Jim Bentley to take up new role at Morecambe next season following National League relegation

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Morecambe have confirmed Jim Bentley will step down as manager at the end of the season following relegation from the National League, but remain at the club in a new role.

The decision comes just days after the Shrimps suffered a second successive relegation – the latest setback in a turbulent few seasons both on and off the pitch.

In the space of just four years, the club has fallen from League One to the National League North.

Ashvir Singh Johal began the Panjab Warriors era in charge following their takeover at the start of the season, but failed to generate the results as Morecambe sank towards the bottom.

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Legend

Club favourite Jim Bentley then returned to the helm, and while performances showed signs of improvement – including four wins and an impressive 4-2 victory over promotion-chasing Rochdale AFC – it proved too little, too late.

Their fate was ultimately sealed at the weekend with a heavy 5-1 defeat to Woking.

However, Morecambe have opted to retain Bentley in a new role, with his official title yet to be announced.

The club said in a statement released on Monday: “Morecambe Football Club can confirm that Jim Bentley will be remaining with the club after the end of the season to help support the club’s development across both footballing and non-footballing areas.

Chairman Kuljit Singh Momi added: “Although Jim has confirmed his wish to step down from the first team manager’s role, I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from his undoubted passion, knowledge and experience of all things Morecambe to help drive the club forward once again.

“Not only is Jim a Morecambe footballing legend, and I thank him most sincerely for his efforts and contribution over the last three months, he is also a great ambassador for the club and his valuable input alongside our executive leadership team will be integral to the continued rebuild of our wonderful football club.”

Turmoil

Morecambe’s current plight follows a prolonged period of financial turmoil stretching back to 2022, when the club was first put up for sale by former owner Jason Whittingham.

Late wages, mounting debts and repeated transfer embargoes plagued the club, culminating in relegation from the EFL in 2025 after 18 years in the Football League.

The situation worsened last summer when ownership uncertainty pushed the club to the brink of collapse.

Morecambe were suspended by the National League, staff went unpaid and fears grew that the club could face extinction before a takeover was finally completed by Panjab Warriors in August 2025.

Even then, the damage had been done. A depleted squad, ongoing financial constraints and continued instability have contributed to back-to-back relegations.

The club has added that the search for a new manager is already underway, with further details to be announced in due course.

A statement released earlier this week by chairman Momi also revealed that a full root-and-branch review of the club, both on and off the pitch, is nearing completion. He added that wherever changes are needed to give the club the best possible chance of success, “that change will happen.”

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