Morecambe make central defender their sixth new face so far

Central defender Lewis Baines is Morecambe’s latest new face after agreeing a two-year deal at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

The 27-year-old will join the Shrimps once his contract at Altrincham expires at the end of the month.

An England non-league international, Baines becomes the sixth new arrival as Morecambe boss Adam Lakeland looks to build a squad capable of promotion from National League North next season.

He said: “I know the history and how big the club is. It’s not ideal where we are at the moment, but the club seems to be on the up now.

“They are a big team, well supported. The gaffer sold me his plans over the next two years and I jumped at the opportunity.”

Having come through the ranks at Fleetwood Town, Baines had loan spells with Bamber Bridge, Ashton United, Chorley and Stockport County before leaving the Cod Army in 2019.

He joined Chorley on a permanent basis, spending three years with the Magpies before making the move to Altrincham and playing more than 120 league matches for them.

There was also a loan move to Solihull Moors in the second half of this season, making 11 appearances and scoring one goal as they finished 14th in the National League.

Lakeland added: “He’s a player I’ve always liked, not only for his defensive qualities, where he enjoys competing and genuinely looks frustrated whenever his team concedes a goal, but also for his composure in possession and ability to build the game from the back.

“Being left-footed, he will add great balance to our backline and is yet another leader within the team, having previously captained Altrincham.

“Lewis is at a great age, with his best years still ahead of him in my opinion, so it’s another signing of real quality and I look forward to working with him.”