Coasters will suit Hughes

Matty Hughes joined AFC Fylde earlier this summer

The 23-year-old turned down offers to play in the Football League and National League to switch to the Coasters following his release from Fleetwood Town.

Now back in pre-season training, the striker is relishing the chance to achieve his ambitions with Fylde.

He said: “Obviously, the main aim for me is to get as many games as possible this season and hopefully I’ll be able to help the team get promoted.

“I sat down with the manager and the chairman and they sold me the ambition of the club. I think the club have the potential to make it to the Football League and I want to be part of that.”’

A few eyebrows were raised following Fleetwood Town’s decision to release the forward at the end of the season and it is clear he wants to let his football do the talking this time around.

He added: “There are similarities between Fylde and my last club, Fleetwood.

“They are both ambitious, more so than some other teams, which really pleases me as I want to match that ambition.

“But with AFC Fylde and the new ground being built too, it sets this club apart from most of the others and that’s the choice I made.”

Hughes is coming in as a new face into the squad and is impressed with his new team-mates.

He said: “The lads here seem great, although I didn’t know any of them before I came here. I’m sure they’ll get to know me and I’ll get to know well.

“As long as we perform on the pitch that’s all that matters really. I’m not really one of those people who set targets for a season but I’d like to get my goal-scoring into double figures. That would be nice.”’

Coasters boss Dave Challinor said: “Matty will undoubtedly bring even more quality to a side that scored the most goals in our division last season.

“He’s young, quick, has great ability to go past players and can finish. Most importantly for me, though, he’s a winner. To get him to the club for two years with an option for a third is fantastic.”

Coasters fans will get a chance to see him for the first time against his former club Fleetwood Town in a first pre-season friendly on July 9 at Kellamergh Park.