Ahead of Saturday's game at Morecambe, we spoke with iFollow Shrimps commentator David Freear to find out more about our upcoming opponents...
- Morecambe seem to have got off to a strong start this season – how would you assess the way the team have started the campaign?
“We appear to be a difficult side to beat, apart from when we aren’t! We have won more games than we have lost, but amongst the defeats have been 5-0, 4-0 and 3-1 losses. On the other side, we have won each of the five games by one goal. We do appear to be more than the sum of our parts though, which is obviously an improvement for us.”
- Has Derek Adams now put his stamp on the team? How was the transition from a club legend in Jim Bentley who had been at Morecambe for so long?
“When he got the job, Plymouth fans all said he was a good manager who loved winning 1-0, and this has proved to be true. We do seem to be adept at counter attacking, even in home games currently. We have beaten Port Vale 1-0 and drawn with Exeter despite not really seeing that much of the ball.
“Is it a change from Jim? Yes and no. We play the same formations - Jim loved 4-2-3-1 and occasionally 3-5-2, which Adams himself has used. The difference in my view is that the current financial climate due to the virus has assisted us in attracting players we wouldn’t have had a hope of signing last season. But with so many players without contracts, they have been willing to accept lower wages which has helped us keep the same budget but get a more rounded squad.”
- What are the hopes and expectations for the team this season?
“After many seasons of looking around and below us in the table, we are still not quite used to looking at the table higher up and viewing the play-offs as a possibility. It would take some doing but a mid-table finish seems within our reach and who knows what wheeling and dealing can be done by Adams in January to enable us to push on to maybe greater heights!”
- Who is the one player to watch in the Morecambe team?
“Alex Kenyon, a defensive midfielder who has grown up and realised his strengths this season with more experienced professionals around him. He loves a battle - on the ground or in the air - and he now keeps it simple with his passing. Also, he bleeds shrimp!”
- Finally, what’s your score prediction?
“Inevitable really, after everything I have said, 1-0 to Morecambe!”
---
Saturday's match at Morecambe is available for supporters to watch LIVE! Please click here for more information.
