Derek Adams has revealed that Morecambe‘s future transfer business is on hold until a compensation fee can be agreed over JJ McKiernan.
The midfielder left Lancashire at the end of his contract this summer and was picked up by Lincoln City after he turned down a new deal to stay. He has already featured four times since joining The Imps.
Despite losing the 22-year-old, The Shrimps are still owed a compensation ‘training fee’ for McKiernan, however, an agreement between the two clubs is yet to be agreed. A fee would be decided by a tribunal hearing should Morecambe and Lincoln reach an impasse.
Adams returned to the Mazuma Stadium less than a season after departing the club to take up the Ross County job. He was removed by the Scottish side in February and rejoined his former club for a third stint in charge, having previously left for Bradford City in 2021.
Speaking to the press on Thursday ahead of their game against Newport County, the 49-year-old manager revealed how the club is being affected by the holdup with Lincoln. He said (Quotes via Lancaster Guardian): “Both clubs are still working on that so we’ll have to wait and see.
“If we do bring anyone in, it’s likely to only be one player. Two players would be a push.”
Morecambe have already signed 18 new players amidst financial worries at the club leaving the squad numbers in single digits after the publishing of their retained list. They have loaned in former Swansea City defender Rhys Williams from Liverpool, giving him his first action in two years in a 1-0 loss to Doncaster Rovers.
The Shrimps are at the foot of the League Two table and one of two sides yet to score in the fourth tier. They play Crewe, the other team without a goal, following the upcoming game against The Exiles and Wigan Athletic in the EFL Trophy.
Writer’s View
Clubs always have issues in terms of agreeing fees over players like Morecambe and Lincoln City have with JJ McKiernan. It will be resolved but if Derek Adams wants more players in before tomorrow’s deadline day, they will need to reach an agreement soon. It must be frustrating in a way to be held captive pending this sort of deal but it is up to them to find that compromise if they need more incomings.
Scoring does seem to be an issue and Morecambe should be seeking more goalscoring threats in the next 48 hours. They are widely tipped to be in a relegation dogfight and having a ruthless finisher can be the difference between a mid-table finish and dropping into non-league. Derek Adams is a seasoned veteran at this club though and if anyone knows what is needed, it is the Scotsman.
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