Lack of Globe games hits Morecambe's January plans

The Shrimps boss is bidding to freshen up his squad and needs a goalkeeper after the departure of Tony Thompson at the end of his contract.

But Bentley says it has been tough going with limited resources with The Shrimps making a welcome return home this week against Exeter on Tuesday night.

The game against Yeovil this weekend will then be The Shrimps’ first home League 2 game on a Saturday in 84 days.

Bentley said: “We’re working on one or two things.

“It’s difficult financially for a couple of reasons the main one being that we haven’t had a home game on a Saturday for nearly three months or whatever it is.

“I’m asking for a couple of favours at other at clubs to help bolster our squad out. 
“We’ve nearly got a goalkeeper which we need after Tony Thompson’s departure but that’s hit a little bit of a snag.

“One or two outfield players into the squad would gee the numbers up a little bit as well and that’s what we’re looking to do at the moment.

“I think it’s important in January that you freshen the squad up.

“We’re bound to pick up a niggle or two with games coming thick and fast and it’s important you’ve got numbers to compensate for that.

“That’s what we’re working to do but financially it’s difficult.”

One bit of business Bentley has finalised is securing the future of promising full back Aaron McGowan who has signed a two-year contract extension at the Globe Arena with his deal due to expire in the summer.

Bentley said: “Aaron’s done well.

“He’s had people who’ve been ahead of him over the last couple of years but he’s got closer and closer and we’ve really put him in this year.

“He’s played a lot of football at first team level and he’s still a teenager, I think people forget that.

“He’s got great potential. He’s a good lad and a good professional who wants to work hard.

“Month-on-month he’s going from strength-to-strength and he’s right up there now alongside Beeley and Wilson.

“That’s why it’s no surprise he’s played the games he has and hopefully he’ll fulfil his potential with us and sure the future’s very bright for him.”

McGowan may not be the last player to put pen to paper in January as Bentley looks to shape his squad for next season and beyond.

He said: “Quite a lot of the squad are out of contract in the summer.

“When you get to January people can start speaking to other teams.

“I’ve had one or two meetings with the chairman and I’ve got a couple more coming up with regards to finances and where we can be next season and which players we want to keep.

“We’ll be sitting down over the coming weeks with the players that we want to re-sign because it’s important that you get your business done early.

“I’ve proven that over the last few years and it’ll be no different this time around.”