Morecambe have had a chaotic summer with ownership issues putting the club’s continued existence into question and one of their star players is now reportedly set to jump ship from the National League Outfit.
27-year-old Jamie Stott arrived at the club last summer and has played 51 times for The Shrimps, scoring three goals. However, it is unlikely that he will add to that tally in the new season.
Morecambe Defender a Key Player Despite EFL Relegation
A first season outside the EFL since 2007 is the prospect facing Morecambe, if they can sort out their off-the-field issues, which has seen their first three fixtures of the National League season postponed over the league’s concern that they will not be able to complete the entire campaign.
One player who is not at fault for the team suffering relegation last season is defender Stott. The former Halifax Town defender was one of the few players who put in consistent displays for much of the campaign.
Stott ranked in the top three for accurate passes, first in the same metric for long balls per game and was comfortably clear at the top of the clearances chart for Morecambe last season. He was often seen with the captain’s armband and scored crucial goals in wins over Tranmere Rovers and Swindon Town.
It appears his displays have not gone unnoticed, with the defender set to seal a move away from the club.
Europe-Chasing LOI Outfit Set to Sign 27-Year-Old
Derry City are in third place in the League of Ireland Premier Division, and they occupy the final guaranteed European spot in the Irish top-flight. They are arguably just a tighter defence away from moving clear of the teams below them and returning to the UEFA Conference League after missing out last season.
They have now made their move for Stott, with Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider announcing on X that the defender is set to leave and join Tiernan Lynch’s side.
The Candystripes are 25 games into the 26-match Premier Division campaign and face table-toppers Shamrock Rovers this weekend, looking to close the eight-point gap between the teams.
Derry City have been a relative surprise package under the new manager this season, and the signing of Stott should see the defender increase the depth of the team’s options at the back.
Lynch has opted for three central defenders for much of the campaign, and with a lack of senior options to choose from, there should be an opportunity for the potential new arrival to impress when the deal goes through. It is an area that appears to have been the focus of this transfer window.