Doncaster Rovers

Attack-minded Morecambe have plenty of threats in their side.

The Shrimps returned 37 goals from their League Two play-off winning side a season ago, including forward Cole Stockton and midfielder Adam Phillips.

Gone are the services of joint top scorer Carlos Mendes Gomes as he made the move to Championship Luton Town. Also gone are defensive midfielder Yann Songo’o (six goals in 2020/21), attacking midfielder John O’Sullivan (four goals in 2020/21) and forward Liam McAlinden. However, Robinson and his staff are excited about several newcomers to the club, including a number of newcomers the likes of Wesley McDonald, Callum Jones and Ryan Cooney.

Ones to watch:

Toumani Diagouraga

Providing his skills as a defensive midfielder, Toumani Diagouraga uses his pace and frame to his credit. The Paris born and bred defender began his career at Watford, before going on to play for Brentford and Leeds United, respectively. He spent six seasons at Brentford from 2010-16, seeing action in 210 games, and then moved to Leeds in January 2016, playing in 18 games. Diagouraga initially arrived at Morecambe in January 2020 on a short-term deal until the end of the season and later extended it.

During the club’s 2021/22 promotion season to League One, he recorded three goals in 43 appearances for the Shrimps – helping them to win the League Two playoff final for the first time in club history. He inked a new one-year contract in June.

Anthony O’Connor

Anthony O’Connor signed a two-year deal with Morecambe in June 2021, after spending three years with Bradford City. At Bradford City, he made 123 appearances for the club, netting eight goals in the process from his centre-back position on the pitch. He has also spent time in the Scottish Premiership, playing two seasons with Aberdeen, seeing action in 70 games and scoring five goals across all competitions. During the 2017/18 season, he helped Aberdeen during the Europa League qualifiers. Internationally, O’Connor – born in Cork, has represented the Republic of Ireland in U17, U19 and U21 competitions.

Cole Stockton

Since signing for Morecambe from Tranmere Rovers in 2019, Cole Stockton has been banging in goals for fun at the Mazuma Stadium. Already this season, Stockton has been awarded the EFL League One Player of the Month award for August 2021, as he scored four goals in five matches for his side. On the campaign, the Huyton-born striker leads League One with eight goals scored in all competitions. He owns a 46% shots on target percentage, while delivering 10 shots on target from 22.

Stockton seems to have found a home with Morecambe. Since his arrival, Stockton has produced 23 goals and four assists from his attacking forward position. In his seven years at Tranmere (across two separate stints), he tallied just 15 goals in 113 appearances.

Aaron Wildig 

Born in Hereford, Aaron Wildig is a senior veteran for Morecambe in the attacking midfield. Though beginning his professional career with Cardiff City in 2009, Wildig arrived to Morecambe on loan from parent club Shrewsbury Town in 2015. Later inked a two-year permanent deal with the Shrimps in June 2015. During that time, the former Welsh U16 international has connected on double-digit goals in what is more than 180 appearances for the club. Last season, Wildig netted nine goals in all competitions. During the 2013/14 campaign for Shrewsbury, he was selected as the club’s Player of the Year despite the team being relegated from League One.