Morecambe FC Academy boss and ex-player Stewart Drummond to leave club after 29 years' service

Morecambe FC Academy manager and ex-player Stewart Drummond has decided to leave the Shrimps after 29 years of service.

Drummond announced his departure after a connection with Morecambe that began in 1991, and led to a record number of first-team appearances on the field for the club.

He played 606 times for Morecambe, scoring 81 goals, then after retiring became reserve team manager for six years, then youth team boss before progressing to Academy manager.

Posting on his social media, Drummond said: "I have decided now is the right time to step aside from Morecambe FC.

"Lots of great memories along the years to look back on and very proud of the place all the many Academy staff have taken the Academy to.

"I always said once I felt the glass ceiling closing in I would move on.

"There has been a massive rate of progression across all aspects of the Academy over the years in terms of player and staff progression and the place the Academy is right now.

"In order to continue that rate of progression lots of changes need to happen from club infrastructure, investment, ownership to a widening understanding of the relevance and importance an Academy could, and in my view should play in a football club’s vision and strategy, particularly at League 1 and 2 level.

"Lots of ups and downs, first team managers, club directors that I worked with over the years.

"Many thanks to all the players, parents and in particular Academy staff that have helped drive us forward over the years.

"I look forward to seeing what the future brings. Good luck and all my best wishes to the Academy staff that will continue to do a great job in delivering the programme."

Drummond's Shrimps career began in 1991 when playing for the junior and reserve teams before signing professional forms in June 1995.

Under manager Jim Harvey, Drummond established himself as an influential first-team regular.

He won 13 England semi-professional caps and represented the FA XI on three occasions.

Leaving Morecambe in 2004 to further his career in the Football League with Chester City and later with Shrewsbury Town, the midfielder returned in 2008 to play for the Shrimps in the EFL.

After hanging his boots up in 2011, he became reserve team manager and then youth team manager in 2017, then progressing on to Academy manager and developing that important area of the club.

During this time, he oversaw the progression of some of Morecambe's finest Academy graduates, such as Leif Davis and Adam Mayor, who both now play in the Premier League and Championship respectively.

A club statement said: "We'd like to place on record our unwavering thanks to Stewart for his many years of fantastic service to Morecambe Football Club."

Rod Taylor, Morecambe co-chairman, said: "Drummy is a modern-era Shrimps legend with over 29 years of service across the past 33 years.

"He was an influential part of the Morecambe sides which cemented their place in the Football Conference and again played his part massively when he returned to us in the EFL.

"Stewart has decided to change career direction, and we wish him all the very best for the future.

"He will always be welcome here at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium."

Drummond holds the record for the number of appearances for the Shrimps, overtaking Steve Done, who appeared in 534 league and cup games in the Northern Premier League. His impressive record stands at 555 starts plus 51 from the bench, 606 in total.