Shrimpsvoices

One of the things that worries me most about the owners is how they distance themselves from the club in their language. They are rarely heard using the words we, us, our etc.

It was evident in the Radio Lancs interview yesterday and again in the Visitor article:

“Morecambe is a good family club who held onto Jim in a way other clubs didn’t; that’s why he was the longest-serving manager.

“That’s their values and their loyalty – and something we should commend – but sometimes change is needed for everyone’s benefit and we’re starting the process of looking for a new manager immediately.

(https://www.thevisitor.co.uk/sport/football/morecambe-fc-owner-we-couldn-t-commit-to-a-new-deal-for-jim-bentley-1-10074583?fbclid=IwAR2uOjGIRbLLljyYZyV0IEzlMiJt_GObjp-mqC340HRTtdxrZeMDE6vc6h4)

I've been very disappointed in the lack of contact with the fans, just club statements of info already in the public domain and a short interview with Radio Lancs (and more answering media questions that talking to the fans).

Likewise, this seems to have seeped down to the co-chairmen who have been equally quiet recently. This also applies to the Shrimps Trust.

At a time when we are at the most turbulent, certainly with on-the-field matters, the silence is deafening.

In short, here are a few questions that could be answered...

To the owners:
- What process is in place to replace Jim?
- What are your priorities?
- What kind of timescale would you ideally like (eg. Kev/Baz to the end of the season, caretaker to the end of the season, new man in ASAP, bide our time to hold out for somebody)?
- How does this affect your plans for the club? Does it help, does it hinder?

To Graham and Rod:
- What hope can you offer the supporters in the coming weeks and months that we aren't just going to rely on Kev and Baz to dig us out of this mess and steer us clear of relegation?
- Rod was at the Trust AGM/Panel night and asked for the help of supporters. Since then we've heard very little and there has been little communication with supporters (especially those not able to attend the hospitality areas on match days). Why is that?
- Please can you encourage us that there is a plan in place, and that we haven't just lost our manager with no leadership/direction as to what we do next?

To the Shrimps Trust
- Why so silent?
- No news of Jim leaving, no news of any communication with Rod/Graham/the board/the owners. Why has there been nothing?
- What's happening? Are you talking to the board or waiting for news to be given to you?
- Surely this is the time we need the Shrimps Trust the most?

I'm guessing Rod & Graham are just caught up in the middle of it all trying to do their best to keep the ship afloat.

What can they really tell us if the owners aren't putting forward any future plans and there is no cash to do anything.

TBF they have never claimed to be part of us and it would be a bit foolish to do so also having no connection with the club or the area.

If I am honest, I am less worried about the language they use, but rather their actions with who they appoint.

If they get someone decent (either an experienced lower league manager, or someone up and coming from the conference or maybe even an big name ex-player) then happy days and I think we will stay up.

However, if they go for the cheap option and keep Baz and Kev (great lads but zero experience) then I think we are in big trouble. This decision would suggest they only plan to run down the clock before their investment is called in come the end of the season.

Colin mentions wanting a big name but says he wants to what is best for the club. A marquee appointment would enhance their product