He was last of the Busby Babes and scored on his debut in the Manchester derby as a 17-year-old. Now Sammy McIlroy has joined the chorus line pleading for Morecambe, the Shrimpers he brought into the Football League as manager 17 years ago, to be saved after the directors issued the ultimate prawn ultimatum. Gypsy King and dethroned world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury ’s home-town club have no manager, no chief executive, only five players left on the books - and the board have published an open letter to owner Jason Whittingham, calling for him to sell up.
They warn of a “catastrophic outcome” if Whittingham doesn’t hand over the keys, with a US-based potential buyer the only credible saviour to date unless Fury finds a spare £10 million down the back of the sofa. On the promenade, there is a statue of comedian Eric Morecambe, the town’s favourite son (no offence, Tyson). Kobbie Mainoo puts Man Utd contract talks on hold amid plans to quadruple his salary Gary Lineker gives it back to Alan Shearer after naming club who 'always suffer' on MOTD Bring me sunshine? You’re having a laugh.
There are only dark clouds scudding across the cockles, winkles, mussels and shrimps of Morecambe Bay this summer, and McIlroy - the last player signed by Sir Matt Busby at Old Trafford before he retired in 1969 - fears his old club would struggle to rise from the ashes if the Grim Reaper claims another scallop. “The day we brought Morecambe into the League by winning the play-o.