Jim Thinks Fylde Will Be Fighting Fit As He Prepares For Vital Op

The Coasters boss is to undergo heart bypass surgery after falling ill over the summer.

His operation is over a week away but he goes with the National League North club firing following six points from a possible six and three FA Cup wins.

The latest came on Saturday against Altrincham and Bentley, 44, thinks the side are just starting to show what they are capable of.

“I go into a period of self-isolation now before the operation at the start of November,” he told the club’s video service.

“I’ve got full trust in the staff here - but they have got big boots to fill!

“I’ll only be at the end of the phone. I’ll still be watching the games during my recovery and I’ll still be speaking to the players, dropping them text messages here and there.

“But I have to do this right. There’s no better way to bow out for a while than after five straight wins.”

Reliable assistant manager Nick Chadwick will take charge of the side for the first time in Wednesday's National League North fixture against Kettering Town at Mill Farm.

Bentley added: “I do still think we have got more in the tank.

“What we are looking strong is with our defensive shape and limited a good Altrincham from a league above side to only a few chances.

“There’s a lot to be pleased about, but I do think we will get better.”

Tonight it’s the FA Cup draw and as the last National League club standing last season, he knows Fylde fans have a taste for it.

Now Bentley wants the players to even go one better - and give him the perfect tonic for when he does eventually return to the sideline.

“It’s five wins on the spin for the side, and three FA Cup victories - it’s been a really pleasing start,” he added.

“We knew Altrincham are a very good side so it’s a really pleasing win for us.

“The FA Cup is all about getting yourself in the hat for the next round. Last year was fantastic for the club, and we would love another run.

“I have always loved the FA Cup. I’m very proud of my time at Morecambe but one big disappointment is us not really having a run in the competition.

“Playing Sheffield United, a strong Premier League club, as the last Non-League side left last term was fantastic - we would like to get to the third round again, or even better!”