Liam Nolan has joined the club ahead of the start of the new season which starts this weekend in the FA Cup, where we face Hyde United.
Nolan comes into a new look Coasters squad which manager, Jim Bentley has built, but one that is full of experience from all leagues, especially the EFL.
Speaking to afcfylde.co.uk, Nolan gave his reasoning for wanting to join the club, saying: “As soon as I spoke to the gaffer I wanted to be here. I obviously know he did a brilliant job at Morecambe, so as soon as I spoke to him and he showed me around the facilities – which are brilliant – and I know a few lads who have been here a while, I thought what a good club it is, so I’m just delighted we’ve got it done.”
When you join a new club, it is nice to see familiar faces and it’s those faces who help you settle in and already Nolan recognises a few.
The former Everton man said: “I’ve played with Pondy (Nathan Pond) and Nealo (Chris Neal) when I was on loan at Salford a few seasons ago.
“I played with Ben Tollitt as a kid at Everton and I know Luke Burke and Luke Burgess just from playing against them really, so it will be good to settle in and have lads in my area to drive in with. It always helps knowing lads when you’re trying to settle into somewhere.”
Having played in the Football League for the majority of his career, Nolan has built up some vital experience in terms of promotion and being in good dressing rooms, but as well as that, the Coasters are getting a versatile player who can slot into a number of positions.
On himself, Nolan described: “I’m a holding midfielder who likes to get forward, and that’s how the gaffer wants me to play.
“I can fill in at centre back if there’s any injuries there, but I would say I’m an all-round midfield player. I give everything when I’m on the pitch, and I like to chip in with the odd goal as well.”
On Promotions, the 26-year-old continued: “I was at Accrington a few seasons ago when we won League Two, and I played quite a few games there.
“I was also at Salford and they got promoted, so I’d like to think that I’ve been in dressing rooms where we’ve gone on and got promotion, so it can only help me and hopefully then I can bring a little bit of experience to try and help the lads.”
The new season is just around the corner, as we travel to Hyde United in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round on Saturday and then we host Darlington in the National League North.
The first game always brings excitement for players, staff and fans, but Nolan knows the Coasters must hit the ground running.
“I think when you look at this league, we are one of two or three teams that everyone wants to beat,” Nolan explained.
“Promotion has to be the aim to get back to National League level, but hopefully come the end of the season we will be right up there.
“I just can’t wait to kick on and get into the season here. The games are going to come thick and fast, so I’m looking forward to it.”
