Jim Bentley Returns To Morecambe Amid Relegation Battle

Morecambe Football Club has made a dramatic move to steady its sinking ship, bringing back club legend Jim Bentley as manager for the remainder of the 2025-2026 National League season. The decision, confirmed on February 1, 2026, comes in the wake of a turbulent campaign that saw former boss Ashvir Singh Johal depart after a string of disappointing results left the Shrimps second-bottom, seven points adrift of safety, and staring down the barrel of a third relegation in four seasons.

Bentley, 49, is no stranger to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium. His history with Morecambe is the stuff of club folklore: over 300 appearances as a player, captain during the club’s historic ascent to the Football League in 2007, and an eight-and-a-half-year managerial stint from 2011 to 2019. During that period, Bentley oversaw 434 matches, with the Shrimps’ best finish an 11th place in the 2014-15 League Two season. Off the pitch, he weathered storms of ownership uncertainty and wage delays, forging a reputation for resilience and commitment that endeared him to the Morecambe faithful.

But football is a results business, and Bentley’s first tenure ended in October 2019 following a defeat at Stevenage that left Morecambe bottom of League Two. Since then, he’s managed AFC Fylde, Rochdale, and most recently Southport, a post he vacated in March 2025. Despite opportunities elsewhere, it’s clear the call from Morecambe tugged at old loyalties. “When I was asked to come back as manager, I was excited,” Bentley said upon his reappointment. “I’ve had a couple of calls about other roles, and I didn’t feel it. They’ve asked me to come back here and I’m more than happy to do that.”

The club’s board made no secret of their reasons for turning to a familiar face in a time of crisis. In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Jim returns to the club bringing extensive managerial experience and a strong understanding of the club’s identity and values, developed through his previous, long-standing association with the Shrimps. His football knowledge, leadership, and genuine connection to the club position him well to guide the team forward. He has built a reputation for creating organised, competitive teams that mirror the commitment and resilience of their supporters.” The board also expressed full support for Bentley, emphasizing his ability to unite players and fans during this crucial period.

Bentley’s immediate challenge couldn’t be more daunting. Morecambe have only won twice in all competitions since December 1, 2025, and the recent 1-0 defeat at Brunton Park under Johal on December 30 epitomized the club’s struggles. With 18 matches left in the campaign, Bentley is under no illusions about the scale of the task. He has described the run-in as “18 cup finals,” underscoring the high stakes as the Shrimps fight to avoid the drop from the National League.

His first assignment is a tough one: an away fixture at Altrincham on Tuesday, February 4, 2026. Every point is now precious, and Bentley’s reputation for organization and grit will be put to the test right away. The fixture list doesn’t let up either, with a potentially pivotal home clash against Carlisle United looming on Easter Monday, April 6. The club’s new owners, Panjab Warriors, who appointed Johal just last summer, will be hoping Bentley’s return can galvanize the squad and the fanbase alike.

For many supporters, Bentley’s homecoming is a source of hope amidst the gloom. His deep ties to Morecambe—as player, captain, and manager—run through nearly two decades of club history. Not only did he lead the side on the pitch, but he also became a symbol of perseverance during some of the club’s darkest off-field moments. “His familiarity with the club, its people, and the local area allows him to step into the role with immediate focus as the squad prepares for the remainder of the season,” the club’s official statement noted. This sense of belonging and understanding could prove invaluable as the Shrimps look to claw their way out of trouble.

Bentley’s managerial style is well known to Morecambe fans: disciplined, hard-working, and direct. His teams have often reflected the values of their supporters—dogged, never-say-die, and fiercely loyal. If there’s anyone who can squeeze every ounce of effort from a struggling squad, it’s the man who once led them to the promised land of the Football League. The club is banking on this connection to spark a revival. “The board has expressed its full support for the appointment, citing Jim’s strong ties to the club and his ability to bring players and supporters together,” the club reiterated.

Of course, sentiment can only carry a team so far. The statistics are sobering: five wins from 28 National League games under Johal, a position of 23rd in the table, and a gap of seven points to safety. The threat of relegation looms large, and Bentley’s honeymoon period will be short-lived if results don’t turn quickly. The club’s hierarchy and fanbase alike are well aware that survival is the only currency that matters now.

Still, Bentley’s appointment has injected a palpable sense of optimism. “Everyone at Morecambe Football Club welcomes Jim back and looks forward to his impact both on and off the pitch,” the club said. The hope is that his return will not only stabilize performances but also restore a sense of unity and purpose that’s been sorely lacking in recent months.

Looking ahead, the remaining fixtures will test Bentley’s ability to motivate and organize a squad that’s struggled for consistency. The margin for error is slim, but with a club legend at the helm and a renewed sense of purpose, Morecambe fans have reason to believe that the great escape is still possible. As the Shrimps prepare for their next “cup final” at Altrincham, all eyes will be on Bentley to see if he can inspire another chapter in the club’s storied history.

With the season’s climax fast approaching and the stakes higher than ever, Morecambe’s gamble on a familiar face might just be the spark they need. For now, the fight for survival continues—and under Jim Bentley, the Shrimps are determined not to go down without a battle.