Jim Bentley: It's business as usual despite takeover talk

Jim Bentley insists it's business as usual despite Morecambe being up for sale.
Jim Bentley addresses the recent fans' forum at the Globe Arena.Jim Bentley addresses the recent fans' forum at the Globe Arena.
Jim Bentley addresses the recent fans' forum at the Globe Arena.

Chairman and majority shareholder Peter McGuigan officially put the club on the market on Tuesday with his 16 years at the helm seemingly drawing to a close.

Major change may be on the horizon at the Globe Arena but Bentley says he is focused on picking up a first win in 11 League 2 games against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

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He said: “We’re all professionals and we’ve all got to get on with it.

“I’ve just got to get on with the job in hand and all I’m interested in is winning the game on Saturday and finishing the season strongly.

“We’ve had a difficult spell but it’s about continuing to do what you’ve got to do.

“I can’t affect what goes on behind the scenes so why worry about it?”

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McGuigan’s departure, with discussions with interested parties ongoing, would see the end of a long-standing relationship with a man who was his Wembley-winning skipper before replacing Sammy McIlroy as manager.

Bentley said: “You can’t expect Peter McGuigan to continuously put his money in and continue what he’s done for the last 16 years or whatever it is.

“I’ve got nothing but ultimate respect for him. I’ve been here for 14 years as a player, captain and a manager and he’s given me nothing but support, he’s been absolutely brilliant.

“He’s put an awful lot of time and dedication into the club and its finances but now he thinks he’s probably taken it as far as he can and it’s ready for someone to pick up the reigns and kick the club on.

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“Although it’s slightly disappointing because I’ve got a great relationship with him and I’ve known him a lot of years, it’s also a time for transition and a time for change and hopefully the future’s bright.”

With potential new owners possibly looking on, Bentley could be forgiven for feeling even more pressure to perform but says that isn’t the case.

He said: “It’s a job I really enjoy and I’ve got a great relationship with the club.

“There’s no way I could impress anyone any more than I try and do now. I do my job to the best of my ability.

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“If I ever leave this football club I want to turn back and have no regrets and say, ‘I’ve given it my all’ and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

“I’d never, never walk away from the football club. That’s not me, that’s not in my nature but if I ever got told I had to leave I would look back and say I’ve given it my best shot.

“I’d have no regrets and wouldn’t change anything I’ve done.”