Morecambe manager is hoping for a September starting date

Morecambe boss Derek Adams believes an announcement is pending about the start date for the 2020/21 football season.
Morecambe manager Derek AdamsMorecambe manager Derek Adams
Morecambe manager Derek Adams

The Shrimps have been in limbo since the coronavirus pandemic saw their season suspended in mid-March before being formally ended last month.

With Premier League and Championship matches now taking place, as well as play-off ties in Leagues One and Two, clubs have been asked for their views on when next season should start.

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Adams said: “We’re obviously waiting on the EFL because clubs have had to put in their vote on when the season should start – August 29 or September 12.

“That vote was last Friday so we should know this week when the season will start.

“Myself, I’d prefer September 12 and there are a number of factors behind that.

“August 29 is going to be too soon from the point of view of signing players, there is the situation of bringing players back off furlough and are crowds going to return in September as well?

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“I think the later it can be, the more beneficial it will be to the club.”

The lockdown has at least given Adams the chance to put some preparations in place for the new season.

It was announced that a number of players would be released at the end of their contracts, among them Barry Roche.

That caused some confusion, given there was no mention as to whether Roche would retain the goalkeeping coach’s role he took on following Adams’ arrival as manager last November.

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“At this moment in time, Barry is still contracted as a player until the end of July,” Adams explained.

“I’ve offered him the position of goalkeeping coach; we still have to clarify a few things before the end of this month.

“Hopefully, we will have him in place very soon.”