Morecambe returned from Barnet with a point on Saturday and next face a Grimsby side who sacked boss Alan Buckley on Monday after picking up two points from the first six games.

McIlroy had sympathy with Buckley, especially in a division where results are proving very unpredictable.

He said: "It is crazy. Anyone who does the pools coupon and picks our league has got something wrong with them!

"Shrewsbury were a good side but I thought we were comfortable against them and then they go and win 7-0 on Saturday!

"I feel very sorry for Alan Buckley. He is a lovely man but this is football. He was at Wembley last season but this is a cruel game we are in.

"We had six new players out there at Barnet on Saturday. I know spectators want it to happen today but you have got to give these boys a bit of time.

"I have seen it coming together, we are gelling and we will get better. I have decided to change things around and brought in a lot of new faces and we just need a little bit of time.

"It is unfortunate for Alan that he didn't have that time," added McIlroy.

Grimsby put Buckley's assistant Stuart Watkiss in charge on Monday.

Despite being the first team to drop points to Barnet, McIlroy was pleased to maintain the team's unbeaten run.

He said: "When they scored first you think 'is this the game they get their first win' but we fought right to the end, we stuck together as a group and I was delighted with the point.

"There were opportunities in wide areas where we should have done better and with a bit more quality we might have nicked it."

"After beating Shrewsbury the week before, it was important we got something."

Dan Smith came on for his debut after playing a full match for the Reserves last Wendesday.

McIlroy said: "He will play again on Wednesday for the Reserves. He has shown he has got something."

Danny Adams trained for the first time on Monday but McIlroy said the left-back had felt 'very weak' following a virus and is unlikely to play for the Reserves.

An injury to Adams would normally give Michael Howard an opportunity but he will be out for three months with a back injury picked up at Oldham meaning Andy Parrish could continue at left-back.

McIlroy said: "Andy has got a big heart. He has battled away and he has been a big plus for us playing there. I have no qualms with playing him at left-back."