AFC Fylde have clinched their return to the National League after winning their respective league title, but could they begin the season without one of their star performers?
Throughout the 2025/26 season, Fylde were locked in a fierce title race with South Shields, but a strong run of form towards the end saw them get over the line.
Fylde return to the National League at the first time of asking, after being relegated during the 2024/25 season – though they have undergone a transition under new manager Craig Mahon.
Fylde star tipped for EFL switch
Last season saw several Fylde players stand out on their way to the title, including the likes of Luca Thomas and Jon Ustabasi – though the latter has since left the club after his contract came to an end.
However, the star of the show was striker Danny Ormerod, finishing the 2025/26 season as the Golden Boot winner as well as winning the division’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season.
Therefore, it should come as little surprise that his performances have gained interest from rival parties.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Fylde’s Danny Ormerod has drawn the attention of several EFL clubs ahead of a potential move this summer.
Ormerod scored 32 goals across all competitions last season, whilst also providing 11 assists as his side won the National League North title.
Bizarrely, those statistics are made more impressive by the fact that the forward missed the final few matches after suffering a PCL injury, meaning he is currently a doubt to start the opening games of the 2026/27 campaign.
Is he EFL ready?
The 20-year-old is set to enter his fourth full season since turning professional, something which is rare for a player of his age.
In his debut season, Ormerod contributed to 11 goals in 26 matches, but struggled in the following campaign – being loaned out to Chorley in the National League North, where he quickly regained his scoring touch.
Last season saw him shine once again – but in the sixth tier of English football.
Admittedly, whilst his attacking numbers are certainly impressive, the 2024/25 season does hint at an element of risk regarding whether he can make the step up to the EFL immediately, which will likely rule several sides out.
It is also unclear as to what the price tag for the 20-year-old would be, which in itself could rule him out of an EFL move this summer – much to the likely delight of AFC Fylde as they target survival this season.
