Adam Lakeland cited Morecambe’s "ambition" after swapping Conference side Halifax Town for a club who dropped out of the division in April.

For the second summer running, the Shaymen are on the lookout for a new manager.

Halifax finished one place but 11 points outside the play-off places they reached four times in the previous six seasons.

But Morecambe are an example of what they are up against in a highly competitive fifth tier.

SWAPPING SIDES: Adam Lakeland has left Halifax Town for Conference North Morecambe (Image: Darren Murphy/FC Halifax Town)

placeholder image — SWAPPING SIDES: Adam Lakeland has left Halifax Town for Conference North Morecambe (Image: Darren Murphy/FC Halifax Town)

Just three years ago they were in League One with the likes of Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday. Next season they will play in Conference North.

But even during their relegation season they drew average league crowds of 2,867, compared to phoenix club Halifax's 1,580, and were able to pay Lakeland's release clause.

"I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Morecambe Football Club," said Lakeland after signing a three-year contract. "The project, vision and ambition of the club matches that of mine, and ultimately the opportunity to manage a club of Morecambe’s size, history and heritage was something I couldn’t turn down.

"Despite dropping down a league on a personal level, if I didn’t believe I could return to the National League quickly, I would not have considered this project. There are no guarantees, and the National League North is a very difficult division to get out of, but I believe I will be given the tools to build something here and that excites me."

Halifax expressed their "disappointment" but also their thanks to Lakeland, and have invited applications as they look for "a swift but positive appointment."