Shrimps' safety was secured against all the odds

Bentley’s side may have lost 3-1 at Exeter City on Saturday but results meant the Shrimps were safe from the drop.

Problems continue off the field with the club’s future ownership still unclear, while players and staff have been paid late on three separate occasions this season.

With the Shrimps 18th in the table with two games to go Bentley said everyone 
involved with the club 
should feel ‘proud’ of their achievements.

He said: “Everyone – players, supporters and my backroom staff – deserves a massive pat on the back for what they have been though this year.

“We have been up against it for most of the season with a reduced budget, a small squad and the loss of 
two key 
players in Cole Stockton and Tom 
Barkhuizen.

“But everyone at the club has pulled together and to be safe is a magnificent achievement. After the January transfer window we only had 16 players.

“We have had a transfer embargo, we have had ownership problems, we have struggled to find anywhere to train and the community pitches closed because of 
administration.

“We have faced so many negatives this season and to come through it is a massive achievement. It is right up there for me.

“It has undoubtedly been my hardest season because it has been very stressful but I am proud of everyone at the club and we now need to look to get the stability everyone wants to give us a brighter future.

“The fans have been absolutely magnificent. They have understood the problems we have had and really backed us all the way and I want to thank them for everything they have done.”

Bentley is hoping to thank as many fans as possible 
tomorrow with the final home league game of the 
season followed by their 
annual player of the season awards, starting from 7pm.

He said: “We want to see as many supporters as we can and mark the season with them. We would love to end the campaign at the Globe on a high and finish the year with a win.”