Last night.....

[Potted Shrimp]

Hi I have just registered to the forum. Last night was the first time I have seen Morecambe play in 16 years, altough I am not a 'local' I used to watch the club play at Christie Park (and away) quite regularly from 1997 - 2000 when a relative of mine played for the club and although Morecambe are not my not my main team I have followed the club and results ever since...

I have moved near to the area (Lake District) and seeing as I had the evening off thought I would go to the game last night. I was really impressed with the 'new' stadium - as we know many new built stadiums seem to lack character but I can see how the ground was designed to almost recreate a modern version of Christie Park. The game last night was fantastic, the lads played very well and were unlucky to lose, in addition to this the atmosphere was excellent too. Although its early days the club has had a very good season (so far) and if they continue to play as well as they have I am sure they will have good success and exceed everyone's expectations.

The club has come a long way since I last saw them playing the in the Conference against the likes of Hayes, Kingstonian, Kettering Town etc with fantastic facilities also. If I wanted to watch 'my club' play it would cost in excess of £60 for ticket, beer food etc (thats even if I could get a ticket) - last night cost a fraction of that and just as enjoyable. For me Morecambe are now my local club so hopefully I can attend more games in the future - I would like to wish the club and supporters all the best for the coming season!

[Seasider9601]

A great first post Potted, and welcome back !!!

Ah yes, the Conference days of Hayes, Welling, Dover, Kettering, Gateshead etc etc.

We've come a long, long way since those days !!

Great days they were too though in their time and, although I never want to go back to them (loved every minute of the Northern Premier League and Conference days!!) we never forget where we have come from!

Onwards and upwards

[Gone_Shrimping]

Yes , welcome to Potted Shrimp.

Who was your relative that had the honour of wearing the famous red shirt.

[Keith]

That's the quality of post we will expect from you from now on!

Welcome on board!

[asda shrimp]

welcome home potted.

[Christies Child]

Another Cumbrian to swell our 'local' fan base...

Any more and we might fill a car load.....

[RapidShrimp]

As you were following the results and transfers, I hope you didn't move to the Lakes to watch Carlisle for the 'wonderful duo'!!

[Potted Shrimp]

Yes , welcome to Potted Shrimp.

Who was your relative that had the honour of wearing the famous red shirt.

It was my second cousin, Justin Jackson had who three spells at the club (I think one was a loan spell.) Scored a few goals I have fond memories coming to Christie Park to watch him play - of all the many clubs he played for I have always followed the club since.

I am not from Cumbria I would like to add, I just live and work in the Lakes at the moment.

Its not often I am free on a Saturday or Tuesday evening but I'l definitely be coming back to the 'Globe' when I get a chance.

[Seasider9601]

Yes indeed, we signed Justin from Ilkeston Town initially.

He then moved onto Woking from us and ended up at Notts County from where we signed him on loan.

He then returned again for a third spell, another permanent deal.

[Gone_Shrimping]

I think the best spells of his career were with Morecambe.

That month he came on loan , I think he scored 6 goals in 4 games which gave our points tally a real boost and pushed us away from danger.

Then the season before he was sold to Rushden & Diamonds I think he scored 29 goals and won the Conference Golden Boot.

He had a telepathic partnership with John Norman.

[Seasider9601]

We signed Justin towards the end of the 1995/96 season (our first in the Conference) and he stayed with us until during the 1996/97 season when Geoff Chapple signed him for Woking.

I can recall standing on the old open terrace at Christie Park pre match in that 1996/97 season listening in (eaves dropping!!) to a conversation between JJ and our then Assistant Manager Tony Hesketh. Justin was telling Tony about Chapple having approached him with a view to signing him and a few weeks later he was off.

1998/99 season he returned on loan from Notts County as we were REALLY struggling and, as Gone_Shrimping mentioned, bagged something like 4 in 6 games to see us safe.

[Auty]

I am very similar to potted shrimp, used to love Morecambe games wind rain or shine back in the conference days. Ever since the move from Chrisite Park I can honestly say I have only been to a handful of games. I put this purely down to not having the same match day experience I had when at Christie park, also the games I went to was really poor quality I thought. HOWEVER the match on Wednesday was great to watch and overall my experience was greatly improved, was good to see a lot of familiar faces also. I shall be making a hell of a lot more effort to get to as many games as possible this season, well as many as work and family life allows. Looks like I will be buying more flowers for the MRS this year to keep her sweet

[Wild Bill]

Welcome back Auty and Potted Shrimp. Your relative JJ was arguably my favorite ever Morecambe player.