AFC Fylde have moved to signed goalkeeper Sam Hornby on-loan from Bradford City, in a deal which will run until January 5th.
Hornby joined Bradford City in the summer on a free transfer from Port Vale, where he made 11 appearances in League 2.
His appearances this season for the Bantams have been limited to cup appearances, and the chance of regular first team football at Fylde was a big factor behind the switch.
Hornby enjoyed loan spells with Brackley Town and Kidderminster Harriers whilst at Burton Albion, before making the switch to Port Vale in the summer of 2017.
Alongside his 15 appearances for Vale, a loan switch to Chester in the National League materialised, where he gained important experience for the Seals, before being recalled.
It’s no secret that the Coasters defence has struggled this year, and with 29 goals shipped in 15 matches, improvement is an absolute necessity for Dave Challinor.
“A Good Fit”
“We’ve been looking at things as defensively things haven’t gone as we’d hoped,” said manager Dave Challinor.
“I’ve spoken to Monty [James Montgomery] and to Dan [Lavercombe], and there’s been a loss of confidence, which can happen when you’re the last line of defence.”
“Sam was one we looked at over the summer, and the opportunity has now come about to play some games, whilst trying to work with our two keepers and look to get them where they should be.
“We’re not saying it will be a magical cure, but it’s someone coming in with a blank canvas, and can hopefully do a job for us.”
“He hasn’t got that scarring over the past few weeks from conceding goals, and he has the experience at this level as well as in the Football League, but he wants to be playing football, so it’s a good fit for both parties.
“It looks like it will be short-term, so as much as him doing a good job for us, it’s about getting the other two back to where they need to be.”
Hornby will wear the number 31 shirt for AFC Fylde, and will be available for tomorrow night’s game against Chesterfield.
Tickets for the game are on sale now, both in the club shop, and in the online ticket store here.
