Morecambe

IN OPPOSITION: MORECAMBE

MEET THE BOSS: STEPHEN ROBINSON

Robinson’s playing career spanned more than 400 games. Starting off his career at Tottenham, he made just a couple of appearances, before moving onto Bournemouth where he remained for four seasons. On leavingBournemouth, Robinson had two shorter spells at Preston North End and Bristol City. The bulk of his playing career was spent at Luton Town where he spent six seasons making more than 200 appearances. He was also capped by Northern Ireland on seven occasions.

His management career started at Oldham Athletic in July 2016. However, hewas relieved of his duties there after just six months in charge. In February 2017 he arrived in Motherwell to assist Mark McGhee as first team coach. It was just two weeks before McGhee departed, and Robinson took over in interim charge a move that was made permanent in March 2017 and lasted three years.

He achieved success during his time at the helm taking them to a League Cup Final and Scottish Cup Final, on both occasions being defeated by Celtic. He also led Motherwell to a third place finish in the 2019/20 season, finishing behind Celtic and Rangers. After a mediocre start to the 2020/21 season Robinson resigned.

Despite achieving promotion via the play-offs, Morecambe found themselves without a manager in May 2021 and quickly recruited Robinson in June 2021. He was give a three-year deal and has guided the Shrimps to an encouraging start in League One including a notable 1-0 victory over promotion favourites Sheffield Wednesday.

MORECAMBE: ONES TO WATCH

COLE STOCKTON

Nominated for Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for August having hit four goals, it’s fair to say he’s adapted to life in League One.

Stockton seems to have found a home at Morecambe as he enters his third season of his second spell. He’s approaching 100 appearances in a Morecambe shirt scoring 27 goals.

ALFIE McCALMONT

The tenacious midfielder signed on loan for the season from Leeds United, having made a couple of appearances for them in their Championship season in 2019/20. McCalmont spent last season on loan at Oldham Athletic and he’ll be looking to show what he is capable of at a higher level this term. He made 36 appearances for the Latics scoring 10 goals in all competitions. He recently picked up his first international cap for Northern Ireland in the 1-0 win against Estonia.

SHANE McLOUGHLIN

The American-born midfielder moved to Kerry at the age of five and has represented Republic of Ireland at U16 and U18 level. Starting his career at Ipswich Town, he went on loan to Bromley before signing for AFC Wimbledon in 2019. It was there he tasted first team football making 70 appearances and scoring 3 goals. He joined Morecambe in pre-season and will be looking to play a key part in their fortunes this season.

JOKULL ANDRESSON

Similar to Rovers, Morecambe picked up a 6ft 4 Nordic goalkeeper on loan to help them this season. Jokull - who joined the side from Championship club Reading – is held in high regard at his parent club. He signed a three year deal with them prior to being loaned out to Morecambe.

He was on loan at Exeter City last season and had two games as an emergency loan at Morecambe. He’ll be looking to establish himself as first choice at Morecambe this season.

SHARED 5-A-SIDE

JOE LUMLEY

DRFC 2020-21 9 APPS 0 GOALS MFC 2014 1 APP 0 GOALS

NICK FENTON

DRFC 2004-06 79 APPS 4 GOALS MFC 2011-13 73 APPS 4 GOALS

ADRIANO RIGOGLIOSO

DRFC 2003-05 33 APPS 1 GOAL MFC 2000-03 & 2006-07 133 APPS 19 GOALS

LIAM MANDEVILLE

DRFC 2014-17 64 APPS 15 GOALS MFC 46 APPS 4 GOALS

MARK DUFFY

DRFC 2013-14 39 APPS 2 GOALS MFC 2009-11 68 APPS 6 GOALS