Morecambe squad shake-up could be coming in the new year

The Shrimps are one point from safety in the National League after Boxing Day’s 2-1 defeat to Rochdale, with improvements needed to ensure they avoid a third relegation in four years.

Johal said: “We have got clear targets on positions we think will really help the team and we can have a targeted recruitment approach that we didn’t particularly have at the start of the season.

“We have got some players on a contract until January and some on loan deals that run out in the next few weeks.

“We are trying to work through deals with each player one by one and hopefully we will have news soon.

“It is about trying to execute those deals but, at the same time, we will be working with those lads who are not getting games or minutes and try to find opportunities for them at other clubs.

“We have got a really good group of players and a good group of staff. We know what we have to do to be the best version of ourselves and that is the work we are doing now.

“The challenge I have now set the players is to match the level of performance that we showed against Rochdale to give ourselves a fighting chance of getting points.

“That means being on the front foot and being dominant with the aim of winning duels, being aggressive and being better in the final third.”

Morecambe return to action at Carlisle United on Tuesday with Johal left fuming at the officials after Friday’s loss against Rochdale.

Johal was booked after assistant Lee Tomlin was sent off in the aftermath of Rochdale’s contentious opener, while keeper Jamal Blackman saved a twice-taken penalty.

He said: “I thought the players gave their all and for us to go toe to toe with a side like Rochdale was really positive but, unfortunately, the game was decided by two or perhaps three refereeing decisions.

“The first penalty shouldn’t have been retaken because Jamal was on his line, their first goal was offside by three or four yards and their second goal was after a foul on Maldini Kacurri.”