Jim Bentley to step down as Morecambe FC first team manager

Morecambe Football Club have confirmed that Jim Bentley will step down from his role as first team manager at the end of the season.

The 49-year-old was appointed at the end of January and tasked with helping to keep the Shrimps in the National League, with the club succumbing to relegation at the weekend with two games of the season remaining.

But, although the conclusion of the season will bring an end to his second spell in charge, the club have announced he will remain at the club next season – Morecambe’s first in the sixth tier of English football since 1995 – in a different, and as yet undefined capacity.

In a statement, the club said the Morecambe legend ‘’will be remaining with the Club after the end of the season to help support development across both footballing and non-footballing areas.’’

Morecambe FC chairman, Kuljit Singh Momi, said: “Although Jim has confirmed his wish to step down from the first team manager’s role, I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from his undoubted passion, knowledge and experience of all things Morecambe to help drive the Club forward once again.”

“Not only is Jim a Morecambe footballing legend, and I thank him most sincerely for his efforts and contribution over the last three months, he is also a great ambassador for the Club and his valuable input alongside our executive leadership team will be integral to the continued rebuild.”

The Shrimps say the search for a new first team manager is already underway, and further details will be announced in due course.

Bentley played more than 300 times for the Shrimps, including captaining the club when Morecambe won promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history in 2007.

In May 2011 he replaced Sammy McIlroy as manager, and was boss of the Shrimps in League 2 until he left to join AFC Fylde in October 2019, which paved the way for the appointment of Derek Adams.

Bentley has also had a spell managing Rochdale, and his most recent tenure before his return was at National League North side Southport, a role he vacated in March 2025.