Morecambe boss Bentley: I'd let some 'weak' players leave if I could afford to replace them

Morecambe were seemingly cruising after Paul Mullin’s penalty on 71 minutes but Chris Clements and Adi Yussuf were on target as the Stags won 2-1, leaving The Shrimps boss fuming.

Bentley went as far as to say he would happily let some of his under-performing players leave the club if he had the money to replace them as he pulled no punches post-match.

He said: “It’s shocking, absolutely shocking.

“I tell you what there’s a few of them I’d empty out right away if I had a couple of quid to bring a few players in because they were weak and lacked character.

“I’ve just said to the lads that tonight was the winning lottery ticket. Three points puts you on the same points as Mansfield with a game in hand and you’re close to the play-offs which is where we want to be.

“We go on about fine dividing lines and all that but you’ve got to show balls on the pitch to look after something as precious as what that three points was.

“When you’ve got something in your hands that’s life and death.

“It’s for your family, friends, the supporters, the football club, your team mates, the staff, everyone. that should be closed down.

“Even to draw 1-1 would be a little bit criminal but to get beat 2-1 in the manner we did I can’t defend them.”

Asked whether he could delve into the transfer market before the close of the window on Monday Bentley was quick to point out how his budget meant his hands were tied.

He said: “I can’t do nothing. I wish people would understand. I can’t do nothing.

“I’ve got one or two young lads on loan but that’s it.

“We’re trying to tie one or two of our players down but they’re getting touted around left, right and centre by agents.

“Most of those lads are out of contract but they aren’t fighting and trying to make an impression.

“There won’t be any changes made. It’s just the way it is. We’ll battle on with what we’ve got.

“But some of them don’t deserve to be here, never mind play Saturday on that performance in the last five minutes.”

Bentley, never keen to point fingers, insisted he had no choice after such a gut-wrenching defeat.

He said: “The finger will be pointed at me. I feel let down by them tonight.

“I always say we win and lose together and that’s always been the case but I’ve got to ask questions of them tonight because they’ve massively let me down.”

REPORT: Morecambe 1-2 Mansfield