Jack proud to follow the Coasters!
AFC Fylde has been Jack Connor’s passion for over a decade, seeing the Club’s growth from Kellamergh Park to Mill Farm!
Jack, who previously worked for the Club’s media department as a volunteer, will cheer on the Coasters from the stands during the 2024/25 season.
And having recently purchased his first season ticket in the North Stand terrace, Jack is looking forward to the Coasters’ campaign in one of England’s most exciting leagues.
Jack said: “Despite having a 16-year association with the club, this is actually the first year I’ve been a season ticket holder. I worked in the media department for the club for almost 10 years and before that I would come to some but not all home games.
“I started coming regularly with my partner in the North Stand and her friend would sometimes join us. This year we are bringing her little boy with us too, hopefully adding to the next generation of Coasters fans.
“It means an awful lot after being connected with the club for so long. For nearly a decade a big part of my life was tailored around covering the club on weekends and mid-week games so to be stood there in the North Stand cheering the lads on now is a nice and more relaxing change, even if I do allow myself to get a bit more carried away than I would have done on commentary.
“The first year I started going regularly would be 2012-13. I was in university when the club put an advert on their website asking for help in the media team. I emailed them, met them in the local Morrison’s cafe the next day and ended up staying on for nine and a half years!
Jack’s first introduction to the Coasters came on the memorable day at Wembley in May 2008 when the Club, then known as Kirkham and Wesham FC, won the FA Vase when they beat Lowestoft Town.
The famous triumph under the arch kickstarted Jack’s love of the Coasters, with his favourite memories cheering on the lads including two Vanarama National League North title wins, the FA Trophy victory over Leyton Orient, and Emirates FA Cup ties.
He added: “My first memory, like it will be for many, was the 2008 FA Vase Final against Lowestoft Town. My dad has known club president Dai Davies for over 30 years now as they work in the same industry. He was invited by Dai to the games against Coventry Sphinx and Needham Market and after they made the final my dad asked me if I fancied going to Wembley for the final. Wembley had only been open about a year at the time, so it was very much a novelty for all fans at that point.
“I remember seeing so many coaches lined up down Kirkham high street and it being an extremely hot day. Matt Walwyn got those famous two late goals and it was a great journey home. I was only 13 at the time but remember the day very well.
“I think it’s difficult to look past the obvious. The two National League North title wins after getting so close in the years before on both occasions. The FA Trophy win and that Danny Rowe free kick is of course on a par with that too, especially after the disappointment of the week before against Salford I don’t think I could have taken losing a second time and to do it as heavy underdogs made it all the more sweet.
“I would also say either the FA Cup games against Wigan Athletic on TV and the Sheffield United game at Bramall Lane.
Our “Early Bird” Season Tickets will provide superb value for money but only run for a limited time until the 21st July.
As a Club, we are committed to providing the opportunity of watching professional football at affordable prices, something we have worked on to reflect in our structure.
Adult Season Tickets start at just £190 which translates to just over £8 per game. Membership card options remain at £15 and £60 respectively, providing numerous discounts to supporters throughout the season.
Next season will also see a 60% reduction on family stand tickets, ensuring families can sit and watch the Coasters at affordable prices. West Stand prices for U12’s start at just £40 a season.
AFC Fylde is a family club, welcoming of all. So, we have decided to benefit our supporters by further reducing the prices of our U18’s and U12’s entry across the ground.
Our North Stand continues to remain FREE of charge for Under 12s! Your youngsters can watch their beloved Coasters with an added extra of unlimited refills of all soft drinks.
Jack is proud to follow his local side at the heart of its community, and says the fans playing their part from the stands will be important once again.
His commitment to the Club though the Coasters Live commentary role saw him presented with the Volunteer of the Year award by Chairman David Haythornthwaite and President Dai Davis at the 2022/23 End of Season Awards.
He added: “I think it’s massively important. The lads had a fantastic second half of the season which preserved our National League status and it’s up to us now to build on that and push on this upcoming season. Beechy has retained a large core of the side and has brought in some cracking players, the pick of them being bringing back Ethan Mitchell in my opinion.
“The foundations are all there for a really good year and the lads will need vocal and physical backing by as many from the local community as possible. They absolutely deserved it.
“I’m very proud to be a fan. After having a long association with the club I’ve seen it change dramatically since the days at Kellamergh Park and there is potential to improve further both on and off the field. I’ve done some work here and there with the Community Foundation over the years and they do a fantastic job serving the local community and spreading the word of the club.
“They are always there on matchdays making themselves known to all the fans and engaging particularly with the children, which is crucial to making sure we have a strong fan base in the years to come.”
To purchase your 2024/25 AFC Fylde season-ticket, please CLICK HERE!
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