���˿���

National League strugglers AFC Fylde have appointed former Carlisle United boss Chris Beech as their head coach until the end of the season.

The 49-year-old has been in temporary charge of the Coasters since Adam Murray was sacked in October and won three of his first four games.

However, they have not won in five games in the league and are bottom of the table, six points from safety.

Fylde host Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Chairman David Haythornthwaite said: "I'm delighted to give Chris this extended opportunity. We're going to work closely to ensure we're playing football in this division next year."

Former Blackpool, Huddersfield and Hartlepool midfielder Beech began his coaching career at Bury and Rochdale before taking over at Carlisle in 2019, guiding them from the bottom of the League Two table towards the promotion race before eventually leaving in October 2021.

He joined Fylde as director of football at Mill Farm in December 2022 as Fylde won promotion from National League North last season.