Morecambe manager Sammy McIlroy is one of the longest-serving managers in English football.

The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star took over at Morecambe six years ago, on a temporary basis at first after Jim Harvey suffered a heart attack, was appointed permanently a few months later, and has been there ever since.

He led Morecambe into the Conference play-offs in his first season, and his second brought promotion to the Football League through the play-offs.

In the three subsequent seasons, the Shrimps have finished 11th, 11th and fourth, making the play-offs last year, but capitulating 6-0 to Dagenham & Redbridge in the semi-final first leg.

Experienced ex-Everton, Grimsby and Yeovil striker Phil Jevons leads their scoring charts this season, with seven goals, six in the league.

He is followed by 35-year-old midfielder Stewart Drummond, who has spent more than ten years, in two spells, at the Lancashire club.

McIlroy’s men reeled off three wins on the spin in January, including a surprise 3-1 success at Shrewsbury.

But they have become the League Two draw specialists in recent weeks.

Their 3-3 result at Northampton on Tuesday was their fourth draw in the last five games.