A.F.C. Fylde, a club situated in the North West of England, has consistently been one of the more intriguing teams in the National League. Over the years, they have made notable strides in their journey through the football pyramid, and the 2024-2025 season marks another crucial chapter in their ongoing story. Their performances, positioning, and hopes for promotion have garnered attention both from dedicated supporters and the wider football community. The rise of A.F.C. Fylde can be attributed to various factors, including strategic management, player acquisitions, and their overarching ambitions.
A.F.C. Fylde in 2024-2025: A Season of Ambition
A.F.C. Fylde has certainly been a club on the rise in recent years. After securing promotion to the National League from the National League North, the club has been working to establish itself as a competitive force at the top of the table. A.F.C. Fylde’s 2024-2025 season has been one filled with optimism, as they aim to push for promotion to League Two.
As of January 2025, A.F.C. Fylde is hovering just below the top positions in the National League, consistently competing within the playoff spots. While not currently in an automatic promotion spot, their position is not far from the top contenders, putting them in a good position to qualify for the playoffs and fight for promotion.
Key Performers for A.F.C. Fylde in 2024-2025
The strength of any football club is often defined by the performances of its key players, and A.F.C. Fylde’s 2024-2025 season has seen standout performances from several individuals. These players have made significant contributions to the team’s strong showing in the National League standings.
Nick Haughton: A midfield dynamo, Nick Haughton has been instrumental for A.F.C. Fylde, consistently pulling the strings in the middle of the park. His vision, passing range, and ability to influence matches have been vital to the team’s attacking transitions. Haughton’s creativity allows A.F.C. Fylde to retain possession and launch counter-attacks effectively, making him one of the club’s most important players.
Danny Philliskirk: A proven goal-scorer at this level, Danny Philliskirk has continued to showcase his prowess in front of goal during the 2024-2025 season. His ability to find space in the box and convert chances into goals has made him one of the top scorers for the team. Philliskirk’s clinical nature and leadership in the attack have been crucial to A.F.C. Fylde’s strong offensive record.
Toby Mullarkey: A central figure in the defense, Toby Mullarkey has brought stability to the backline. As a key defender, Mullarkey’s performances have helped Fylde maintain a solid defensive structure, even against the stronger sides in the league. His aerial ability, positioning, and composure under pressure have been key to the team’s resilience.
The National League: A Competitive Challenge
The National League is one of the most competitive leagues in England, as it is the final tier before entering the English Football League (EFL). A.F.C. Fylde, like many other teams in the division, is competing against clubs with significant histories and resources, all with their eyes set on promotion to League Two.
Notts County and Wrexham AFC are among the front-runners for automatic promotion this season, with both clubs boasting impressive squads and large fanbases. A.F.C. Fylde has found itself in a competitive race with teams like these, but they remain firmly in the playoff hunt.
Teams like Chesterfield, Barnet, and Stockport County have also been strong contenders in the top half of the table, making it a tightly contested campaign at the top of the standings. Despite this, A.F.C. Fylde’s resilience and consistency have allowed them to remain in the chase for promotion.
Playoffs and the Road to Promotion
As is customary in the National League, the top seven teams at the end of the season enter the playoffs. The top three teams are granted automatic promotion to League Two, while the teams finishing in fourth to seventh place will compete for the remaining promotion spots.
Playoff Semifinals: The fourth-place team will face the seventh-place team, while the fifth and sixth-place teams will compete against each other. These ties are usually played over two legs (home and away), with the winners progressing to the final.
Playoff Final: The winners of the semifinals meet in a one-off match, with the victor earning promotion to League Two. For A.F.C. Fylde, finishing in the top four would guarantee them a chance to compete for automatic promotion, but securing a playoff spot is still a viable route to ascend to the EFL.

The Future of A.F.C. Fylde: What Lies Ahead
Looking ahead, A.F.C. Fylde’s long-term aspirations center on securing promotion to League Two and building a sustainable presence within the EFL. The club has shown significant progress over the past few seasons and is looking to continue this upward trajectory. The support of the fans, along with key partnerships and investments, will help them in their efforts to maintain their momentum in the National League.
To achieve their objectives, A.F.C. Fylde will need to stay consistent throughout the rest of the 2024-2025 campaign, particularly in a league as competitive as the National League. Their focus will likely remain on ensuring that they can finish as high as possible in the standings, ultimately positioning themselves for either automatic promotion or a successful playoff campaign.
FAQ’s
What is the playoff structure in the National League, and how does it impact A.F.C. Fylde’s standing?
The National League playoff system consists of four teams finishing in fourth to seventh place. These teams compete in two semifinal matches (one home and one away) to determine the final playoff contenders. The winner of these semifinals faces off in a single match final to secure promotion to League Two.
Who are the key players for A.F.C. Fylde in the 2024-2025 season?
Throughout the season, several players have stepped up as pivotal figures for A.F.C. Fylde. Notable performers include:
Nick Haughton: The midfield maestro, Haughton has been key in controlling the flow of matches, providing creativity, and assisting in attacking plays.
Danny Philliskirk: As one of the team’s top goal-scorers, Philliskirk has been clinical in front of goal, consistently delivering when his team needs it the most.
Toby Mullarkey: The central defender has been instrumental in maintaining a solid defense and has proved crucial in keeping clean sheets and limiting opposition attacks.
To Conclude,
The 2024-2025 season is a pivotal one for A.F.C. Fylde as they continue to compete at the top of the National League standings. With their ambitions of promotion to League Two, the club’s performances, key players, and strategic direction will determine whether they can finally secure a return to the Football League. As they continue their journey, A.F.C. Fylde remains a team to watch closely, with their consistent form placing them in an ideal position to challenge for promotion in the coming months.
To read more, Click Here