Football Season Guide

Morecambe’s first season in the third tier in English football ended in success as they survived by the skin of their teeth. It was bizarre in many ways with manager Derek Adams returning to the club having left to take over at Bradford City less than a week after their play-off final win at Wembley in 2021. He replaced Stephen Robinson, who made a surprise return to Scotland having spent less than nine months in the job. The Shrimps survived thanks to the poor form of their relegation rivals and to the sensational form of striker Cole Stockton, who enjoyed the season of his life. There’s no such thing as a one-man team in football but his contribution was head and shoulders above the rest of his team-mates. Retaining Stockton’s services will be crucial for Adams if they are to survive at this level for another season. Stockton has been linked with several bigger clubs and links with Stockport County striker Scott Quigley have simply added to fuel to fire with him being seen as an obvious replacement. Nine players are currently on the transfer list as Adams looks to completely rebuild his squad. The loss of full-back Greg Leigh is a blow even if Adams didn’t seem to fancy him. He will certainly be disappointed with midfield playmaker Aaron Wildig’s decision to join Newport County. The Shrimps have paid a fee to Port Vale to bring midfielder Jake Taylor to the club this summer whilst Connor Ripley will be hoping to establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. There will be further additions as Adams looks to build a competitive squad.