Morecambe boss Jim Bentley: We're all in this together

Crewe Alexandra’s win against Colchester United at the weekend meant the Shrimps dropped to third bottom in League Two.

However, the point gained courtesy of Gregg Wylde’s 90th minute equaliser against Forest Green Rovers means Bentley’s players are five points clear of second-bottom Chesterfield – and with a game in hand.

Having appealed for the public to get behind his players going into last weekend, 1,352 fans made up the Morecambe contribution towards the total attendance of 1,447 at the Globe Arena.

While there were the odd murmurings of discontent at the Shrimps’ somewhat direct approach – as well as the decision to replace Sam Lavelle in the second half – the support was largely positive.

“This is a difficult job and I could go on about the problems I have,” Bentley said ahead of Saturday’s trip to the second-placed Wanderers.

“Take this week; we had nowhere to train because the place we go had soccer schools all week with it being half-term.

“Myself and Stewart Drummon (academy boss) are pulling our hair out because the kids and first team have nowhere to go.

“We can’t use our own artificial pitch so we had to do a gym session on the Tuesday when we wanted to get on the pitch.

“It’s a difficult position that we’re in but they are an honest bunch of lads; they didn’t cover themselves in glory in the first half but we’re sticking together.

“Look at Port Vale last week; they subbed a player, the response from the crowd towards him was terrible and killed him off.

“We all want to turn up, play good football, score goals, create chances and for it to be all nice and rosy but it’s not like that.

“The difference on Saturday is, when you’re getting beaten, you need your supporters with you.

“It’s like a circle; we have to try and excite the crowd, they have to get behind the players and we all have to lift each other but, as well as that, we have to find a way to put points on the board.

“We had missed a couple of chances, hit the bar, had a big shout for a penalty and there was a great save from Gregg.

“You’re wondering if it’s one of those days but then Gregg has popped up to give the fans something to shout about.

“From now until the end of the season, no matter what problems – and I have problems trying to manage the club – we have got to get on with it.”