Midfielder Daly strengthens Shrimps attacking options while defender signs new deal

Midfielder Matty Daly has agreed to join Morecambe FC upon the expiry of his contract at Hartlepool United.

The 25-year-old joins the Shrimps following his spell in the North East and arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with a wealth of experience across the EFL and National League.

Daly primarily operates as an attacking midfielder but is capable of playing in a variety of midfield roles. He joins on a two-year contract, with the Club holding the option of a further year.

Born in Stockport, Daly came through the academy systems at Everton and Huddersfield Town before progressing into senior football with the Terriers. In 2019, he became Huddersfield Town’s youngest-ever Premier League player when he made his top-flight debut at the age of 18.

During his time at Huddersfield, Daly gained valuable experience through loan spells with Hartlepool United, Bradford City and Harrogate Town before making a permanent move to Harrogate in 2023. He would go on to establish himself as a regular performer in League Two before returning to Hartlepool United in 2025.

Across his career, Daly has accumulated more than 170 senior appearances, 130 of which are in the Football League.

Daly has also represented England at youth level, earning caps for both the Under-17 and Under-18 sides, including appearances at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Manager Adam Lakeland said: “I’m delighted that Matty has joined us. He is someone who I attempted to sign last season and is yet another quality addition to the group.

‘’He has played a lot of games in the National League and League 2, and has scored goals in those leagues as well, so I have no doubt he will be a creator and scorer of goals here.

‘’At 25 years old, I believe his best years are still ahead of him and I believe it is another statement of intent bringing Matty to the club. I look forward to working with him.”

Speaking after putting pen to paper, Daly said: “From my point of view, it really attracted me. Being part of something special will be something that everyone wants to be on board with.

“Having the conversations with the gaffer about this season and beyond, on how he wants to move forward and what the club wants to do, is everything that I look for.”

Meanwhile, left sided defender Ben Williams has signed a new one-year deal.

The defender remains at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium after joining the club last season, where he established himself within the squad, playing 23 games through an injury-hit season.

Williams becomes the first out of contract player to commit his future to the club as preparations continue for the upcoming National League North campaign, following the departure of Jack Nolan to Hartlepool United and Gwion Edwards to Exeter City last week.

Ben said: “After speaking to the manager, I felt his targets and ambition aligned with mine and I jumped at the opportunity to achieve those targets.

“Despite the disappointment of last season, it’s a huge club, with a great fan base. I’m enjoying my time here and hopefully we can give the fans something to shout about this season.”

Manager Adam Lakeland added: “I’m delighted that Ben will be staying with us. I think he’s had his fair share of bad luck, which has seen him perhaps not play as frequently as both he and the club would have liked.

“But I think he will thrive with the way we work, and I’m sure that if he is fit and available to play regularly, that we will get a consistent level of performance out of him and if we can do that, then there’s no doubting the quality he has. I’m looking forward to working with him.”