Jim Bentley returns as Morecambe boss to lead National League survival bid

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Morecambe have turned to a familiar face in their bid to avoid National League relegation, appointing Jim Bentley as first-team manager until the end of the season.

Bentley replaces Ashvir Singh Johal, who left the club by mutual consent last week after a troubled campaign that has left the Shrimps battling for survival and facing the threat of back-to-back relegations to the National League North.

The 49-year-old returns to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with a deep understanding of the club, having enjoyed a long spell at Morecambe as both player and manager, which cements his status as club legend.

However, he has been tasked with an almighty challenge, with Morecambe seven points from safety and winless in their last five league matches.

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Strong understanding

A club statement confirmed: “Morecambe Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Bentley as the club’s new first team manager until the end of the season.

“Jim returns to the club bringing extensive managerial experience and a strong understanding of the club’s identity and values, developed through his previous, long-standing association with the Shrimps.

“His football knowledge, leadership, and genuine connection to the club position him well to guide the team forward.

“He has built a reputation for creating organised, competitive teams that mirror the commitment and resilience of their supporters.

“His familiarity with the club, its people, and the local area allows him to step into the role with immediate focus as the squad prepares for the remainder of the season.”

Crazy

Bentley, a centre-back during his playing career, joined Morecambe in 2002 and went on to make nearly 300 appearances for the club across a nine-year spell.

The Liverpool-born defender captained the Shrimps to the Football League for the first time in their history in 2007, leading them to a 2–1 victory over Exeter City in the Conference National play-off final.

Towards the end of his playing days, Bentley transitioned into a player-coach role before embarking on an eight-and-a-half-year spell as manager between May 2011 and October 2019, during which he took charge of 434 matches.

He left the club to become manager of AFC Fylde in 2019 before spells elsewhere in charge of Rochdale and, most recently, Southport.

Speaking after his appointment, Bentley admitted the decision to return had been an emotional one, following what he described as a “whirlwind 48 hours”.

“Crazy,” he said. “Everyone knows the feelings I have for the football club and it’s been a whirlwind 48 hours. The club means a lot to me, so it was nice to walk through the door.”

Excited

Bentley revealed he had received interest from elsewhere during his time away from the game, but insisted none of it felt right until Morecambe came calling.

“When they asked me to come back and be caretaker, I was excited,” he added. “I’ll be honest, when I’ve had a couple of phone calls about other roles, I haven’t really felt it.

“As soon as they asked me to come back and help them, I was more than happy to come back.

“All I’m interested in is three months, doing what I can, putting all the hard work in, generating a bit of atmosphere and getting the lads doing the business on the pitch.

“They’re the most important people at the football club; they’re the ones who have got to go out and perform, win games and get us out of this position.

“As I said to the owner and the board, because of my feelings for the football club, I’m more than happy to be involved in some capacity moving forward to help this football club get back to where we all want it to be.”

Bentley’s first game back in the Shrimps dugout will be a trip to Altrincham on Tuesday night.

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READ MORE: Morecambe and Ashvir Singh Johal part ways with Shrimps in National League relegation zone