After 10 games, the Shrimps have picked up just seven points with only one win. It’s safe to stay Morecambe have started the season in less than impressive form. This has led to many fans speculating as to why this may be ranging from the sensible to the conspiratorial.
Shifting Sides
Since the season started, Adams has deployed a multitude of different formations and players leading to a bit of confusion and uncertainty. He has utilised both 5 and 4 at the back formations which has kept the opposition on their toes but also had the adverse effect of not allowing the defence to get any sort of consistency. On top of this the movement in the transfer market came late, most of the players weren’t given the entirety of preseason to gel together as a unit. The added pressure that this has put on the squad has not been helped by several players being played out of position. For example, both Donald Love and Max Melbourne have been utilised as wing backs, Ousmane Fane being deployed as an attacking midfielder and Liam Gibson playing the first few games in central midfield.
Transfer Listed Starters
Following the conclusion of the 21/22 campaign, manager Derek Adams listed 10 players available for transfer; six of which are still at the club. The initial thought back in May was that these players will have been shifted to allow for better players to come into the squad given the limited budget wouldn’t allow for new players to come in without making room finances-wise. Therefore, it could be said that those who were transfer listed could feel a complete lack of belief from the manager could play into the performances they have put in so far this season. One of the outliers to this has been Ryan Delaney who renaissance has been highly praised this season due to his improved form since his unsuccessful loan spell at Scunthorpe at the back end of last season.
Cole Stockton
The transfer saga over the course of the summer has left some doubt as to where the striker stands with regards to his future at Morecambe. Reports state he was offered an ‘improved’ deal, yet this wasn’t enough to sway the player into staying. On the other hand, Port Vale and Fleetwood supposedly submitted “derisory” bids that were well below the £600k value Morecambe had placed upon the forward. At the height of the ordeal, Stockton reported to two games feeling unwell and unable to play leaving Shrimps’ fans dubious to his commitment. At the end of the window, Stockton stayed at Morecambe and has started some games but has not been at his best.
Board Troubles
On the pitch Morecambe may have some hope when focussing off the field, attention is drawn to the owners who put the club up for sale. This was in reaction to their rugby team, Worcester Warriors, being put into administration amid financial trouble at the club. The board of directors at Morecambe are adamant that the two situations are not linked despite the same owners and that the finances are completely separate. However, it is hard to join even a slight link between the two clubs and has absolutely caused eyes and minds to wander off the pitch a the uncertainty around the club grows.
Whilst the current form is worrying, it is impossible to predict where any team will finish in this division. Morecambe fans will also be somewhat emboldened by the fact that in their 102-year history they have never once been relegated and are the only team in the 92 to hold this title. Should the Shrimps stay up, however, they must be looking for more consistency and potency in front of goal.