Sport Jim Bentley, the longest-serving boss in the Football League, resigns from role at Morecambe after eight years

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Jim Bentley has resigned as manager of Morecambe.

The 43-year-old, who was the longest-serving manager in the Football League, is expected to take over at National League AFC Fylde.

Bentley had been in charge since May 2011 and his departure brings to an end a 17-year association with the Shrimps, who he signed for as a player in 2002. 

© Provided by Associated Newspapers Limited Jim Bentley, the longest-serving manager in the Football League, has resigned at Morecambe

'It is with great reluctance that we have accepted the resignation of Jim Bentley,' said Morecambe in a statement.

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Jim Bentley - the longest - serving boss in England's top four leagues - resigns as boss of Jim Bentley was Morecambe captain when the club was promoted to the Football League in 2007. Bentley , 43, has been Morecambe boss since May 2011, having previously spent nine years with

Morecambe manager Jim Bentley says he is "uncomfortable" with reports that the club want to appoint a director of football , after ex-England captain London-based Bond Group Investments Limited took over Morecambe - who avoided relegation from League Two on the final day of last season - in the

'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.

'We cannot thank him enough for his contribution to the club over the years and it goes without saying he will always be welcome at the Globe Arena.

'Jim's name is synonymous with Morecambe and he has always had the very best interests of the club at heart, playing and managing with great pride, honour and integrity and he departs with the best wishes of everyone connected with the Shrimps.

© Getty (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)

'Our efforts are now focused on appointing a new manager as soon as possible and that process starts immediately, with a caretaker manager to be announced later this week.'

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The reception marked the 60th anniversary of Cruse Bereavement Care. The charity, of which the Queen is patron, offers free support, advice and information for bereaved adults, young adults and children. © Provided by The Press Association The Queen met volunteers, including Marion Wilson (right), a volunteer for Hull and East Riding, Yorkshire (Yui Mok/PA) The Queen wore a sea green and dove grey brocade cocktail dress and jacket with contrast silk bands by Angela Kelly, and the Nizam of Hyderabad diamond rose brooch to the reception.

Jim Bentley , the longest - serving boss in the Football League , resigns from role at Morecambe after eight years . An injury to Fury on Thursday could jeopardise his rematch with Wilder next year , but the American will also be in action before then with a bout against Luis Ortiz.

Jim Bentley , now the League ’s longest serving manager, looks forward to more comfortable times “I’ve come up against clubs who have had eight or nine managers since I’ve been at Morecambe . Bentley , who initially joined Morecambe as a player in 2002, is fast approaching eight years in the

Morecambe are currently bottom of League Two and have won just two of their 20 matches in all competitions this season.

AFC Fylde are 19th in the National League but are expected to announce Bentley as the successor to Dave Challinor, who was sacked earlier this month.

Following Bentley's exit, Wycombe's Gareth Ainsworth becomes the longest-serving manager in the Football League.

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