AFC Fylde manager receives messages of support ahead of a much needed heart surgery after he had been experiencing chest pains recently.
The former Morecambe boss Jim Bentley requires a heart bypass surgery following tests with medical professionals.
The procedure will leave Bentley “sidelined for a while, with required rehabilitation thereafter,” the National League club said in a statement.
Club Statement | Jim Bentley.#BornToBeFylde⚽️
— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) July 3, 2020
“The club will remain in regular contact, supporting our manager in every way it can,” the statement added.
“It is a concerning time for all at Mill Farm as we send our very best wishes to Jim and his family, who is remaining in a positive mindset about the situation whilst receiving the best care possible.
“We ask that Jim and his family have his privacy respected at this time, whilst welcoming the many well wishes already received from the footballing community.”
Bentley managed Morecambe for eight years from 2011 to 2019 after playing for the club, and went on to take charge of Fylde in October last year.
He told the club’s website: “At the start of the year I had some chest pains whilst doing a bit of training. After getting checked out I was told I had a blockage in one of my arteries. I had some more tests and was placed on medication to help my condition.
“Due to the COVID situation, I haven’t been able to get into hospital but I finally went in to Liverpool Chest & Heart hospital this week to have a Coronary Angiogram and stent fitted, but whilst the doctor was carrying out the procedure he noticed that my condition was a bit worse than first thought.
“It was then recommended I have a heart bypass instead. It’s not the news I wanted but I am thankful I got checked out when I did as this could have been a lot worse. I’m looking forward to getting sorted and being back fit doing the job I love as soon as possible.”
Jim Bentley is “in love” with football. We can tell Jimbo! ? pic.twitter.com/awDBcRc20J
— Morecambe FC Feed (@MorecambeFCFeed) October 28, 2019
AFC Fylde CEO Jonty Castle added: “First and foremost our well wishes are with Jim and that the surgery goes as planned so he makes a speedy recovery. We are in constant contact and he has kept myself and the chairman fully up-to-date with his progress.
“Jim’s a popular figure at Mill Farm amongst the staff, players and the fans so all of us will be looking forward to him returning as soon as he can to lead the club in our 2020/21 campaign. Until his return, we will all be continuing the hard work behind the scenes and giving Jim our full support with anything he may need to help with his recovery.”
He has held the role as Shrimps boss since May 2011, but in October 2019, news came out that he would not be taking training at the League Two but instead saying plenty of goodbyes.
Morecambe were bottom of the League Two table, picking up 10 points in 16 matches before he departed, to join AFC Fylde, who are set to be relegated from the National League with playoffs planned to go ahead at the tier below them, opening up more relegation places.
FINISHING POSITIONS UNDER BENTLEY AT MORECAMBE:
• 2011–12 – 15th of 24
• 2012–13 – 16th of 24
• 2013–14 – 18th of 24
• 2014–15 – 11th of 24
• 2015–16 – 21st of 24
• 2016–17 – 18th of 24
• 2017–18 – 22nd of 24
• 2018–19 – 18th of 24
As mentioned, the AFC Fylde manager receives messages of support from Twitter users up and down the nation ahead of his heart surgery…
Get well soon Jim, your a north west footballing legend in my eyes and served and worked for every club you’ve been involved with passion, integrity and dignity. From a @BurnleyOfficial fan, get well soon big fella.
— Kurt Leeming (@Kurt_Leeming) July 3, 2020
All the best Mate my Partner who is 35 has just undergone Open Heart Surgery something’s are much bigger than football wishing you a Speedy recovery xx
— Louise Teenans (@loubear84) July 3, 2020
From one of @Everton‘s greatest ever players to a very special Everton fan. Have seen James Bentley work from the inside and he gives everything 200% 24 hours a day. I do know that a tweet from Kevin Sheedy will make the great man smile he loves Sheeds. Can you help Reidy?
— Andrew Harper (@andsharper22) July 3, 2020
Get well soon Jim!
— Nick Bell (@nickbellofbpl) July 3, 2020
Best wishes to him, and a speedy recovery to full health.
— Karl Latham (@KarlJLatham) July 3, 2020
Best wishes & hoping for you have a speedy recovery.
— Rick Loader (@RickLoader) July 3, 2020
Get well, Jim.
— The Non League Nomad | TNLN LIVE (@theNLNomads) July 3, 2020
Very best wishes Jim. Having been there and worn the T-shirt what I can say is that you are in the very best of hands at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. Stay positive and face it head on and you’ll come out strong. Enjoy the rehab but listen very carefully to the medics.
— Colin Johnson (@Coljohes) July 3, 2020
Speedy recovery Jim. Come back fighting fit and you’ll hopefully have a successful season once you’re ok. Health and family first eh..!! A local and PNE fan ???
— Two Foot Stomper (@TwoStomper) July 3, 2020
Get well soon Jim, although I follow Shrewsbury I’ve always known he and his late dad Jack are very much admired at our neighbours Telford.
— Dale Skitt (@daleskitt) July 4, 2020
Club rivalries aside, get well soon Jim and come out the other side stronger ?? Good luck mate! ??
— Paul F (@Pflatts) July 4, 2020
A ‘big hearted’ player whom I always admired. You know the kind – you loathe them when they play for other clubs against yours, but secretly you would love it if they signed for your club#getwellsoonjim
— James Wood (@Jtw1874) July 3, 2020
You must be logged in to post a comment Login