedly, this is solely based on AFC Fylde avoiding relegation this season, but former Carlisle United manager Mike Williamson could be a popular addition for the club this summer.
Williamson burst onto the managerial scene with Gateshead in the NL North, securing them promotion to the National League. He’s gone on to manage MK Dons and Carlisle United but now finds himself without a club.
His teams tend to be dominant in possession, play attacking football and defend from the front – which could push Fylde back up the standings next season, ideally where the senior figures at the club would like them to be.
Chris Neal:
Doing an article like this would be unfair if there wasn’t a mention for at least one of the caretaker/temporary managers – this being Chris Neal.
His first match in caretaker charge saw the club draw 1-1 against promotion-chasing Gateshead away from home, which is a very good result considering Fylde have the second-worst away record in the league.
Neal would have several benefits to him CV, especially with him already working with the players, knowing the staff and having established relationships. If he helps to keep Fylde up or does well enough despite relegation, he could be the ideal man for the role.
Readers, what are your thoughts on these suggestions?