AFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor wants a squad full of leaders as the Coasters prepare for a second season in the National League.

Both captain Josh Langley and vice-captain Sam Finley are out of contract this summer and Challinor insists the current crop must stand up and be counted.

The Fylde boss admits he is close to making his first signing of the summer as the Coasters look to rebuild after play-off heartbreak last month and Challinor believes defence is one area that needs bolstering.

Challinor said: “Defence is certainly an area where we are looking at getting people in and we are very close with a couple. Hopefully we are in the position to announce one over the next 24 hours.

“We want the option of playing two or three centre-halves, because being flexible will be massively important.

“We perhaps missed an experienced leader at the back last season, but if you don’t have that one character then everybody needs to take responsibility.

“We have Zaine (Francis-Angol) on one side and we are looking for someone on the other side and if they are experienced and can be another leader then brilliant. 

“I want Tunny (Jordan Tunnicliffe) to step up and take more responsibility next season after a year here and hopefully he will do that. I include Jay Lynch in that too, but also the squad as a whole.

“We can only do so much from the sidelines, so I need people out on the pitch organising too.”