Coasters hail hot-shot's return

AFC Fylde's all-time record goal scorer Richie Allen has returned to Kellamergh Park for his fourth spell with the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club, writes Chris Park.

After signing for the Coasters on Friday from North West Counties Division One outfit Nelson, the fans’ favourite, pictured, went straight into the starting 11 against Worksop Town on Saturday, inspiring Dave Challinor’s side to a 3-2 victory, their first league win in seven games.

Allen signed for League Two Fleetwood Town in December 2012 from Fylde when they were on their way to winning promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history. He was later loaned back to the Coasters for the rest of the season to aid their First Division North title push, making a number of appearances for both clubs before eventually collecting two title-winners medals within weeks.

Having notched 76 goals in 134 appearances for Fylde previously, Challinor was more than happy to see him return. He said: "I'm delighted that the registration paperwork cleared so we could have Richie back in the squad for the game versus Worksop at Kellamergh Park. Everyone needed a lift and I'm pleased that Richie had the same impact as he did when we first arrived at the club."

"He'll be the first to admit that his move to Fleetwood didn't turn out how he had hoped and I think he now realises that the grass isn't always greener when a change of circumstances happen. He fell out of love with the game a little bit and needed to go somewhere, play some football and get back to enjoying his football which he did at Nelson."

Allen has been in inspirational form for the NWCFL Division One table-toppers in the first half of this season, scoring 20 goals in 23 appearances for The Admirals including one against The Coasters in a 3-2 defeat at Kellamergh Park in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy Quarter Final last month.

It was that goal-scoring form brought Allen to the manager's attention again and Challinor added: "I must thank Mark Fell and the chairman at Nelson for their understanding and help in the matter. Richie has played a big part in their success this season but after seeing them when we played them last month, I have no doubt they have enough quality in their side to achieve promotion this season and I wish them every success with that.

"Richie is the type of player that will divide opinion but he is undoubtedly a fans favourite and we know that on his day he has the ability to play a lot higher. His last loan spell ended disappointingly for him and he knows he has to come in and earn the respect of everyone in the dressing room, something which he is totally prepared to do. He is a bit of an enigma but showed that prior to his move to Fleetwood that he has outstanding talent and will create and score goals."