AFC Fylde have moved to sign highly-rated young defender Tyler French on-loan from Bradford City for the rest of the season.

French, 21, made 120 appearances for AFC Sudbury in the Isthmian league, and attracted interest from plenty of Football League suitors.

He opted to sign for the Bantams last summer on a two year deal, but has found opportunities limited, and has spoken of his desire to get back to playing football.

“Due to not playing many game this year I’ve come here, which is a great opportunity for me,” French said.

“The main thing is coming here playing football, helping the team and getting us as high up the table as we can be.”

“My main position is centre-back, but I can play anywhere across the back. I’m quick and aggressive, they’re my two main attributes, but I’m comfortable on the ball too.”

French has followed his Bradford City teammate Sam Hornby on-loan to Mill Farm, who was positive about his move so far.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Sam, and he had nothing but good to say about the club, and everyone I spoke to had positive things to say, so it was a no brainer.”

All the lads have been good so far, training was good – I’m buzzing for the opportunity to get back out there playing, and hopefully getting a win under our belt.

To watch Tyler’s first interview, click here.

Adding Great Competition

After the signing of Tom Miller last week, Jim Bentley was delighted to add further defensive options to his team in the shape of French.

“We’ve been a little bit light, and obviously we’ve seen Whitmore and Byrne play every minute since we’ve come to the club,” said Jim Bentley.

“It gives us the option of playing three, or he can play full back, so he’s quite adaptable, and character wise we know he wants to do well and work hard.”

“I’ve had a couple of chats with Stuart McCall and Gary Bowyer who rated him highly, and he’s done well to play a lot of men’s football at an early age.”

“He ticks a lot of boxes, he’s mobile, he’s aggressive, and we think he’ll be a great addition to us who’ll add plenty of good competition.”

“We want hungry players, who will enhance and improve us, and give their all – and in the players we’ve bought in I think that’s the case.”

French will be available for the Coasters’ crucial league clash at Dover Athletic tomorrow, with a big three points up for grabs.

Coach travel is still available for the trip south, available from the club shop, and online via our ticketing site.