AFC Fylde boss Dave Challinor has committed his future to the club until June 2021.
The 42-year-old has signed a new three-year deal which could see him reach ten years in charge of the Coasters.
Since joining from Colwyn Bay in November 2011, Challinor has overseen three promotions and is currently the fourth longest-serving manager in England’s top five divisions.
He guided Fylde into the National League play-offs last season in their first ever season in Non-League‘s top flight after winning the National League North title.
“I’m really pleased to sign a new deal,” Challinor told the club’s website. “There was only a year left on my existing deal and there was always a plan to have another discussion after a season in the National League.
“For David (Haythornthwaite, chairman) and the club to come to me and offer me an extension is really pleasing. We did a good job last season and perhaps over achieved on what some people expected.
“To commit for a longer period is great because it’s a job that I really enjoy. For the club to have the faith and belief in me being the man to take the club onto the next level is very flattering.
“We are just one step away from the plan we put in place years ago, but it’s the biggest step. We have been successful every season and it has been a fantastic journey to be a part of.
“In every season since we joined, we have either won the league, been promoted or been involved in the play-offs.
“We just have to keep building and moving forward, individually, as a management team and as a squad. Off the pitch has been fantastic too and there are more exciting developments ahead.
“Our expectations and ambitions haven’t changed for next season. Whether people think we over achieved, under achieved or got what we deserved last season, it makes no difference to us. We have our own motivations and football is about winning.
“We know that next season will be a lot tougher than last season. I don’t expect there to be a runaway team, but I think that the under achieving teams from last season will be improved.
“In my opinion, the teams coming into the division are stronger than those that have gone out, particularly in terms of budget.
“However, we still want to improve on what we did last year. The first aim for everyone will be getting to 50 points and securing their position, but from there an awful lot will want to get into those play-offs, ourselves included.”
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