Adam Lakeland insists Morecambe move was too good to ‘turn down’ after FC Halifax Town exit

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Adam Lakeland says the opportunity to take charge of Morecambe was simply too good to refuse after guiding FC Halifax Town to a strong campaign in the National League.

The 41-year-old has stepped down from his role at The Shay to join the Shrimps ahead of next season, with Halifax confirming his departure to the relegated club.

Lakeland led the Shaymen to an eighth-place finish this term, narrowly missing out on the play-offs.

Although this was his first experience managing at Step 1, Lakeland is far from inexperienced.

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Release clause

He previously played a key role in Curzon Ashton’s rise through the Non-League ranks before taking over as manager, and has since built an impressive CV.

His achievements include a successful spell at Northwich Victoria, winning the Northern Premier League Premier Division title with Farsley Celtic, and transforming King’s Lynn Town from relegation candidates into National League North play-off contenders.

Now, he returns to Step 2 with Morecambe following their second successive relegation, tasked with halting the club’s slide away from the Football League and rebuilding for the future.

A statement from Morecambe confirmed the club reached an agreement with Halifax after meeting the terms of Lakeland’s release clause, paving the way for him to sign a new three-year contract.

Opportunity

Speaking after his appointment, Lakeland said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Morecambe Football Club.

“The project, vision and ambition of the club matches my own, and the opportunity to manage a club of Morecambe’s size, history and heritage was something I couldn’t turn down.

“Despite dropping down a league on a personal level, if I didn’t believe I could return to the National League quickly, I wouldn’t have considered this project.

“There are no guarantees, and the National League North is a very difficult division to get out of, but I believe I’ll be given the tools to build something here, and that excites me.

“The club has suffered in recent seasons, both on and off the pitch, particularly this year.

“However, I’m confident that, with the right support and resources, I can begin rebuilding and put together a team the supporters can be proud of.

“The hard work starts immediately, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter at Morecambe.”

Disappointment

Chairman Kuljeet Singh also welcomed the appointment, praising Lakeland’s ambition, professionalism and alignment with the club’s long-term vision.

“We are excited to make this announcement as part of our commitment to rebuilding a club our supporters can be proud of once again,” he said.

“Adam and his staff will have all the resources they need to make the first team successful, and I look forward to our fantastic fans getting behind the new management team.”

Halifax also confirmed Lakeland’s departure in a statement, expressing their frustration at his decision to move on.

“It’s with disappointment that we confirm manager Adam Lakeland has decided to leave FC Halifax Town to take up the role of first-team manager at Morecambe,” the statement read.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to Adam for his hard work and professionalism this season in guiding us to an eighth-place finish, narrowly missing out on the play-offs.

“We wish Adam and his family every success for the future.

“The club will now begin its search for a new manager, with the aim of making a swift but positive appointment.”

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