The Coasters have signed Neill Byrne from league rivals Gateshead on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old centre-back is known for his commanding presence at the back.

Byrne played 41 games for Gateshead last season and Challinor knows what he's signing.

"He's a good talker, good organiser, a good size and fits the way we play as he's comfortable on the ball," boss Challinor told the Fylde website. "He will be a really good asset for us and ticks a lot of boxes."

Byrne said: "Once I spoke to the gaffer and he explained his ambitions and vision, it was an easy decision to make and the only place I wanted to be".