Morecambe boss Bentley: Accrington win would kickstart our season

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley believes a first Football League win over Accrington Stanley would be the perfect way to kickstart his side’s season.
Morecambe boss Jim Bentley.Morecambe boss Jim Bentley.
Morecambe boss Jim Bentley.

The Shrimps will look for victory over John Coleman’s side at the 17th attempt at the Globe Arena on Saturday having lost their opening two games against Hartlepool and Sheffield United.

With difficult games on paper against play-off finalists Wycombe and Portsmouth to come Bentley is keen for his side to get off the mark sooner rather than later.

He said: “It’s very early days.

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“We’ve been renowned the last few years for having a good start but we’ve lost the first two and we’re out of the cup which is disappointing.

“Our performances have been okay but we’ve got to turn those into good results.

“We want our season to get up and running because we’ve got a tough run of games coming up.

Accrington are looking for their first win on Saturday and we’ll looking for ours.

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“We all want to get our season kickstarted and it will be tough but being the home side we want to get up and running.”

Bentley is sick of talking about a record he has endured as both a player and a manger and while admitting a desire to end it, he is trying to treat Saturday’s Lancashire derby like any other game.

He said: “It would mean a lot to me.

“I’ve been here as a player and a manager since the record’s been going.

“At the end of the day though it’s another game. Every game that we go into we believe we can win it.

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“Every one we have a plan and a back-up plan and every player knows their jobs and will give it their all.

“Hopefully on Saturday we can get that win that would mean so much to not just me and the people at the club but the fans.

“It is what it is and it’s down to us to put it right.”

In last season’s clash at the Globe Arena, which ended 1-1, Bentley nearly came to blows with his opposite number and good friend but isn’t expecting any fireworks this time around.

He said: “Coley’s a passionate fella and he wants to win. I’m exactly the same.

“We’re both in same neck of the woods and both winners.

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“On that day it was just one of those things. It’s gone and there’s a line drawn under it.

“We’ll shake hands before the game and whatever happens we’ll have a drink after it and wish each other good luck for the season.”