AFC Fylde have confirmed the appointment of former Gloucester City and Chesterfield manager James Rowe.
Rowe began his career working as assistant to Aldershot Town manager Gary Waddock and took his first position in the lead role in the dugout when he was named as Gloucester City manager in 2020.
Performances with the Tigers led to interest from Chesterfield and he made the switch to the National League club in November 2021, leading the Spireites out of the relegation zone and into the play-offs.
Thoughts of returning the club to the Football League were ended by a play-off defeat to Notts County and he eventually left Chesterfield last month after being suspended amid allegations of misconduct.
He now returns to Fylde after being named as successor to Jim Bentley, who left the club last week.
Coasters owner David Haythornwaite told the club website: “James is a manager who has been on our radar for some time as his results at both Gloucester and Chesterfield were outstanding.
“Over the last four days, we have had several meetings with James both face to face, and in my case, as I am away on business, over TEAMS. We have all been struck by James’s openness, burning ambition and desire to win.
“We have done our due diligence on James, and while it is clear he is no shrinking violet, we are confident that James will bring winning mentality to the Club, which we all want.
“Perhaps most significantly, James came highly recommended by Fylde legend Danny Rowe, who James bought to Chesterfield from Bradford City at the start of this season.
“With Danny being sidelined due to a long-term injury, we had invited Danny and his father to the Boardroom back in December, and obviously, the conversation turned to football and what it was like at Chesterfield playing under James.
“I remember Danny’s comments that day: ‘He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s a winner and the best Manager I’ve played under.’
“Knowing Danny and the character he is, recommendations don’t get much better than that!
New manager Rowe added: “I’m delighted to be here at the Club, and I’m looking forward to getting started and getting integrated within the community, and with that in mind, me and my family moving to the area to help with that.
“All focus is on the short-term objective of returning to the Vanarama National League, whilst also implementing the foundations for the long-term success.
“I look forward to seeing the travelling support at Kidderminster on Saturday, but if not then, I will look forward to introducing myself at the Telford United fixture next Tuesday night.”
