AFC Fylde have inserted themselves as main players in the National League North automatic promotion race, pushing King’s Lynn Town all the one.
One of the key components of the Fylde machine is Nick Haughton, the midfielder who has already weighed in with 20 goals this season. Haughton bagged 26 goals last season, helping his side to the end-of-season playoffs so it is no surprise that there is some long-standing interest in the Urmston-born attacker.
There were, according to the Grimsby Telegraph, multiple clubs in for his services in January in the hope of a cut-price deal due to the expiration of his contract approaching. Here, I have a purely speculative look at some of Haughton’s possible destinations.
AFC Fylde
Perhaps Fylde’s final placing this season could determine where the former Salford City man starts next season. He joined The Coasters in October 2018 so you could argue he has certainly found a home at Mill Farm. Would a promotion to the National League strengthen his current side’s ability to keep a key man?
2⃣0⃣ @TheVanaramaNL North goals and counting 👏#BornToBeFylde | @haughton_nick pic.twitter.com/sPMnorgqOJ
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) April 3, 2023
Grimsby Town
Grimsby, as per the previously mentioned article, were interested in Haughton in the summer prior to the start of the current season and was rumoured to be showing interest again in the winter window.
The Mariners are due to lose John McAtee who will likely join up with parent club Luton Town, potentially before a loan move higher up the pyramid. With this loss, could Haughton finally sign for the Blundell Park outfit?
Clearly, Paul Hurst is a fan of the player but his signing may see a need for a formation as he has often favoured two up front but Haughton could be well worth spending some of the hard-earned FA Cup money on.
Notts County
Notts appear again on another ‘Where Next?’ list after showing interest in the player last summer. The record-breaking Macauley Langstaff has stolen the headline this season but, behind him, players like Rodrigues have been instrumental in pushing Wrexham in the thrilling title race.
County often utilises a system with a line of three behind the main striker, and Haughton could provide an option in that number 10 role. Should the Magpies gain promotion, they may look elsewhere for a more proven league player but if promotion eludes them he could be an excellent option.
Two of the other clubs rumoured to covet Haughton are Rochdale and Hartlepool United. It wouldn’t be hard to see Haughton joining Rochdale, particularly if his current side gain promotion and Dale have their relegation confirmed.
Hartlepool too are scrapping for their Football League survival and you’d imagine that their priority would be tightening up defensively. However, should Fylde fail in their promotion bid, could Haughton be the man that these clubs see as the one to fire them back to the Football League?
Writer’s View
Once again, this is pure speculation and the player could end up at one of a multitude of National League and League clubs. He is age and performance over the last two seasons suggest he is a man at the peak of his power and would surely be interesting many clubs, particularly due to the absence of a transfer fee.
