AFC Fylde are searching for a new management team following the departure of head coach Chris Beech and assistant Nick Anderton after a 3-0 defeat to York City.
The loss, which dropped the Coasters to second-bottom of the National League, came as part of a dismal run of form, with Fylde having taken just two points from their last seven games. York capitalized on a second-half red card to seal the win, with goals from Marvin Armstrong, Lenell John-Lewis, and Callum Harriott securing the points.
Fylde started brightly, pressing the York defence as Gavin Massey, Nick Haughton, and Ethan Mitchell combined to create chances. Haughton went close early on, forcing a great save from Harrison Male, and nearly set up Joe Riley for a tap-in, only for the cross to be cut out.
The game changed in the 45th minute when Harry Davis was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Armstrong. York took full advantage of their extra man just five minutes after the break, with Armstrong firing past Ben Winterbottom to open the scoring.
Fylde nearly equalized through Charlie Jolley, but York punished them for the missed chance. Dipo Akinyemi set up John-Lewis to double York’s lead, and Callum Harriott added a third with a composed finish late on. Fylde goalkeeper Winterbottom made some crucial saves, but the visitors couldn’t find a way back into the game. The defeat leaves Chris Beech’s side in a tough position after a difficult run of form, and he paid the ultimate price.
The club announced the managerial exits on Sunday, less than 24 hours after the match. A statement from Fylde read: “The club can confirm that they have parted company with Chris Beech and his assistant Nick Anderton. The club would like to place on record their thanks to both Chris and Nick and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
Chris Beech had taken over as interim head coach in October 2023 following the departure of Adam Murray, after serving as the club’s director of football since December 2022. Under his leadership, Fylde initially picked up seven points from their first nine but still found themselves at the foot of the table at the start of the new year. However, a remarkable turnaround followed, with Fylde going on an impressive run of 11 wins and three draws from their next 19 games, which allowed them to finish the season in 18th place and avoid relegation back to the National League North.
This upturn in form saw Beech rewarded with a contract extension in May, but the team’s struggles this season have led to the club parting ways with him. The statement added that chairman David Haythornthwaite will provide further updates on the reasoning behind the decision and the club’s plans moving forward.
In the meantime, first-team duties will be overseen by Chris Neal and Nathan Delfouneso as Fylde prepare for their next fixture against Southend United on Tuesday night.
Writer’s View
AFC Fylde’s decision to part ways with Chris Beech comes as little surprise, given the team’s poor start to the season. Despite the success of last season’s great escape, recent results have left the club struggling at the wrong end of the table. The board clearly felt that a change was needed to arrest the slide and turn their fortunes around.
Fylde’s next appointment will be crucial. After having three different managers within a year, the club needs stability and direction. Whoever takes the helm will face a challenging task to guide them away from relegation danger and restore confidence in the squad.
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