AFC Fylde manager Dave Challinor admits places are still up for grabs ahead of the Coasters’ debut game in the National League against Boreham Wood next month.

Fylde have brought in seven new faces so far this summer and Challinor is spoilt for choice ahead of the opening match.

Challinor said: “The game on Tuesday against Morecambe will see a more settled side. We will look at that over the weekend. Some players need games more than others and we will have to take that into consideration, but we would be wrong not to have one eye on that first game of the season.

“We will look at different combinations but there are certainly still places up for grabs. Players have to force themselves into our plans and make sure they produce in every game and training session to make our job as difficult as possible.

“I have no complaints with how the lads have done so far this pre-season – they have all worked their socks off.

“We will have a game between ourselves this weekend, where we can try and give players maybe 75 or even 90 minutes and see where everyone is up to.

One area where Challinor has a difficult decision to make is for the Number One shirt. National League North goalkeeper of the year Jay Lynch joined current first choice stopper Rhys Taylor at the club this summer and Challinor was keeping his cards close to chest.

Challinor added: “Both goalkeepers have played couple of times now. They will both have an opportunity on Saturday in our training game because they will play against each other.

“Then the likelihood is that they will play a game each over the remaining two friendlies. That way they can both get a competitive 90 minutes under their belts too.

“We will decide over the next two weeks who will start that first league game. It won’t be decided specifically on the next two games, it will take everything into account.     

“It will be difficult to split them, but sometimes you just have to go with your gut. Sometimes that is right, sometimes it’s wrong.

“We have a really tough job to pick a starting XI if everyone is fit.”