AFC Fylde are gearing up for one of their biggest tests of the season this weekend as they face Mancunian Unity in a top-of-the-table showdown. It’s first versus second in the division, after Fylde occupy top spot following a strong start after last season’s relegation.
Ahead of the clash, we caught up with defender Emma Hickson, who spoke about her journey, Fylde’s progress, and the mindset in the camp as the Coasters look to extend their lead at the top.
Born in Blackpool and raised in nearby Poulton-le-Fylde, Hickson has always been proud of her Lancashire roots. She explains. “Quite controversially, I support Preston North End… and have always followed Manchester United too since I was little, so I’ve had my fair share of stick over the years!”
Versatile and committed, Hickson has played in multiple positions throughout her career, adapting wherever the team has needed her most. She doesn’t shy away from calling herself a bit “old school.” Adding, “Positionally it’s changed a lot over the last few years which I guess goes to show I can be pretty versatile and I’m just happy to do what I can for the team,” she says. “I’d say naturally I’m a right-sided full-back but I’ve played on the wing, and more recently at centre-back which is a new and different challenge having always been a wide player. I try to lean on experience as much as I can!”
“I’ll never be renowned for being the most technical player, but I try and lean into my strengths as much as I can — tackling, heading, pressing, reading the game, driving forward and drawing fouls,” she explains. “I like to put myself about and don’t mind a few knocks here and there — all the nasty parts of the game I absolutely love!”
Hickson joined Fylde in the summer after a successful spell with Wythenshawe, where she helped the club earn promotion to the FA Women’s National League. Many were surprised to see her move back to the fifth tier, but for Hickson, the project at Fylde was simply too appealing to turn down. “I absolutely loved my time at Wythenshawe so have nothing but good words to say about the club, which made it a tough decision to leave,” she admits.
“But it was hard to turn down the Fylde project… location was a massive thing for me, especially as it’s on my doorstep which balances nicely with work commitments.
“I’d also say the level of detail that goes into everything is astounding. Fylde has somewhat had an interesting reputation in the past, but you can see that since Danny and the team have come in, everything they do is to provide the best possible environment for us as players so all we have to do is turn up and play! The foundations are there to be built on and in terms of knowledge and tactics, Danny has been top to work under.”
After a difficult relegation last term, Fylde have responded in style — unbeaten, top of the table, and playing with confidence. Hickson says that success has come from a collective effort and shared focus.
“I think it’s a combination of a lot of things really. We’re all on the same page that promotion is the main goal this season so everything we do has to be steps towards that,” she explains. “There is so much talent within the group and it’s a relatively young squad too, so there is so much potential as well. I think we’re in an environment where that talent is allowed to flourish.
“We work hard and training is always intense and competitive — and we probably train more than most — so we’re a fit team and I think that can translate on the pitch too.”
Fylde have found an impressive balance this season, looking solid at the back while continuing to score freely in attack — a reflection of the side’s hard-working mentality.
“Yeh definitely,” says Hickson. “In every game we want to be relentless at both ends for 90 minutes, move the ball, create chances, and if we lose the ball, get after it again.”
This weekend’s trip to Mancunian Unity could prove pivotal. A win would open up an eight-point gap over their nearest challengers, but Hickson insists the squad is staying grounded.
“I think no different than we would to any game really!” she says with a smile. “Just calm and ready for it as it’s the next one. The vibes have been really good, confidence flowing, so yeh — looking forward to it.”
Unity, meanwhile, boasts a strong home record and a loyal fan base, something Hickson expects to add extra spice to the occasion.
“Yeh they will love being at home — they’ve built a nice little base for themselves there with a decent fan base so I’m sure they’ll try and make it loud and noisy,” she says. “They’ll be physical no doubt, they’ve got some fast players and will try and make it horrible. We’re used to teams sitting in a block against us so it will be nice to see them come out and have a go, as they’ll be desperate for the points after a mixed bag of results really.”
And while Fylde will be away from home this time, Hickson knows how much the team values their supporters wherever they travel. “It can be a great advantage and I’m sure it will be one they will try and use!” she says. “We want to continue this good run by picking up the points and we’re always appreciative of the support we get whether it be home or away — it all counts and gives us a boost!”
You can follow all of the action on the club’s respective Twitter/X accounts.
