Joe Riley signed for AFC Fylde in June 2024, penning a one-year contract at Mill Farm with an option of a second.

Local lad Riley, 27, who grew up in Lytham, returns to the Fylde Coast following his arrival at Mill Farm.

Coming through the famed youth system of Manchester United, Riley featured in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League, making his first Red Devils start in a 5-1 win over FC Midtjylland in February 2016.

Having spent time on loan at Sheffield United as the Blades won Sky Bet League One in 2016/17, Riley made the permanent switch to Bradford City in summer 2018, featuring for the Bantams in Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two.

Carlisle United would mark Joe’s next career destination, when he linked up with the Cumbrians in the summer of 2020, under the management of Chris Beech. Riley would go onto enjoy a successful spell at Brunton Park, making 84 appearances in all competitions for the club as they climbed towards the top end of Sky Bet League Two in his first season, playing predominantly in a midfield role

Joe now reunites with Beech, his manager at Carlisle, where he played a key role in helping the Cumbrians finish 10th in Sky Bet League Two in the 2020/21 term.

After departing Carlisle in the summer of 2022, Joe penned a contract at Walsall of Sky Bet League Two, turning out on 33 occasions across two campaigns in Saddlers colours.

Riley then signed for the Coasters, becoming Beech’s fourth new recruit ahead of the new campaign.