Fylde have extended the contracts of Joint Head Coaches Alex Loney and Chris Briers until the end of the 2025-26 season. The pair took over from Warren Spragg after the Covid pandemic for the 2021-22 season and in the three following campaigns the Club have finished in the top five in National Two (North).
Chairman of Rugby Mark Nelson said: “I am delighted that both Alex and Chris have agreed to extend their contracts as Joint Head Coaches with the Club. They have demonstrated outstanding ability in developing the squad into not only being one of the most competitive teams in the division but also widely regarded as playing an exciting brand of rugby across the whole National League set up.
“At Fylde we want to be challenging right up at the top of the league and our two coaches have delivered just that, so it is fantastic that we can announce that they are extending their commitment at the Woodlands.
“Coaching is about creating an environment that develops player’s ability understanding of the game and performance and our squad has thrived under their tutelage. We also are a very attractive club for aspiring players to join and that is all part of what Alex and Chris bring to the club.
“On a personal note it is great to see them both thriving in the coaching world, I coached them both as players at club and county level over many seasons, and I am delighted to offer advice and counsel as required in my role as Chairman of Rugby. We are very lucky as a club to have two of the best coaches operating in the National Leagues working at our Club.”
Background: Both Alex Loney and Chris Briers joined Fylde’s National One playing squad in 2011-12. Hooker Loney moved from Rotherham (and previously at Nottingham) and centre Briers from Doncaster (previously Rotherham, Sedgley Park and Orrell).