AFC Fylde is delighted to announce the signings of Max Conway and Nelson Khumbeni on loan from Sky Bet League One side Bolton Wanderers.
Both players, who are currently part of the Bolton Wanderers B Team setup and have caught the eye at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, sign on 28-day loans and are available for our National League meeting with Oxford City.
Max, a left-sided defender, came through the youth ranks at Wanderers before signing a first professional contract with the Whites in the summer of 2022.
The 20-year-old spent the 22/23 season on loan at Buxton in the National League North and made 26 appearances for the Derbyshire side before joining fellow National League side Rochdale for a short period at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
Nelson, a defensive midfielder, also links up with Adam Murray’s men from Wanderers’ B Team, where he has been since signing from Norwich City in the summer of 2022.
Highly regarded and described as a technical, defensive midfield player who is comfortable in possession, 20-year-old Khumbeni made his Bolton debut in the Carabao Cup against Salford City last year and netted against Manchester United U21’s in the Papa John’s Trophy last month.
Upon both players signing, Director of Football Chris Beech said: “Both Max and Nelson have the potential to have very successful professional careers.
“Both players and Bolton Wanderers will see this as an opportunity to help establish their career path within experiences gained at AFC Fylde as part of that journey.
“After Seeing Max & Nelson play several times and understanding Bolton’s football process and the improved standards, not only in the first team but the supportive B Team, which is a great credit to all the football club and staff, I know from a selfish perspective that the lads will provide an injection of energy and quality to a squad that is currently giving its all to support improved results and consistency at AFC Fylde.
“I would like to thank both Ian Evatt (Manager) and Richard Cooper (Head of Football Administration) for their swift decisions and assistance, along with our chairman David Haythornthwaite, for supporting the deal.”
Max added: “I’m buzzing to be here, and I can’t wait to get started and hopefully help the team climb the table.
“I wanted to come here for regular games whilst developing my own game. The team and gaffer (Adam Murray) play a style that suits me, so I can’t wait to get on the pitch with the lads.”
Nelson also added: “I’m delighted to be joining Fylde on loan, and I want to help the team as much as possible during my time here.
“I’d like to thank the staff for installing their trust and faith in me to come and play here. It’s a great opportunity to get minutes under my belt and showcase myself in a way that will help the team.
“I believe that the objectives we have as a team will allow me to continue my development and keep learning as a person and player.”
During their time at Mill Farm, Max will wear number 21 and Nelson will wear number 22.
Welcome to AFC Fylde, Max & Nelson!
