Morecambe sign former Huddersfield, Harrogate and Hartlepool midfielder while defender signs a new contract

Morecambe manager Adam Lakeland has added to his midfield options with the signing of Matty Daly.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal, with the option of another 12 months, as the Shrimps prepare for life in National League North.

Daly came through the academy systems at Everton and Huddersfield Town, becoming the latter’s youngest Premier League player when featuring against Watford in April 2019 at the age of 18 years and one month.

His time at Huddersfield also included loan spells at Hartlepool United, Bradford City and Harrogate Town, whom he joined permanently in 2023.

Having been let go by Harrogate after two years there, Daly joined Hartlepool last summer and scored four goals in 43 matches before being released at the end of this season.

Daly said: “From my point of view, it really attracted me.

“Being part of something special will be something that everyone wants to be on board with.

“Having the conversations with the gaffer about this season and beyond, on how he wants to move forward and what the club wants to do is, is everything that I look for.”

Daly also represented England at U17 and U18 level, helping the former to the semi-final of the 2018 European Championship.

He became the seventh signing made by Lakeland, who added: “I’m delighted that Matty has joined us.

“He is someone who I attempted to sign last season and is yet another quality addition to the group.

“He has played a lot of games in the National League and League Two, and has scored goals in those leagues as well, so I have no doubt he will be a creator and scorer of goals here.

“At 25 years old, I believe his best years are still ahead of him and I believe it is another statement of intent bringing Matty to the club.”

Morecambe have also confirmed that Ben Williams has signed a new one-year contract with the club.

The 27-year-old, who played 23 times during his first season with the Shrimps in 2025/26, was one of the players listed as being in negotiation with the club when its retained list was published a month ago.

He said: “After speaking to the manager, I felt his targets and ambition aligned with mine and I jumped at the opportunity to achieve those targets.

“Despite the disappointment of last season, it’s a huge club with a great fanbase.

“I’m enjoying my time here and hopefully we can give the fans something to shout about this season.”

Lakeland added: “I’m delighted that Ben will be staying with us.

“I think he’s had his fair share of bad luck, which has seen him perhaps not play as frequently as both he and the club would have liked.

“I think he will thrive with the way we work and I’m sure that if he is fit and available to play regularly, that we will get a consistent level of performance out of him.

“If we can do that, then there’s no doubting the quality he has.”