Ex-Carlisle United captain extends deal in first role after cancer fight

Former Carlisle United captain Nick Anderton has agreed to remain as Chris Beech's No2 at AFC Fylde.

The two ex-Blues have been confirmed as Fylde's management team for the 2024/25 campaign at the National League club.

For Anderton it is an extension of his first role back in football after his recovery from the cancer that ended his playing career.

He was brought in by Beech midway through last season after the former Carlisle man took the Fylde helm.

Anderton will now remain at Beech's side as they look to make progress at the Mill Farm club.

Beech, speaking of his assistant, said in a club interview: "I recruited Nick as a main left-back for Carlisle, he came from Blackpool, and knowing his personality, he leads, lives and breathes his demeanour.

"It's all true, it's honest and they are important things I hold strong in my principles.

"I made him captain at Carlisle and he was always committed.

"I think the relationship will grow and I'm really looking forward to next season."

Anderton said he has enjoyed working alongside and playing under Beech, who was United's boss from 2019 to 2021.

Chris Beech (Image: PA)

"He has given me a massive opportunity at the time I was in, in my life," said the former United defender.

"We both have the end goal of trying to be successful, and hopefully that will be here soon."

Anderton played for United from 2020 to 2021, captaining the club for much of that time.

He went on to join Bristol Rovers and during his time with the Pirates was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.

After a gruelling year of treatment he announced his retirement from playing at 26.

Anderton last September said that he was free from cancer and targeted a return to football, with Beech bringing him in to Fylde in January.

Beech last season stepped up from his director of football role to interim boss, after the departure of ex-United man Adam Murray.

He was then handed the full-time reins until the end of the season and last week agreed a new deal to remain in charge.