New Morecambe manager Adam Lakeland explains the decision to drop down a league, with Halifax now on the search for a new boss.
The 41 year old boss has decided to sign a three-year deal with the Shrimps, who finished 22nd in the National League and will be playing in the National League North next season after suffering back-to-back relegations.
Lakeland said he was swayed by the club’s vision and ambition and vowed to get them back in the National League fast.
Meanwhile it’s disappointment for Halifax who after now seeking for a replacement, having had a promising season, an 8th place finish, but 11 points from the playoff places.
Morecambe Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Lakeland as First Team Manager with immediate effect.
š https://t.co/ToM9rPZXjb#UTS š¦ pic.twitter.com/iIx5s5PExy
ā Morecambe FC (@MorecambeFC) April 30, 2026
MORECAMBE STATEMENT:
Morecambe Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Lakeland as First Team Manager with immediate effect.
The Club has reached an agreement with FC Halifax Town after meeting the terms of Lakelandās release clause, allowing him to make the move to Morecambe on a new 3-year contract.
Adam joins Morecambe following an impressive spell with Halifax, where he earned widespread recognition for his leadership, tactical approach, and ability to build competitive, resilient squads. His track record of developing players and fostering a strong team identity made him the standout candidate to lead the Club into a new era.
Prior to Halifax, Lakeland enjoyed successful spells at both Kings Lynn Town and Curzon Ashton and brings valuable experience at both National League and National League North levels. He has a track record of leading various teams to promotions and play-off positions and last season led Halifax to an 8th place finish in the National League.
Chairman Kuljeet Singh expressed the ownersā enthusiasm about the appointment, highlighting Lakelandās ambition, professionalism and, importantly, alignment with the Clubās long-term vision and values both on and off the pitch. He said, āWe are excited to be able to make this announcement which is part of our stated aim of rebuilding the club that our supporters can all be proud of once again.
“Adam and his staff will have all the resources available for the first team to be successful again and I am looking forward to our wonderful fans getting behind our new-look management team.ā
Speaking on his appointment, Lakeland said: “Iām absolutely delighted to be joining Morecambe Football Club. The project, vision and ambition of the club matches that of mine, and ultimately the opportunity to manage a club of Morecambeās size, history and heritage was something I couldnāt turn down.”
“Despite dropping down a league on a personal level, if I didnāt believe I could return to the National League quickly, I would not have considered this project. There are no guarantees, and the National League North is a very difficult division to get out of, but I believe I will be given the tools to build something here and that excites me.”
“The club has suffered in recent seasons both on and off the pitch, particularly this season, but Iām confident that given the appropriate support and resources that I can start rebuilding the club and build a team for the supporters to be proud of. The hard work starts immediately, and I look forward to the next chapter in my career here at Morecambe.”
Further updates regarding backroom staff and pre-season preparations will be communicated in due course.
Everyone at Morecambe Football Club welcomes Adam and wishes him every success at the Club.
šļø CLUB STATEMENT |
It’s with disappointment that we confirm, Manager Adam Lakeland has decided to leave FC Halifax Town and take up the role of First Team Manager at Morecambe FC.
We’d like to put on record our thanks to Adam for his hard work & professionalism this season in⦠pic.twitter.com/TdFSfVI6KF
ā FC Halifax Town (@FCHTOnline) April 30, 2026
HALIFAX STATEMENT:
It’s with disappointment that we confirm, Manager Adam Lakeland has decided to leave FC Halifax Town and take up the role of First Team Manager at Morecambe FC.
We’d like to put on record our thanks to Adam for his hard work & professionalism this season in guiding us to an 8th place finish, narrowly missing out on the playoffs.
We wish Adam and his family every success for the future.
The Club will commence its search for a new Manager to ensure a swift but positive appointment. (All CVs in the first instance to be sent to Tonyallan@fchalifaxtown.com)
Here’s the fan reaction after the new Morecambe manager explains making the decision to drop down a league, with Halifax now on the search for a new boss…
@gm888__: This is serious business⦠first tick in the book for PW. Fair fucking play š Welcome gaffer!!
@harry_statter: What an appointment that is on paper. Well done Panjab šš» AMBITION
@derekquinncomm: This looks a really good appointment and someone who is highly regarded at the level. The fact he has been prepared to step down a level is a real positive too.
@JakeEnglish_: Brilliant appointment that. What a sign of intent, better than any of us couldāve hoped for. UTS!
@cylertarter: Thatāll fucking do me šš¦
@stimmo64: An incredible show of intent from the owners. Got a lot wrong last season, learning on the job, but no one can doubt the financial backing. Staying full time, and appointing a Manager with excellent credentials at the level above.. šš»šš»š¦š¦
@LancashireBant1: Great appointment, and for that type of appointment that smells of Bentley telling them owners who donāt have a clue how to fix the mess. Did wonders on a tiny budget at Halifax leave him to it but donāt expect miracles need a fair few windows but right direction
@euniesufc: HUGE loss for Halifax after a promising season. To be fair to Halifax they normally make good appointments so I wouldnāt be too worried but Iām sure thereās a bitter taste amongst Town fans tonight.
@_McCluskR: On paper that looks a great appointment and to get him jump ship from Halifax he must believe the club has a plan and direction I hope he is successful and you bounce back quickly
@HenryFCHT: Shows how much of a shit show we are that a football club with 3 relegations in 4 years, and playing in the regional divisions next season is more appealing than us. Enough is enough #BosomworthOut
@SLedgard77841: Another summer of complete incompetence this summer then, and we can blame it on not having a manager just like last year. How are we less attractive than panjab warriors morecambe side ffs
@Bobbins79: Says everything about the state of our club off the pitch when a manager would rather drop down a division to a basket case like Morecambe than stay here. Follow him out of the door David Bosomworth.
They’ve appointed WHO?!
Wow – fair play. Serious power play by PW.
He is one of the best up-and-coming young coaches in non-league.
Good track record of doing decent jobs. Farsley, Curzon, King’s Lynn, and more recently Halifax.
Brilliant appointment. https://t.co/77xcDU8CnX pic.twitter.com/z2Y50fms5b
ā Off The Line Blog (@OffTheLineBlog) April 30, 2026
Alarming for #FCHT.
They had one of the best up-and-coming managers that NL has to offer.
He has jumped ship to a team in the league below that is – in truth – on a downward slope.
Lakeland can turn them into a real force, but that should be a worry for Halifax. https://t.co/gAXf0GH1aT pic.twitter.com/7zXxsa7hZR
ā Off The Line Blog (@OffTheLineBlog) April 30, 2026
A positive for #FCHT.
Recent record of a) hiring b) recruiting has been good for the last few years.
Wild, Millington and Lakeland all done well. I’d approach a young manager of a similar mould.
I’d try and get John McGrath at Buxton if they do not get promoted. https://t.co/gAXf0GH1aT pic.twitter.com/lGUT0BgUHT
ā Off The Line Blog (@OffTheLineBlog) April 30, 2026
Itās alright fellas, we know of someone whoāll make you one of the best footballing teams in Britain. pic.twitter.com/qBDjdfzkjL
ā Mickey (@mickeym1504) April 30, 2026
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