Morecambe boss Bentley won’t rush into replacing Redshaw

The highly-rated striker joined League 1 Blackpool on Friday for an undisclosed fee, signing a two-year deal with an option of a third.

The Shrimps, who secured a sell-on clause as part of the deal, will now look to replace the 24-year-old having originally shelved a move for a forward after cutting the playing budget for the coming season.

Bentley now has room to manoeuvre and could look to sign more than one new face ahead of the League 2 opener at Hartlepool on August 8.

The Morecambe boss said: “We had one or two targets in the summer who have moved on now so it’s come at a bit of an awkward time.

“We’ve still got plenty of time until the start of the season though.

“We’re exploring plenty of avenues at the moment and as soon as we knew of Blackpool’s interest I did pick up the phone and start enquiring about some players but one or two aren’t available at the present moment for one reason or another.

“We’ll continue to explore, we don’t want to dive straight into something unless the right one comes along.

“We’ve got to work hard to get at least a replacement for Jack and maybe another one as well.”

Bentley admits to having mixed emotions at seeing his prize asset depart.

He said: “There’s been interest in him not just now but over the last couple of seasons.

“A deal has been agreed, that’s out of my hands and is a board level thing.

“I love him to bits and I’m disappointed to see him go but on the other hand I’m pleased because he’s a good kid who deserves his chance to go and play at a higher level.

“We wish him well. He’s done well for us.

“We took him from non-league and gave him an opportunity to progress and develop and he’s done that and now he moves onto the next level.

“Hopefully that’ll just be the next level on the road to the next level after that. 
“We’ll watch on with interest as his career develops.”

Morecambe fans will get one last look at Redshaw at the Globe Arena when he returns with Blackpool for a pre-season friendly on July 28.

Bentley said: “When any player leaves it’s always hard for them to get a good opportunity to say goodbye.

“It’s not long until we play them in pre-season. It’ll be interesting to come up against him and it’s a good opportunity for him to say goodbye to the fans of Morecambe.

“It’s ideal and it’s nice for him and the fans.”