AFC Fylde are delighted to announce the signing of Max Bardell on a month-long loan from Championship side Derby County.

The right back has spent time in the academies at Manchester City and Huddersfield Town before joining Derby in 2019.

He made his debut for the Rams in the FA Cup against local side Chorley in January 2021, before making another appearance in the same competition with the Rams running out 5-0 winners over Torquay United.

The versatile defender made 17 Premier League 2 appearances in his first year as a professional, featuring as both a right back and centre half.

On joining the Coasters for the next month, Bardell said: “I’m really excited and ambitious to get some senior games under my belt.

“I’ll learn a lot. I’ve been around a first-team environment at Derby but I’ve not been too involved so I’m really looking forward to learning a lot off of all the players here.

“I’ve worked with the gaffer at Derby and he’s a huge name in football so I’m hoping to learn a lot during my time here.”

Head Coach Kevin Phillips added: “We’ve needed some more quality in that area, especially since Bryce Hosannah suffered an injury so we’re really pleased to add Max to our ranks.

“He’s been unlucky with injuries but he is highly thought of at Derby and we’re hoping to get the best out of him here during his time with us.

“He’s had experience playing in both a central role and a wide right back position so he gives us some good cover and a fresh face amongst the group.”

Everyone at AFC Fylde welcomes Max to Mill Farm and wishes him all the best during his time at the club.