AFC Fylde are back on home soil on this year’s Non League Day as we play host to high flying Forest Green Rovers.

Fylde are in much need of points on the board after slipping to a third straight defeat against Sutton United on Tuesday night.

The Coasters led for much of the contest in midweek, with Ethan Mitchell slamming home the opener after a quarter of an hour.

But two late goals in quick succession left the U’s with all three points.

Ahead of this weekend’s visit, Forest Green come into the clash with two wins out of their last five, whilst also picking up points against York City and Southend.

Opposition Dugout: Steve Cotterill

Steve Cotterill was appointed as Forest Green Rovers manager in January 2024.

As a player, Cotterill represented hometown club Cheltenham Town, Burton Albion, Wimbledon, Brighton and Hove Albion and AFC Bournemouth.

Moving into management with Irish outfit Sligo Rovers, Cotterill later managed his former club AFC Bournemouth between 1997-2002 before leaving to join Stoke City where he spent three months before linking up with Sunderland as Howard Wilkinson’s assistant.

In the summer of 2004, Cotterill was named as Burnley manager and would spend three years in the Turf Moor dugout.

Later spells as manager of Notts County, Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest followed prior to a successful three years at Bristol City which began in December 2013.

Cotterill brought silverware to Ashton Gate as the Robins did the double in 2014/15 – as they were crowned Sky Bet League One champions and Johnstone Paint Trophy winners under the Wembley arch.

His next club was Birmingham City – initially as Harry Redknapp’s assistant before taking over as manager in September 2017 until March 2018 – and Shrewsbury Town where he was in charge from November 2020 to June 2023, alongside AFC Fylde interim Head Coach David Longwell.

The 60-year-old returned to management in his home county of Gloucestershire with Forest Green at the turn of the New Year.

One to watch: Christian Doidge:

Forest Green’s all-time top scorer Christian Doidge leads the way in front of goal with five goals in seven appearances this term.

Now in his second spell at the New Lawn, Doidge played 127 times and scored 66 goals in a fruitful three years with the club in a previous three-year stay – helping the club to the EFL in 2017.

Starting his career back in Welsh football following academy releases by Southampton and Bristol Rovers, Doidge featured for Cwmbran Celtic, Croesyceiliog, Barry Town and Carmarthen Town – winning League cups with the latter in 2012/13 and 2013/14.

Doidge transferred to Forest Green in June 2016 – netting 25 times in their promotion-winning campaign as they reached the EFL for the first time by beating Tranmere Rovers in the play-off final.

He scored 34 goals over the next two Sky Bet League Two terms and spent the first half of 2018/19 on loan at Bolton Wanderers.

Leaving Forest Green permanently in June 2019, Doidge signed for Hibernian – making 148 appearances in five years at Easter Road as well as a loan with Kilmarnock in 2022/23.

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