Following their takeover by the Panjab Warriors investment group just over one month ago, Morecambe have been scrambling to assemble a squad capable of competing in the National League.
They have done a reasonable job thus far, accumulating seven points from their seven league games.
Ashvir Singh Johal’s side are amidst what some may deem their second phase of recruitment. After quickly signing an initial group of players, the Shrimps have made five signings in the last five days.
Their latest addition is arguably the highest-profile player in the National League.
Rolando Aarons Signs For Morecambe
Morecambe have announced the signing of winger Rolando Aarons via their official club website.
The 29-year-old made 27 appearances and scored four goals for Newcastle United in the 2010s after coming through the Magpies’ academy. He has made more appearances and scored more goals for the Tyneside giants than for any other club he has represented.
During his time at St. James’ Park, the attacker went out on loan to the likes of Hellas Verona and Sheffield Wednesday.
He only officially left the club in January 2021, joining Huddersfield Town.
However, Aarons continued to struggle to find a home in men’s football. He made 11 appearances for the Terriers before joining Motherwell on loan and failing to break into their starting XI.
He has spent the last two years in the Slovenian top flight with NK Celje. Once again, he failed to properly make his mark on the first team, though he gained experience playing in all three European competitions.
Will Morecambe Be The Place Where Aarons Thrives?
Singh Johal believes that the Jamaican international will add “massive value” to his side and that playing at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium will provide an atmosphere which gets the best out of Aarons. But will this really be the case?
Historically speaking, the National League is a league that talented footballers think they can move into and thrive with relative ease. However, this is largely not the case, especially in the modern day.
The fifth tier is as professional as it has ever been, hence why many in football think of it as a ‘League Three.’ This has seen many big names struggle to make their mark in the National League, as they are not prepared for the quality and intensity of the fifth tier.
EFL legend Gary Hooper looked distinctly average whilst in the fifth tier with Barnet, whilst Jordon Ibe, who has had a broadly similar career to Aarons footballing-wise, could not break into a poor Ebbsfleet United side two seasons ago.
But Morecambe are in a very different place to both Barnet and Ebbsfleet.
Their squad is somewhat of a mess as many players are lacking match fitness and have only received limited first-team minutes thus far. Aarons attended the PFA preseason training camp, which, although it ended three weeks ago, may put him at an advantage in terms of fitness.
Singh Johal has employed a very attacking and free-flowing style of football thus far, making the bold claim that the Shrimps will be the best footballing side in the country in four months. This seems like something that would suit Aarons’ direct, flair-based style of play down to a tee.
If the 29-year-old keeps himself fit and mentally motivated, there is no reason why he could not thrive in the National League.