Morecambe look to tie down players for next season

According to the Lancaster Guardian, Morecambe manager Ged Brannan has approached several players about the possibility of staying at the club next season.

Brannan revealed the news at a recent fans’ forum after he was asked about the prospect of a squad rebuild. The Shrimps boss responded saying ” We’ve approached seven or eight already and made them offers. We really want to keep them. We know they are top players but it’s hard when clubs are offering double their wages”

Following the January departure of 18-year-old talent Adam Mayor, who joined Sky Bet Championship side Millwall for an undisclosed fee, no Morecambe players are currently contracted to the club beyond 2024. Mayor was not the only departure in a January window that saw several important players, such as top scorer Michael Mellon, leave the Shrimps. Brannan confirmed that the club is currently in talks to extend some current loan deals and also alluded to a strong relationship with Premier League side Nottingham Forrest that could potentially result in some incomings

“We’ve spoken to Bolton about Nelson Khumbeni and to Wigan about Joe Adams. Fingers crossed we’ll be able to keep them for next year. We’ve got a really good relationship with Nottingham Forest so, hopefully, we might be able to get a couple of their players.”

Brannan also hinted that a positive end to the season will be key in getting these deals over the line.

“Hopefully we can get in the playoffs and keep them.”

Are the play-offs realistic for Morecambe?

Morecambe have undoubtedly experienced a difficult period in recent times due to several off-field issues seriously impacting the Lancashire clubs’ plans for a return to League One. However, despite these issues, the Shrimps currently sit in 10th place just three points off the play-offs. Morecambe have only managed two wins in their last five league games although they have only lost once in that time. The Shrimps’ only taste of defeat was against fellow play-off hopefuls Walsall who came out triumphant in a 3-0 win on February 20th.

I have been impressed with what I have seen from Morecambe under Brannan so far, considering the circumstances surrounding the club. Brannan has managed to pick up points against top teams like Stockport, MK Dons and Mansfield which is worthy of praise in itself however I feel, as of now, that they lack the consistency to be a genuine play-off contender.

Brannan’s record so far as Morecambe boss is six wins, six draws and seven defeats in 19 games which is fairly solid however, I just feel that a return of 24 points from an available 57 is not quite enough to cement a top-seven finish. However, If the Shrimps can put a good run together between now and the end of the season then a top-seven finish is not beyond the realms of possibility. Morecambe will look to kickstart a positive run with three points this Saturday as they travel to automatic promotion chasers Crewe Alexandra.