AFC Fylde are delighted to complete the signing of experienced forward Stephen Dobbie.

The 38-year-old joins The Coasters on a one-year deal, following his departure from Scottish Championship outfit Queen of the South. 

Stephen Dobbie’s name is widely respected on the Fylde coast, following successful spells at Blackpool and Fleetwood Town earlier on his career. During his time at Bloomfield Road, the Scot played a crucial role in helping Blackpool secure promotion to the Premier League in 2010, netting the goal against Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-final which earned The Seasiders a spot at Wembley against Cardiff City. 

Promotion to the top flight of English football became somewhat of a forte for ‘Dobbs’, as he once again played a key role in Swansea City’s victorious play-off squad during the 2011 Championship campaign, scoring nine times in 41 appearances.

For the past five seasons, Dobbie has been plying his trade in his home nation with Queen of the South, winning the Scottish Championship top goalscorer in back-to-back seasons in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Throughout his time at The Doonhammers, he managed an impressive 69 goals in 138 appearances. 

As part of the deal, Stephen has also agreed to take on the role as Academy Coach alongside his playing duties.

Commenting on the deal, Coasters boss Jim Bentley, said: “Stephen has had a fantastic career and from what we have seen and the checks we have made, he still has plenty to offer on the field of play.

“He has a desire to go into coaching when his playing days are finished and we can help him with that transition by welcoming him into our academy set up as a coach. He’s local, has vast experience in the game and he will be very valuable to our club not just within the first team set up but also in his new role in helping our young players develop.

“We are very much looking forward to working with Stephen, and I’m sure he will be a big success on and off the pitch for AFC Fylde.”

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