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Morecambe
The 2019/20 season saw a seismic change for Morecambe as they departed with long serving manager and club legend Jim Bentley in October 2019. The Shrimps had just dropped to the bottom of League Two after defeat to Stevenage, but saw themselves pull clear of the relegation zone after the appointment of Derek Adams. They finished the season 10 points clear of Stevenage. Now Adams has the chance to shape the squad to his liking, it will be fascinating to see how the Lancashire club develop.
Transfers
With Adams now in charge, there has been something of a cull in the Shrimps squad, with 10 players being released. Kevin Ellison was arguably the most notable departure, with the former Chester player ending his lengthy spell with the club. Stalwart keeper Barry Roche hung up his gloves for a coaching position, while the likes of Adam Buxton, Andrew Tutte and Rhys Oates all departed. Steven Old also departed, turning down a contract in favour of a move north to be closer to his family, with Jordan Cranston also moving closer to home with a transfer to Solihull Moors for an undisclosed fee.
Plenty of fresh new faces have been added to the Morecambe squad in their places. Defenders Stephen Hendrie and Harry Davis kicked things off for the Shrimps, with Kelvin Mellor and Nathaniel Knight-Percival also arriving a week or so later to bolster a new look back line. Forward Liam McAlinden also joined from Stockport after a decent season in the National League. The Shrimps’ most major permanent signing looks to be Ben Pringle though, with the 32 year old midfielder – who has Championship experience – arriving after his release from Gillingham. Morecambe have also secured the loan of promising Newcastle keeper Jake Turner, as well as the returns of Adam Phillips and Ryan Cooney from Burnley after the two enjoyed excellent half seasons with the Shrimps during 2019/20.
Key Players
Pringle looks to be a major coup for Morecambe, with his quality potentially providing some real spark from midfield. The return of Phillips will also be a major boost, with the midfielder helping himself to four goals and three assists in 11 games for the Shrimps last season. Toumani Diagouraga will be an important player too, with his presence in defensive midfield bringing calm and quality on the ball. He will likely sit in front of a defensive duo of Sam Lavelle and Davis, which could prove to be an excellent partnership at the back.
Targets
Morecambe’s chief and primary aim for the past few years has been survival. This will be the base aim again, but under Adams and with a decent squad there will be new found hope that the Shrimps may push a bit further up the table. The playoffs may be a step too far, but Morecambe certainly have it in them to finish comfortably mid table.
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