Defensive boost for Coasters

Dave Challinor has added yet another new signing to his Coasters squad ahead of the 2013-14 season by with the signature of defender Andy Russell from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League rivals Chorley, writes Chris Park.

The towering centre-back is a former England Colleges international and has played professionally in Hong Kong. Russell joined Chorley from First Division North Mossley in the summer of 2010 and made 142 appearances, scoring 14 goals in his time with the Magpies.

The Fylde manager couldn't hide his delight about his latest acquisition who became his fourth pre-season signing following the arrival of Caspar Hughes, Dave Hankin and Matty Blinkhorn.

Challinor said: "I am delighted to have been able to sign Andy for the forthcoming season. He is exactly what we have been looking for, a defender who is very good aerially and comfortable in possession. A big plus is that he's left sided which will give us balance and very importantly is versatile in the fact he can play at left back and give us extra height."

Challinor added: "We are really looking forward to working with him, he's really ambitious and feels he has a lot of development in him and we think we can bring the best out in him. He knows the league well, knows our squad and knows what we can achieve and wants to be part of that."