Morecambe defender says lessons can be learned from last season

Steve Old wants Morecambe to learn the lessons of last season and enjoy a less stressful League Two season.
Morecambe central defender Steve OldMorecambe central defender Steve Old
Morecambe central defender Steve Old

The Kiwi centre-half was something of an unknown quantity to the Shrimps’ supporters when he signed 12 months ago.

However, the 32-year-old quickly established himself as a fans favourite and was one of the standout performers in Morecambe’s somewhat nervy relegation fight.

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Those performances were enough, however, to warrant a two-year deal after the expiry of his initial 12-month contract.

Nevertheless, he is not getting carried away with his personal performances last time around despite helping Morecambe to the 10th best defensive record in League Two for goals conceded.

“From a defensive point of view, last season was alright and we did a decent job in most matches apart from maybe three or four,” he said.

“Personally, it was OK but results-wise, it wasn’t the best towards the end of last season but we managed to stay up.

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“I wouldn’t say it was a successful season but it was one we could reflect upon and say the job was done.

“Even so, we were still a few points ahead with not many games left when we drew 2-2 with Chesterfield.

“We were thinking that one win would keep us up but it’s funny how football turns.

“We drew that game and, then, one or two results don’t go your way and it becomes a massive fight.”

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Last season is now gone though and, with new owners and a revamped squad, it is hoped those recent struggles can be a thing of the past.

That recruitment has seen a number of new players, including James Sinclair, a team-mate of Old during his time in Sweden.

“You’re optimistic at the start of every season,” Old said.

“We have to put last season behind us because it’s a new season with new players coming in and a totally different set-up on the field which we are looking forward to.

“As for James, he’s someone who I’d played with for a couple of teams before he came to Morecambe.

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“He’s a wide player who can sometimes play in the number 10 role but he’s very versatile and he’ll give you 150 per cent in every game.”

At least Old knows what he’s getting from Sinclair which wasn’t the case when he moved to Morecambe.

Despite brief spells with Basingstoke Town and Sutton United, lower league football was a learning curve.

“Until you play then you don’t know what you’re coming into,” Old said.

“It was very intense, very physical and a lot quicker than the football I’d played in Europe.”