Andy Pilkington’s championship winning Development Squad face a testing nine months ahead, as they prepare for their defence of the Lancashire League West Division crown.

The squad will face a tough schedule, totalling twenty six league games in total in what looks to be a very strong West Division.

AFC Fylde’s opponents for the new season, which kicks off on 9 August, include: Ashton Athletic, Bootle, Colne, Curzon Ashton, FC United of Manchester, Hyde, Lancaster City, Nelson, New Mills, Padiham, Stalybridge Celtic and Stockport County.

Last season’s league and cup winners were re-presented with their trophies at the AGM, held at the Lancashire FA headquarters in Leyland on Monday evening and Andy Pilkington was present to accept the trophy.

Prior to the meeting, a moment of silence was observed to remember the sad passing of Sir Tom Finney and Steve Rooke.  Sir Tom was the League’s President from 1989 while Steve was the well respected Registrations manager at the FA.

The Lancashire League also announced that Jimmy Armfield, the former Blackpool and England player, would succeed Sir Tom as President.

The Development Squad have returned to pre-season and preparations are well underway with several warm up and pre season games already organised.

Pre-Season Schedule: 

Tues 01-Jul	Academy U17s	Preston’s College, Fulwood	7:15pm
Wed 9-Jul	Penwortham Town FC (A)	Factory Lane, Penwortham	7pm
Sat 12-Jul	Academy U18s	Preston’s College,  Fulwood	10:30am
Thurs 17-Jul	Longridge Town (A)	Inglewhite Road, Longridge	7pm
Sat 19-Jul	Poulton Town (A)	Blackpool Old Road, Poulton	3pm
Tues 22-Jul	Lostock St Gerards (A)	Watering Pool Lane, Lostock Hall	7:30pm
Sat 26-Jul	Fulwood Amateurs (A)	Lightfoot Lane, Fulwood	3pm
Tues 29-Jul	Charnock Richard (A)	Mossie Park, Charnock Richard	7pm