AFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor has put pen-to-paper on a contract extension with the club.

Challinor’s new deal will take him through to June 2021 and potentially ten years with the Coasters.

Since joining from Colwyn Bay in November 2011, Challinor has overseen three promotions and is currently the fourth longest-serving manager in any of England’s top five divisions.

The 42-year-old was named Manager of the Year after masterminding the Coasters rise to the National League as league champions in 2016-17 and enjoyed a fantastic first season in the fifth tier of English football last time out, guiding Fylde to a Play-Off place.

“I’m really pleased to sign a new deal,” said Challinor. “There was only a year left on my existing deal and there was always a plan to have another discussion after a season in the National League.

“For David and the club to come to me and offer me an extension is really pleasing. We did a good job last season and perhaps over achieved on what some people expected.

“To commit for a longer period is great because it’s a job that I really enjoy. For the club to have the faith and belief in me being the man to take the club onto the next level is very flattering.

“We are just one step away from the plan we put in place years ago, but it’s the biggest step. We have been successful every season and it has been a fantastic journey to be a part of.

“In every season since we joined, we have either won the league, been promoted or been involved in the play-offs.

“We just have to keep building and moving forward, individually, as a management team and as a squad. Off the pitch has been fantastic too and there are more exciting developments ahead.”

Challinor continued his fantastic record last season, securing a place in the National League Play-Offs at the first attempt and is keen to repeat the feat.

Challinor added: “Our expectations and ambitions haven’t changed for next season. Whether people think we over achieved, under achieved or got what we deserved last season, it makes no difference to us. We have our own motivations and football is about winning. 

“We know that next season will be a lot tougher than last season. I don’t expect there to be a runaway team, but I think that the under achieving teams from last season will be improved. 

“In my opinion, the teams coming into the division are stronger than those that have gone out, particularly in terms of budget. 

“However, we still want to improve on what we did last year. The first aim for everyone will be getting to 50 points and securing their position, but from there an awful lot will want to get into those play-offs, ourselves included.”

Stay tuned for more reaction.