Goalkeeper, Ben Winterbottom has joined AFC Fylde on a season-long loan from Brentford.
Winterbottom spent last season on loan at Welling United where he kept two clean sheets in 14 appearances, but will now head to National League’s AFC Fylde to continue his development.
Speaking about his decision to join Fylde on loan and build upon his learning at Brentford, Winterbottom commented: “I’m excited. Just walking around the place, the stadium especially, I’m just looking forward to the season ahead.
“It’s been brilliant at Brentford, the learning aspect of being around international players and it’s been a great base to grow and learn. So for my learning it’s been brilliant there but the next step for me now is playing football and I just can’t wait to get going.
“I just want to play games. Games and clean sheets are the plan and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to showcase what I can do.”
The 22 year-old goalkeeper was born in Preston and previously was part of Liverpool Academy prior to his move to the Bees, so Winterbottom is pleased to go out on loan to a northern club and be near his family.
“It’s great to be around my family and friends and it’s not changed too much since I’ve been away so it’s great to be back.”
AFC Fylde’s Head Coach, Chris Beech added that Winterbottom is a welcome addition to the squad given his experience, and will provide competition for Theo Richardson in goal.
“Ben is originally from Preston, he’s been at Liverpool, Brentford B and he’s been third-choice goalkeeper and warmed up at every Premier League ground last season.
“There’s no way a Premier League manager has anybody around them without the personality traits that can support the squad in regards to performing on the day.
“Especially at a club like Brentford, because their culture, energy, environment is first-class, and Ben has been an integral part of that, but he wants to play, and he’ll fight it out with Theo.
“He adds that competition, and it’s what you need if we are going to be successful.”
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