James Rowe speaks for the first time since being suspended and axed by Chesterfield

New AFC Fylde boss James Rowe speaks for the first time since being suspended and axed by National League promotion contenders Chesterfield.

Rowe officially parted company with the Spireites on the 4th of February after his spell was halted amid allegations of misconduct.

He took over Chesterfield in November 2020 after joining from Gloucester City following an impressive time in charge there.

Rowe guided them from the National League relegation zone to the playoffs last season and at the time of his suspension, was top of the table.

There is still no official word or confirmation as to Rowe’s troubles, and while it was serious enough for Chesterfield to let him go, it seems the issue whatever it might have been wasn’t enough to put AFC Fylde off, as they swoop in and target a place back in the top tier of non league.

✍️ AFC Fylde are delighted to announce the appointment of James Rowe as first-team manager on a three-year deal. #BornToBeFylde

— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) March 7, 2022

CLUB STATEMENT:

AFC Fylde are delighted to announce the appointment of James Rowe as first-team manager on a three-year deal until June 2025. 

James arrives at Fylde on the back of his most recent stint at Chesterfield, but he first started his career in management in June 2016 as assistant to Gary Waddock at Aldershot Town, where they reached the National League playoffs in successive years 

Rowe struck out on his own when he accepted the mangers job at Gloucester City for the start of the 20/21 season. Gloucester were soon top of the league, and it was those performances that earned him a move to Chesterfield, who were in the National League relegation zone at the time.

In a very short time, James transformed them from relegation candidates into promotion contenders before losing out in the playoffs to Notts County. The 21/22 season continued in the same vein, and Chesterfield were top of the League when James departed.

On the appointment of Rowe, chairman David Haythornthwaite said: “James is a manager who has been on our radar for some time as his results at both Gloucester and Chesterfield were outstanding.

“Over the last four days, we have had several meetings with James both face to face, and in my case, as I am away on business, over TEAMS. We have all been struck by James’s openness, burning ambition and desire to win.

 “We have done our due diligence on James, and while it is clear he is no shrinking violet, we are confident that James will bring winning mentality to the Club, which we all want.

 “Perhaps most significantly, James came highly recommended by Fylde legend Danny Rowe, who James bought to Chesterfield from Bradford City at the start of this season.

“With Danny being sidelined due to a long-term injury, we had invited Danny and his father to the Boardroom back in December, and obviously, the conversation turned to football and what it was like at Chesterfield playing under James.

“I remember Danny’s comments that day: ‘He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s a winner and the best Manager I’ve played under.’

“Knowing Danny and the character he is, recommendations don’t get much better than that!

“At the same time, we are sad to announce the departure of Nick Chadwick, who we knew also wanted to be considered for the job.

“However, as part of our negotiations, James felt he needed a clean sheet of paper, and we respected this decision. I want to put on record my sincere thanks to Nick, who like Jim Bentley, is a true gentleman and someone we wish every success to in the future.”

“James will meet up with the team tomorrow and take his first training session in preparation for the game at Kidderminster this Saturday.”

On arriving at Mill Farm as the new Coasters boss, James Rowe said: “I’m delighted to be here at the Club, and I’m looking forward to getting started and getting integrated within the community, and with that in mind, me and my family moving to the area to help with that.

“All focus is on the short-term objective of returning to the Vanarama National League, whilst also implementing the foundations for the long-term success.

“I look forward to seeing the travelling support at Kidderminster on Saturday, but if not then, I will look forward to introducing myself at the Telford United fixture next Tuesday night.”

Twitter users reacted as James Rowe speaks for the first time since being suspended by Chesterfield…

@lukeCFC25: Good luck! Good at the football side of the game, let’s himself down massively off the pitch though

@StevoJW: Due diligence 0 out of 10

@WillB_2003: Can’t wait till you sign David Goodwillie as well, might as well add Greenwood whilst you’re at it

@WillB_2003: Scum. Absolute scum

@brandonJLchambs: She said no James Rowe, oh Rowe she said no 🎶

@Dean17Metcalfe: Don’t think Danny rowe will be too pleased with the way he’s been name dropped in this

@PhilCounty1883: Match made in heaven 😂

@mcgurk999: You’ve got yourselves a great manager. He gave us back belief in our club. I’m still disappointed at the way it ended but wish him well.

@NCFCadam: Make sure to protect the players noses, or else he’ll have ‘em…

@RyanBates14: Theirs no disputing he’s a good manager but if you want that kind of person in your club that’s entirely up to you. I’m sure you’ll find that out soon enough.

@andymason86: Says alot about the people running your club if theyd want to be associated with him not the first time hes been thrown out of a club for misconduct and no doubt it won’t be the last either. A half decent coach by all accounts but at what cost??

@xander_fletcher: Feel for you tonight admin

@dylanbaxterx: Classy man for a classy club #2022

@Dannycees: Match made in heaven

@spartan141s8: Ohhh, dear …lol you sure about this appointment 🤔

@neilgeorgewhite: Great hire for you guys. I’d probably hate working for him but he’s a good manager. Glad he got back into football quickly, the Chelsea game will be a memory that lasts a life time.

@mattybarbs: I’d be doing some research on his history Fylde fans 👀

@joey__burton__: Excellent fit for Fylde, in all honesty. A classless manager at a classless football club.

@sammyspireite: I hope you’ve checked with Derbyshire Police regarding the status of their enquiry in to the events surrounding his departure from Chesterfield?

@SLomasSCFC1883: If any 2 things deserved each other this is it, classless club, with thundertwonk the lesser spotted t**t monkey as manager

@thomashill2002: Great manager, knows the National League system well but his regulars, Asante, Gunning, Carline etc have no chance at being prized away from Chesterfield. Absolute dickhead off the pitch though, sacked from multiple jobs for that reason and everyone knows what happened with us

@ItsDanIngham: Fylde boys, on a bender, James Rowe is a sex offender. Big fat Bottomley doing his thing.