Press release from Quinny.....
MORECAMBE FC will play their Reserve team games at Kendal's Lakeland Radio Stadium next season.
The Shrimps will be playing all their home Totepsort.com league and cup games at Kendal's ground as part of a new agreement between the two clubs. The agreement also includes FA Youth Cup games up until the third round, and Lancashire Senior Cup ties.
Games will be played on Wednesday evenings with a 7pm kick off. Admission prices have been set at the same level as last season, £4 for adults and £2 for concessions and juniors. Morecambe Season ticket holders will be admitted free.
Morecambe FC Secretary, Neil Marsdin, explained the background to the link with the Evo-Stick League club.
He said: “This is the ideal position for ourselves, as we wish to give the new pitch at the Globe Arena every chance of settling in. The opportunity to take our games to Kendal, where we enjoy a good level of support will, we feel, be of benefit not only to ourselves but and also to Kendal Town.
"The clubs have had good links over the years, and hopefully this partnership will lead to other off field developments. We had considered other options regarding the playing of totesport league games, but this ground sharing has the enthusiasm of both clubs trying to develop the relationship.”
The Shrimps' Chief Executive Rod Taylor said: “It really is a positive outcome for both clubs.
”With our successful community scheme under Janet Preston being able to offer help and guidance and hopefully develop community initiatives in the South Lakeland area and other possible benefits including commercial aspects, I feel that if we can develop strong community links not only in Kendal itself but in the surrounding areas, It could be of great benefit to both clubs”
Morecambe’s new Reserve team manager, Jim Bentley, said he is happy to be taking his mainly young charges up to The Lakeland Radio Stadium for home games.
Said Bentley: “This will be good experience for the boys, and maybe one or two will get spotted and go on loan spells in the Evo Stick league. The pitch is always in good condition and the facilities are good, although I do hope the weather is better than the last time we visited when we had a torrential rain storm!”
New Chairman of Kendal Town, Haydon Munslow said: “I am delighted for Kendal Town to move forward our ever improving links with Morecambe.
"We are seeking to emulate the success Morecambe have achieved on and off the pitch. Kendal Town is aiming for automatic promotion at the end of the 2010/11 season.
"Hosting Morecambe’s reserve games at Parkside Road will not only allow local residents to see important senior club matches on their doorsteps and provide Kendal Town with an important income stream, but also help foster the direct contact between our two clubs. This is all to our mutual benefit.''
Kendal Town’s Manager Lee Ashcroft added: “This is an excellent opportunity for both teams.
"My players will enjoy being closely associated with a team playing this season three divisions above Kendal. As we aim for promotion, being able to discuss support with a club established at a higher level is of great benefit. I will enjoy watching Morecambe’s reserve team playing at Parkside Road.''