Ged Brannan quits as Morecambe FC manager to rejoin former club

Ged Brannan has resigned as manager of Morecambe FC to rejoin his former club, Accrington Stanley.

The 52-year-old becomes assistant manager to Stanley boss, John Doolan, after a compensation clause was triggered in his contract.

He signed an 18-month deal at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium at the end of November, after initially arriving in September as First Team Coach and Senior Professional Development Coach.

No stranger to Shrimps fans, Brannan signed as a player in 2005 and went on to make more than 60 appearances, ultimately playing a key role in securing EFL status for the very first time following a 2-1 play off final victory over Exeter City at Wembley.

After hanging up his boots, the Liverpool-born and ex-Manchester City midfielder arrived back at Morecambe following a successful spell with Accrington Stanley in various roles, including U23s Manager, where he worked closely with a number of young players as they broke into the first team.

In his first month in charge, he guided the Shrimps to the Emirates FA Cup Third Round following an impressive away win at League One side Wycombe Wanderers, which was then followed up by a 5-0 away win against Doncaster Rovers.

Speaking on his departure, Brannan penned the following message:

“Firstly, I’d like to thank all involved with Morecambe Football Club, from the board to the players, the backroom staff, those working behind the scenes and the fans, for their support during my time at the club.

“It was always a goal of mine to become a first team manager, so to be able to do that at a club which I hold so close to my heart has been a dream come true.

“Leaving Morecambe has undoubtedly been the hardest decision of my life and one which wasn’t taken lightly, though I feel it is the right time for me and my family to step away.

“I mean every word when I say it truly saddens me to leave, though I don’t see a way in which I could continue given the current situation.

“To be up against what we have been with staffing issues, ownership challenges, the embargo, points deduction and late wages, I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved this season.

“In light of these challenges, what has become even more apparent to me over the past seven months is just how special this club is, with excellent support inside and out. The fans must stick together more than ever to keep pushing forward.

“I wish everyone involved with Morecambe all the very best moving forward, and I thank you once more for allowing me to manage this great football club.”

CEO Ben Sadler was keen to highlight his admiration for the job that Ged has done, saying: “I am bitterly disappointed that we find ourselves in a position where we are losing our second manager this season due to circumstances beyond our control.

“Ged is a good man, a top manager and will no doubt go on to do great things in his career. It has been a joy working with him this season and he has made so many positive contributions, club wide, during his spell here.

“It is devastating to see what is happening at the moment, we continue to do our best to steer the ship through these choppy waters and to a better place, although it is becoming ever more difficult.

“I would like to take the opportunity once again to thank all of our staff, supporters, sponsors, the wider community and of course the board of directors for their ongoing hard work, commitment, passion and fight for the club."