We begin our summer review of the new teams joining us in National League North for 2025/26 and today we’re off to Mill Farm…
How did they get here?
AFC Fylde’s relegation back to National League North was confirmed after they slumped to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of FC Halifax Town on Good Friday.
It marked the end of a two-year stay in the National League after The Coasters won promotion as National League North champions back in 2022/23.
The picked up three points on the opening day of last term when they came from behind to defeat Solihull Moors 3-2, but they struggled to find any level of consistency throughout the campaign.
They won just 10 more league games and ended the season with a run of 10 defeats in their last 12 outings to finish second bottom in the table.
Where do they play?
Mill Farm remains one of the most impressive stadiums outside of the EFL, based within a multi-million pounds Sports Village which boasts several artificial pitches for football and hockey.
The complex is also equipped with excellent facilities for visitors, with a Sports Bar built into the stadium along with an 80-seat restaurant with roof terrace, a 40-seat café and conference and event rooms too.
The stadium has a capacity of 6,000.
Who is in charge?
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips left his role as boss at AFC Fylde in February and Assistant Coach David Longwell stepped up to take interim charge until the end of the season.
However, The Coasters have confirmed that Longwell was to step down following their final game of the season and are expected to announce a new manager in the coming weeks.
When did we last meet?
A Glen Taylor double ensured Moors collected all three points when the two sides last met at The Brewery Field back in April 2023 – though The Coasters still went on to clinch the title.
Moors could also have won on their trip to Mill Farm the previous September when goals from Rob Ramshaw and Taylor put them 2-0 up only for Nick Haugton to score twice for Fylde in the last 17 minutes to rescue a draw.
