AFC Fylde are delighted to announce the appointment of Kelham O’Hanlon as their new manager with the long serving Mick Fuller stepping down taking on a new role at the club.

Kelham will be working on a part time basis, three days a week, during which time he will also be involved in working with local schools and community groups as well as organising and running soccer camps during school holidays. The 47 year old cut his managerial teeth at Preston North End in a very successful partnership with David Moyes which saw Preston rise from both League One to the Championship play off final in Cardiff before David Moyes moved on to Everton in 2002. Since then he had been involved with various clubs, most recently at Barnsley when, along with Simon Davey and Ryan Kidd, he took the team to the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 2008. In September 09, club president David Haythornthwaite, asked him to help out at Fylde as 1st Team Coach and this has now turned into a permanent position as 1st Team Manager.

Club President David Haythornthwaite said “We are absolutely delighted to secure Kelham’s services. He is a first class person who I have known for over ten years. Although still relatively young, he has a vast experience in the football world which can only be beneficial to the club. Although some may consider this a backward move for Kelham, we persuaded him that this was a great place to kick start his own managerial career as he his fully aware of our ambitious plans for the future and wants to be part of it”.

Commenting on Mick Fuller’s position David said “ We are very grateful for Mick’s contribution over the last fifteen years as he has been instrumental in our success and helped us achieve our current position. I am sure he will be able to help Kelham through the transition period while taking on a different role with the club.”

Club Chairman Dai Davis echoed the Presidents sentiments. “ Kelham has been associated with the club over the last few months in a coaching capacity and we all agreed that we are in a very fortunate position of having someone with so much professionalism and expertise from Football League level on board. Keeping Mick involved is fantastic news, what he has achieved in non league football to date with success after success from Step 7 all the way to Step 4 and winning the FA Vase is unrivalled in these parts. I’ve worked with Mick for a long time and I’m delighted he has decided to stay on in a new role. Together we hope the new set up can match our ambitions and bring success to AFC Fylde in the years to come. ”

Mick Fuller is looking forward to a new challenge as the club looks to progress it’s long term aims. “As the football club evolves the commitment and time that will be required to satisfy the requirements of the AFC Fylde 1st team Manager’s role will increase significantly. Kelham currently has the capacity to commit to a part/full time position which will involve conducting AFC Fylde business outside of the normal training and match day schedule.

The opportunity to bring Kelham into the club is one I realise we cannot ignore and I am therefore delighted to be able to take more of a back seat and help assist where required as we move forward. Having worked with Kelham for the past few weeks I know we can work together and am looking forward to a new set of challenges. I have had a great time at the club over the past fifteen years and of course have experienced running up the Wembley steps to lift the FA Vase in 2008, something 99% of football managers will never achieve. I now want to help the club achieve its dream of Football League status by 2022”

Finally after confirming his appointment Kelham said “I am absolutely delighted to be joining David and Dai at Fylde. I have seen what David has achieved in his business in a very short time and know his ambitions for the Club. This is a great opportunity for me and I am really excited about the prospects. Mick’s help initially will be invaluable as he has a wealth of contacts and experience within the non league world”.

Both Kelham and Mick have informed the players and management team of developments at tonight’s training session at their training base at AFC Blackpool.

Kelham takes charge of the team for the first time at the club’s fixture at home to Clitheroe on New Years Day Kick Off 3pm.

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