Bentley, who joined the club from Telford in May 2002, has signed a deal taking him to the end of June 2011 after agreeing the new deal today.

His existing contract was due to expire in June 2009.

Vice-chairman Graham Hodgson said he was delighted to secure the services of his skipper. He said: "Jim has been a wonderful servant for the club since he has been here and we are delighted that he has agreed to stay for an extra two years.

"He is an inspirational character and a born leader who has really made his mark at the club.''

Bentley, who is already being tipped as a potential future Morecambe manager, added: "I have loved my time here at Morecambe and I was only too happy to sign a new deal.

"We have had some amazing success in the past couple of years and I want that success to continue. The club and the fans mean a great deal to me and I hope we can go from strength to strength over the next couple of years.''

Boss Sammy McIlroy added: "He showed on Saturday what a great leader he is.

"He is Morecambe through and through and to see him storming through at the other end of the pitch after 90 minutes desperately trying to get us a goal was marvellous and an indication of what Jim Bentley is all about.''