Jim Bentley has quit Morecambe after 17 years with the club. He says he wants a new challenge and is reportedly set to join AFC Fylde. Update: Now Confirmed.
Bentley is well known to Hereford United supporters as the big central defender who could score as well as defend when the two teams met particularily in the years proceeding Hereford's promotion to League Two.
He scored for Morecambe in the conference playoff semi-final in 2006.
'Twiss delivered to the far post, out of the reach of Brown, and onto the head of the flying Jim Bentley.'
This from Morecambe FC:
Bentley, who joined the club as a player in 2002 and skippered the Shrimps into the Football League, took over as manager from Sammy Mcilroy in May 2011 and in that time became the Football League’s longest serving manager.
A board statement said: “It is with great reluctance that we have accepted the resignation of Jim Bentley today.
"Jim has stated his desire to take on a new challenge and it is only right that we honour his wish after the service he has given this club.
“He has been an amazing servant for us as player, captain and manager and has deservedly gained a fantastic reputation throughout the game for what he has achieved with the club."
Back in 2002 Bentley was linked with a move to Hereford United after he had decided to leave Telford but he choose Morecambe.