AFC Fylde is delighted to announce that Academy striker Danny Ormerod has signed a professional contract with the Club. 

Danny, who was previously at Blackpool before joining the Coasters, signs his first professional contract and graduates from the AFC Fylde Academy. 

A key figure in the Academy side at Mill Farm, Ormerod featured for the first team throughout pre-season and was on the scoresheet against Charnock Richard before taking to the pitch in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy against Lancaster City, where he was amongst the goals once again.

The 17-year-old has also featured heavily in the 2023/24 FA Youth Cup and has helped the Academy progress through three rounds into the Second Round Proper by scoring in each game, including an added-time winner against Doncaster Rovers last time out.

After signing his first professional contract, Ormerod expressed his delight and said: “I’m over the moon to have signed my first professional contract here at AFC Fylde.

“I couldn’t be happier to have signed my deal and continue my progression at such a good club – it really means a lot to me. 

“Taelor made the step up this season, and it’s good to see a pathway for players from the Academy. I need to keep working hard, and when my chance does come, I believe in myself to perform well and grab the opportunity with both hands.” 

Director of Football/Head Coach Chris Beech added: “Danny signing his first professional contract here at AFC Fylde is a brilliant moment for everyone associated with the Club. 

“Over the past few months, Danny has worked hard, scored goals and impressed when joining up with the first team for training.

“His recent goalscoring exploits in the FA Youth Cup have been there for all to see, and it’s a first professional contract that he deserves for all his hard work, but there’s still more work required from him on this next part of his journey.

“Having met with Danny’s family several weeks ago and getting to know them and their honest, hardworking values, I believe the grounding Danny has been given will stand him in good stead for his future progression.” 

“I’d like to thank and congratulate Chris Ganner, Conrad Prendergast and the rest of the Academy staff for helping Danny to this point, but also for the work they do overall for our new look Academy.”

“With the emergence of Taelor this season, and now Danny putting pen-to-paper on his deal, it shows that a pathway is there for players to make the step up. 

“The aforementioned players signing professional deals also contributes to our ‘Academy 50’ project, with more information about that coming shortly, but for now, I’d like to end by congratulating Danny once again and wish him the best of luck on the next stage of his footballing journey.” 

Congratulations, Danny!