Former Carlisle United captain and Workington Reds manager Danny Grainger has joined one of the Blues’ League Two rivals.
The Cumbrian has been named assistant manager at Morecambe.
It is Grainger’s first return to the game since stepping down as Reds manager at the end of last season.
At the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, he will play second to the returning Derek Adams.
That means at least three meetings with his previous club in 2024/25, with Morecambe playing Carlisle twice in the league and once in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Grainger’s transfer to the Lancashire club comes two months after he finished his second term at Borough Park.
The 37-year-old was always clear that he had no other job lined up and was taking his time deciding what to do next.
He said he is now prepared to take the next step in his coaching career with the Shrimps.
He told Morecambe’s website:
“When the opportunity to work with someone as experienced as the gaffer arose, it was an easy decision.
“I’m eager to be able to come in, push myself, and continue to build my own coaching abilities.
“I’ve known Derek when I played against his teams and then as a coach. I spoke with him when I first started teaching, and he has always been available for help over the phone, and we have had a nice relationship since then.
“Having played at Morecambe several times, I know a few individuals behind the scenes and understand what the club is about.
“Whenever I’ve played there, there’s always been a sense of family about the area, which is really important to me.
“The gaffer has been successful in this league, I’d like to think I’ve got experience there from being a League Two captain so fingers crossed we can gel together quickly, get the squad ready and make sure we hit the ground running.”
Adams, who is back in charge of Morecambe for the third time, said Grainger would be “a great addition to the football staff.”
It will be Grainger’s second full-time coaching position in the professional game, following a stint as an assistant at Falkirk between his two spells as Workington manager.
Morecambe have a big recruitment challenge due to financial uncertainties following the departure of the majority of their first-team squad at the end of the 2023/24 season.
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