Morecambe manager wants a team capable of playing in the National League while in National League North
Morecambe’s manager has outlined his desire to hand out longer contracts.
Adam Lakeland has explained the reasoning behind the length of contracts handed out to Morecambe’s new signings.
The Shrimps have announced four arrivals so far as Lakeland looks to build a squad capable of winning National League North in 2026/27, returning Morecambe to non-league’s top flight at the first opportunity.
Three of those signings - Will Smith, Teddy Collis and Cameron Coxe - have penned two-year deals, while Taelor O’Kane has agreed a one-year deal with a 12-month option.
Asked at last month’s fans’ forum about handing out longer-term deals rather than rebuilding every summer, Lakeland said: “Some players, we’d look to try and give them two years because we want to build a team we think would be capable of competing in the National League now to try and help us get out of National League North, so that if we manage to achieve that goal in 12 months’ time we don’t need to rip it up and start again because I don’t believe that success is built that way.
“I think, generally, you will get better over time so if we can have a good season this season and we can be successful, we’ve then got that mentality and that understanding of what that group of players give us, so in 12 months’ time, it’s a case of adding to that rather than ripping it up and starting again.
“Some players, you might want to offer them a two-year deal but it might work better for them to have a one-year deal.
“Some players, you might offer them a year and an option so you’ve got control of it, so there’s many different layers to it but you’ve got to be smart with it.
“I think you need continuity and that bit of stability and, generally, over time, our teams do get better the more time we have to work with them.
“We know what every individual gives us, we know what their shortfalls are, they know what we expect of them, they understand one another’s games and relationships a little bit better but those things take time, they don’t just happen overnight.
“If you can then add and build on that, it’s only going to make you stronger the following season.”