“We are already looking towards next season”: Jim Bentley could make more changes for Morecambe’s last match of the campaign

Bentley made a string of changes to his starting line-up for the Shrimps’ 3-0 defeat against Boreham Wood at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium last weekend.

He also gave academy players such as Oscar Wright and Adam Fairclough a chance to show what they could do, with more experienced players rested or injured.

The manager has hinted that it may well be a similar situation against Robbie Savage’s side on Saturday in what will be Bentley’s last game in charge of the club.

Speaking after last weekend’s game he said: “We made the changes on Saturday and there were some positives to take from it.

“It is likely to be similar again on Saturday with injuries to Harlee Dean and Lewis Payne and the fact that Miguel Azeez has attracted a lot of interest and will potentially attract a lot more in the summer, so we have to be careful how we balance things.

“We are already looking towards next season and there are things I have to take into consideration as the manager – as it stands – to make sure I do right by the club.

“That means it may be similar this week or there may be even more changes with the likes of Jake Cain back in contention now too, but we will continue to work hard and do all we can to put in a good performance.”

It was confirmed last week that Bentley would not continue as manager beyond the end of the season, but would remain with the club in an unspecified role behind the scenes.

He added: “It won’t be me and I think that is the right decision.

“We need a reset with fresh people to come in and grab the club and, between us all, drive it forward.

“The rebuild is already starting, there is a positivity around the place and I like to think I will play my part in taking it forward, building up the character of the club and getting a feelgood factor to help make Morecambe great again.”