This week I spoke with @GavinBrowne77 about tonight’s game and to hear his views on all things Morecambe.
How’s your season been so far?
You’d have to say it’s been a real disappointment given the impressive way they finished last season. For one reason or another, the majority of Jim Bentley’s summer signings have failed to fire and it looks like being a real scrap from now until the end of the season – the good thing from Morecambe’s perspective is that, with 17 games remaining, only nine points separate the bottom eight clubs.
Best player?
Sam Lavelle. Morecambe’s skipper, the central defender has developed greatly since joining the club in 2017 and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was on the radar of clubs from higher up the pyramid.
Pantomime villain?
It’s always been Kevin Ellison, who has attracted boos and grudging respect in equal measure, but to have been a regular League Two player until the age of 40 shows both his professionalism and his ability to contribute an important goal or two when required.
Favourite ever player?
I’m only in my fourth season covering Morecambe but I’ve always enjoyed watching A-Jay Leitch-Smith. Injuries have made his time with the Shrimps a stop-start affair but he’s an intelligent, creative player who’s always able to produce a piece of magic should an opportunity present itself.
Last season saw you in a similar position, but ultimately ended quite securely from relegation. Do you think you can do the same this season?
They need to find a goalscorer from somewhere. It speaks volumes that Lewis Alessandra, who left the club last week, is still their joint top scorer but hadn’t found the net since September – find someone to take the chances that are being created and I’d be more optimistic about a successful end to the season.
How has Derek Adams fared since taking over?
He’s had a lot to deal with in terms of assessing the players he inherited, shipping out those he doesn’t require and bringing in others to revamp the squad. Some of his signings, such as Adam Phillips, Ryan Cooney and Toumani Diagouraga, have impressed immediately, as has Carlos Mendes-Gomes who has been given a run in the team of late.
Predictions for Tuesday?
This may sound very unambitious but, given the Shrimps’ awful away form this season, I’d take a draw of any description so I’ll go for a 1-1 scoreline.
Finally, one random fact about your club?
This year is Morecambe’s centenary and, in that time, the club has never been relegated.
Thanks to Gavin for that, and we wish Morecambe the best of luck for the rest of the season.
