Football Season Guide

Jim Bentley continues his reign as the longest-serving manager in English football as he leads Morecambe into a new season for the ninth time. Last season saw him guide the Shrimps to safety again; this time avoiding a relegation battle to finish comfortably in 18th place. Some much-needed stability off the pitch certainly helped and they will be looking to take a positive second half of the season into the new campaign. Sadly as is usually the case they have been unable to keep hold of some their better players this summer. Bentley will be disappointed striker Aaron Collins didn’t show more loyalty having been given a chance to impress following his release by Wolves by rejecting a new deal to join Forest Green Rovers. Full-back Zak Mills opted for a move to Oldham Athletic whilst loanees Piero Mingoia and Richie Bennett decided against returning. Andy Fleming’s retirement due to injury at just 31 is also another blow. Several players have chosen to sign new deals however, including goalkeeper Mark Halstead, midfielder Aaron Wildig and strikers AJ Leitch-Smith and Kevin Ellison. The capture of midfield playmaker John O’Sullivan looks a shrewd addition. Bentley will need to do some further business in the transfer market but there is cause for optimism at the Globe Arena.