AFC Fylde is delighted to announce that Chris Beech has been appointed Head Coach until the end of the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season.

Chris takes on the full-time role of Head Coach after taking control on a game-by-game basis in October, starting with the victory over Leek Town in the FA Cup.

Before arriving at Mill Farm, Chris made over 315 appearances as a professional before taking on a coaching role at Bury and then being headhunted by Rochdale AFC, establishing a 12-year association with the club.

Following his time at Rochdale, Chris was appointed as Head Coach of Carlisle United in 2019. After inheriting a squad that sat 21st in League Two, he successfully transformed them into a top-of-the-table side before departing in late 2021. 

Then came Fylde, and after transitioning from Director of Football to Interim Head Coach, Chris guided the Coasters to seven points in his first three games, with comfortable wins over Oldham & Gateshead following a 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet United.

Since then, positive performances and more points gained against FC Halifax Town & Dorking Wanderers set the Coasters up to gain progression into the FA Trophy Fourth Round after beating Nuneaton Borough on penalties. 

Following Chris’ appointment, Chairman David Haythornthwaite said: “I’m delighted to give Chris this extended opportunity. We’re going to work closely together to ensure we’re playing football in this division next year.”