Where to start with Morecambe…?

A club that was on the brink of drowning and disappearing forever, was then saved by the Punjab warriors, only for that very same group to then start to drown the club once again with some horrendous decision making, questionable appointments, odd stances that separated and disillusioned many locals fans away from the club they loved and stubbornness that ultimately led to the club suffering back to back relegations.

Coming into the 2026-2027 season they found themselves in the National League North. 

This is a club that was in the EFL from 2007 up until that relegation back in 2024-2025 season, an incredible fall from grace and one that if the fall doesn’t stop it might not be something they can ever climb back out of.

The decision was made far too late to save the club from the drop last season as under the management of the woefully inept and out of depth Ashvir Singh Johal the club were simply not good enough. Once the board finally made the decision to move on from him the damage was too much and even the return of the much loved Jim Bentley wasn’t enough to see them safe.

Jim Bentley has now stepped away from the role and the new man tasked with rebuilding this club is Adam Lakeland signed on a 3 year deal - highly regarded and well received amongst the majority of the fanbase, is he the man to spearhead the club back up the leagues, he certainly thinks so.

"The club has suffered in recent seasons both on and off the pitch, particularly this season, but I'm confident that given the appropriate support and resources that I can start rebuilding the club and build a team for the supporters to be proud of." 

Well if they are to rebuild they will have to do it without last years star man Miguel Azeez, he left this summer after completing a move to Carlisle United for an undisclosed fee, along with others including another star man Jack Nolan. 

A new season does mean that new heroes can be formed and made and the signing of a proven goalscorer Joe Garner, even at the age of 38 his quality could prove to be a huge factor in the club seeing an upturn in their recent fate. 

The opening 4 games of the season have not gone to plan as the team has seen them only pick up a point, meaning they are propping up the bottom of the table. But, as we all know the season is a long one and the team have plenty of time to turn their fortunes around and start to climb the leagues once more. 

just before the season got underway, I spoke to ‘Hopey’ who has been a life long fan, now part of the clubs media team.

I posed him the questions that were not easy and were aimed at digging out his true thoughts on what has happened so far and what is hopefully to come:

The club have had a few tough seasons to say the least, are you hoping that good times are returning starting from the 26/27 season?

The last few years have certainly tested everyone connected with the club. There seems to be a renewed sense of optimism heading into the new season with the new manager and squad.

 Hopefully this will be the start of building something sustainable rather than looking for a quick fix. As supporters, all we want to see the club moving in the right direction again.

Some of last season’s stars have now left the club, how do you feel the new recruits will fare in filling the gap they will leave?

 It’s always disappointing to lose key players however football is all about evolution, new players now have an opportunity to make their mark on the club and supporters.

Our recruitment appears to have been done with a clear plan in mind. The squad will need time to gel, but there’s every reason to be optimistic.

The appointment of Adam Lakeland on a three-year deal offers the club some stability, how happy are you that the club have managed to secure his commitment?

It’s a real statement of intent from the club as stability is something we’ve been crying out for. A three-year deal will allow the gaffer to build long term rather than focusing on immediate results.

Hopefully it will create a clear identity and direction for everyone connected with the club.

The fans of the club have been incredible throughout the ups and downs, how much of a role do you feel they will play in the club’s rebuild and hopeful resurgence?

The supporters have been the constant through some difficult years. Our backing home and away has never wavered in face of adversity. A positive atmosphere can help to make a huge difference to players and staff and if everyone stays united, the fans can be a massive driving force behind the rebuild.

You yourself have joined the media team. What do you hope to bring to the role and do you feel being a fan yourself you know first hand the kind of things you want to see and be informed of?

Being a supporter gives me a good understanding of what fans want to see and hear. My main aim is to help provide engaging, honest and informative content. Hopefully we can help bring supporters closer to the players and staff through behind-the-scenes features and interviews.

I’d also love to celebrate the people around the club as it’s the community that makes it special.

What do you hope next season will bring the club?

 I hope to see progress both on and off the pitch and a competitive team that supporters can be proud of. It would be great to have more memorable afternoons like Rochdale away last season.

I also hope the season ahead will help to lay the foundations for our long-term success and rise back up the football pyramid.

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It is not an understatement for me to say that I feel this is a monumental season for Morecambe FC, they really need to start getting things right and essentially stop the rot that has plagued the club for the past few seasons. 

The club have an incredible fanbase and they deserve so much more than what they are getting. 

Do I personally think they will gain promotion this season and start to turn the tide of bad fortune? No. I am not convinced off the pitch they are in the right place to right the wrongs of the recent past and looking at comments from their own fanbase, I feel the majority would unfortunately agree with me. 

I hope I am wrong but, only time will tell. 

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