Jim Bentley has further strengthened his backroom staff with the addition of experienced and ambitious goalkeeping coach, Joe Potts.

 

Joining the club after leaving Salford City this summer, Joe now links back up with new-signing Chris Neal, a player he knows well.

Potts has enjoyed solid experience coaching within the game, having spent a number of years working at Liverpool FC in the academy set-up, before joining up with the Liverpool Ladies team. From there, Potts headed to Salford and now joins the Coasters in a new-look coaching set-up, following the departure of Lee Jones who held the position at Mill Farm previously.  

Speaking to afcfylde.co.uk, Potts explained more about his role: “It was a quick turnaround really. I left Salford City and then got a phone call from Nick Chadwick. We had a good chat and then I spoke with the Gaffer [Jim Bentley] about their plans for the season and what they wanted to do. They brought in Nealo [Chris Neal] and what they told me about their plans made it an absolute no brainer for me. 

“In terms of my career, I began coaching with Liverpool’s academy and spent a number of years with the women’s team in the WSL. I came away from that and joined with Salford, working with Carlo Nash and Nealo there which was great. The COVID-19 situation meant I had to find something new.

“Now I want to help build the future here and spend the next couple of seasons trying to get Fylde into the football league, that’s the goal and ambition of everyone.”

Strong relationships will be key for the Coasters next season, both on and off the pitch. Potts adds to that camaraderie as he already had two key relationships with both Chris Neal and Nick Chadwick, prior to his arrival.

Speaking about Neal, Potts told us: “We’ve got a good relationship. We worked together last year and I know how good he is, he’s a great signing for the club. We’ve both got fresh ideas to help each other and I think it’s a partnership that will continue to work.

On Nick Chadwick, Joe said: “I’ve been part of teams that have played against Chaddy quite a few times. Our academy had a few games last year against Wigan, so we got to see each other a fair bit. I think seeing him at those games and meeting again through other people, we had a good chat and then I came down to meet Jim properly, then Jonty and I got a great feeling. Everything was really good and excited me.”