Nick Anderton: AFC Fylde appoint former Bristol Rovers player as assistant after cancer all-clear
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Nick Anderton joined Bristol Rovers in May 2021 and helped them win promotion to League One
Nick Anderton has been appointed assistant first-team coach at AFC Fylde after treatment for bone cancer.
The ex-Bristol Rovers defender, 27, retired from playing in April 2023 but revealed in September he had got the all-clear.
The Coasters are 22nd in the National League, two points off safety.
"His experience, together with the depth of his personal qualities and resolve are an inspiration," boss Chris Beech told the club website., external
"I'm certain that he'll bring a unique professional skillset and 'player-relatability' to our backroom staff at the football club."
Anderton had spells with Preston, Barrow, Blackpool, Accrington and Carlisle before a May 2021 move to Bristol Rovers, where he was part of the side that won promotion from League Two in 2022.
He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma - a form of bone cancer - and underwent chemotherapy, had surgery to remove a tumour and later had a full knee replacement and 12cm of his femur replaced.
After travelling with his former team and sitting on the bench for an away game at Reading in November last year he told BBC Radio Bristol he hoped to get back into the game.
"After being back at the training ground and to be on the bench involved in the matchday atmosphere it was strange, but it's something that I think is really good for me, especially mentally," said Anderton.
"Definitely coming around the place has made my mind up that I should be involved in football moving forward."
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