Two minute guide to: Morecambe
We take a quick look ahead to Saturday opponents Morecambe – with another OVF two minute guide to the opposition.
Man in charge
Former playing stalwart Jim Bentley graduated to the manager’s post in 2011, following the departure of Sammy McIlroy. Bentley has been in charge for 53 games, winning 17, drawing 16 and losing 20.
Man to watch
Midfielder Andy Fleming is off to a flying start this season with three goals to his name already. He scored in the Capital One defeat at Blackpool and scored another two as Morecambe defeated Exeter City 3-0.
Fleming has already managed a creditable nine goals in 52 appearances for the club. It’s a decent tally especially when you consider that when he joined in 2010, he’d only been on target once in sixty games for former club Wrexham.
The last time we met
The two sides played out a goalless draw back in April.
Overall record
The two sides have met ten times with Morecambe winning four, Vale winning three and three draws. Vale have yet to win in the league at Christie Park/the Globe Arena, but they did win an FA Cup tie back in 2007.
Featured connection
Chris Shuker could be lining up against his former club. The diminutive winger sealed a “permanent” (subject to a buyer being found) move to the Potteries in the summer after an unsettled spell with Morecambe. Shuker made 30 appearances for the side before being released and joining Vale on trial.
Shuker hasn’t held back on his Morecambe spell. He told the Sentinel: “I absolutely hated it there. The set-up was horrendous and I didn’t enjoy being there at all. The training was a shambles every day and I spent my time thinking I didn’t want to be there.”
Connections
Other players to appear for both clubs include Michael Twiss, Scott Brown, David Artell (well, “kind of” for the Valiants) and Adam Yates.
The build-up
Vale will be looking to bounce back from their 2-0 midweek defeat to Accrington. Manager Micky Adams was bemoaning his luck after the game. He told the Sentinel: The stats for an away team were extraordinary. To spend the majority of the second period camped in their half was a great achievement, but we didn’t apply the finishing touches.”
Morecambe boss Jim Bentley was also upset after his side conceded late on to record a 2-2 draw with York City. Bentley added: “We were definitely not at our best but we still had plenty of chances to win the game but unfortunately didn’t take them and conceded two poor goals.”
Team news
It’s good news for the Vale as Tom Pope (right) has been passed fit after a hamstring problem while Gareth Owen and Rob Taylor are fit enough to join the matchday squad.
Morecambe skipper Will Haining is the only injury doubt for the home side.
Pre-match quotes
“They’ll be well organised and well drilled,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had an easy game against Morecambe while Jim Bentley has been in charge. And he’s certainly not one of those managers you want to pick a fight with, particularly if you’re only 5ft 8in, like me.” – Micky Adams
“Vale have had their problems off the field, but Micky Adams is a very experienced manager who will use all of his years in the game to get the best out of his side. They’ll be very strong opponents and it will be a tough afternoon.” – Jim Bentley
Trivia
Legendary former England player Billy Wright was Morecambe manager for a short spell from 1988 to 1989.