New-signing Lewis Thompson has spoken exclusively with afcfylde.co.uk, after joining on a loan deal until the end of the 2019/20 Vanarama National League campaign.

 

Thomspon, who arrives from Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers has stated that it was a ‘great opportunity’ to come and play for the Coasters. 

Thompson said: “It all came quite suddenly, I only got the call yesterday [Wednesday]! I think it’s a brilliant opportunity, obviously the club is near the bottom but I think that for me I have to embrace the challenge and learn as a player. I am looking forward to helping the lads fight for points, that’s important for me instead of playing Under 23s football, so I am really happy to be here.”

Albeit a new club, there is a familiar face in the changing room to help the defender settle. Thompson spent time on loan at FC United of Manchester during the 2018/19 season, playing alongside Fylde forward Kurt Willoughby.

Thompson told us: “Last season I was at FC United for a few months so I know Kurt quite well, we got along well there. I haven’t seen him yet since I’ve been in the building here but hopefully I can catch up with him soon and get to know everyone and what’s going on.”

The chance to come and play games at Mill Farm was a major factor in the move for the 20-year-old, due to his competitive nature and wanting to play first team matches.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to play games at a really competitive level. This is mens football, as appose to playing U23s football, which is great for me. Everything is on the line here, you have to win and I want to help this club to win games.”

Finally, what can we expect to see from our newest recruit, as he hopes to pull on the Coasters jersey for the first time this weekend against Solihull Moors.

“As a player first and foremost as a left-back I think I am quite good at one-v-one defending. I can be quite aggressive. I’m like to keep fit and I have a good engine so I can get up and down the pitch, contributing to attacks and putting balls into the box to get some assists for the forwards.

“The attitude here fits my personality, everyone wants to battle hard and win games. I am really competitive, I want to win and hopefully we can do that, which will help me to develop as well and learn more.”