Jim Bentley departs job as AFC Fylde boss

JIm Bentley has left his role as AFC Fylde manager, the club have confirmed.

The 45-year-old took over in October 2019 after leaving Morecambe, where he was the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions of English football at the time.

Despite recently beating leaders Gateshead, Tuesday’s defeat to York City was their fourth in six games for the National League North promotion hopefuls.

A Fylde statement said: “It is with regret that today AFC Fylde announces the departure of First-Team manager Jim Bentley.

“Bentley joined the club in October 2019 after a 17-year association with Morecambe. Much of Jim’s first two seasons at the club were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to the curtailment of football at National League and National League North Level.

“Despite a promising start to this campaign, a recent run of poor form has left the Coasters off the pace and heading in the wrong direction, so after Tuesday’s defeat to York City, it was decided a change was needed.”

Club chairman and owner David Haythornthwaite said: “These things are never easy, and Jim is a true gentleman and someone I have great respect for as an individual, so yesterday’s conversation was difficult but one we had to have.

“I want to thank Jim for all his efforts while at the Club and wish him all the best for the future. In the meantime, Nick Chadwick and Andy Taylor will take over on an interim basis, starting with this Saturday’s game against Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC.”