AFC Fylde are delighted to announce that Chris Beech has extended his Mill Farm stay for the 2024/25 Vanarama National League campaign.

The Coasters had an incredibly strong end to the season under the leadership of Chris, so we are over the moon to share the extension of his current deal.

Chris continues the full-time role of Head Coach after taking control on a game-by-game basis in October, starting with the victory over Leek Town in the FA Cup.

Before arriving at Mill Farm, Chris made over 315 appearances as a professional before taking on a coaching role at Bury and then being headhunted by Rochdale AFC, establishing a 12-year association with the club.

Following his time at Rochdale, Chris was appointed as Head Coach of Carlisle United in 2019. After inheriting a squad that sat 21st in League Two, he successfully transformed them into a top-of-the-table side before departing in late 2021. 

Then came Fylde, and after transitioning from Director of Football to Interim Head Coach, Chris guided the Coasters to seven points in his first three games, with comfortable wins over Oldham & Gateshead following a 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet United.

Since then, positive performances and more points gained secured AFC Fylde’s National League safety as we finished 18^th in the table. Beech’s season highs include the New Years Day victory over Rochdale, the 5-0 demolition job away at Aldershot and a strong 3-1 away win at Oldham’s Boundary Park.

Following Chris’ appointment, Chairman David Haythornthwaite said: “I’m delighted to give Chris this extended opportunity. We’re going to work closely together to ensure we begin to kick off up the league table when the season begins.”

Head Coach Chris Beech said this: “I am delighted the deal is done and I can’t wait to dig in and get the season started”

Full interview coming later this week.