Morecambe manager aims for continuity and National League quality with new signings

The new Morecambe FC manager says he wants to build a team capable of competing in the National League in 12 months’ time.

Adam Lakeland has signed four new players so far ahead of the National League North campaign in August, as he looks to return the Shrimps to non-league’s top flight at the first attempt.

Will Smith, Teddy Collis and Cameron Coxe have all been confirmed to have signed two-year deals, while the latest new arrival – midfielder Taelor O’Kane, who was announced over the weekend - has agreed a one-year deal with a 12-month option.

Speaking at last month’s fans’ forum about contact lengths, Lakeland said: “With some players, we’d look to try and give them two years because we want to build a team we think would be capable of competing in the National League now to try and help us get out of National League North, so that if we manage to achieve that goal in 12 months’ time we don’t need to rip it up and start again because I don’t believe that success is built that way.

“I think, generally, you will get better over time so if we can have a good season this season and we can be successful, we’ve then got that mentality and that understanding of what that group of players give us, so in 12 months’ time, it’s a case of adding to that rather than ripping it up and starting again.

“I think you need continuity and that bit of stability and, generally, over time, our teams do get better the more time we have to work with them.

On Saturday, 20-year-old O’Kane became the latest man through the door at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, joining from AFC Fylde.

O'Kane has also enjoyed loan spells with Chester and Chorley, continuing his development in senior football.

Comfortable in midfield and capable of operating across a number of positions, O'Kane joins the Shrimps as a talented young player with plenty of experience in non-league.

Adam Lakeland added: "I’m delighted that Taelor has joined Morecambe FC. He is a player I have been monitoring for a while and is another young player I wanted to take to the National League had I still been at Halifax Town, so that tells you how much confidence I have in Taelor’s potential.

“It isn’t too long ago that an EFL club was prepared to pay a sizeable sum for Taelor, so I believe he has the quality and the potential to kick on under our guidance.

‘’I think Taelor is a powerful player, with great physical attributes and I believe if he is utilised in the correct role, he has the ability to be a real handful from the middle of the pitch with his athleticism and ability to get in the box and convert chances.

"We will put demands on him to do just that because we believe he is capable, and that is an aspect of his game we will continue to develop to maximise his skill set. Like most young players, Taelor will bring an energy and enthusiasm to us, but he has plenty of games under his belt too so has the robustness to play games at this level and above. I look forward to working with him.”

After signing for the club, O'Kane said: "I feel like coming to Morecambe now, I'm ready to kick on.

‘’I'm a midfielder that likes to get on the ball, crash the box and get goals. Hopefully we can put some smiles on faces this season and get a good run going."