Bentley signs extended contract

Bentley has made 249 appearances for Morecambe

Morecambe captain Jim Bentley has signed an extended contract with the League Two club.

The deal for the 32-year-old, who joined Morecambe from Telford in 2002, will take him to the end of June 2011.

"I'm happy with this club. For me it's an enjoyable place and I get on well with everyone," the defender told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"I don't see the need to change and can now concentrate on the main thing which is winning games of football."

This is my seventh season at the club and I've always given my all and that's what people like to see Morecambe captain Jim Bentley

Bentley said leaving Christie Park was never an option.

"There's always rumours where this or that club are interested in you, but I've seen it all before.

"I'll go in the bar after games and chat to fans and am always open to questions and am one of those people who don't get straight off after a game.

"This is my seventh season at the club and I've always given my all and that's what people like to see.

"No matter what your football ability is you can't knock someone for giving 100% in every game they play."

Morecambe are due to move into their new stadium in time for the start of the 2010/11 season and Bentley admitted that is another reason for signing a new deal.

"It's something you want to be part of.

"When you've been part of the club this long and you feel what it's like in the community and the town, it's going to be nice to be involved with it."