MORECAMBE FC boss Jim Harvey has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

The popular Irishman has extended his contract with Morecambe - making him the longest serving manager in the Conference.

Harvey came to Christie Park as a player and managerial assistant in January, 1994, and took the Shrimps into the Vauxhall Conference at the end of his first full season in charge in 1995.

He has been building the club ever since - and says he is 'delighted' to be staying with the Shrimps.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Jim said he has enjoyed every minute at Christie Park - so much so that he is now in the process of moving home into the area.

And he is looking forward to the next campaign because he believes he now has the strongest squad available in all his time at the club.

"We have 20 players who are capable of keeping a first team place and so we are going to be as strong and competitive as any other team in the league," says Harvey.

"Promotion will come. Whether it's next year or the year after I don't know, but it will happen."

Chairman Peter McGuigan de-cribes former Northern Ireland assistant manager Harvey as 'a major asset' after guiding Morecambe to seven top 10 finishes in 10 years since he took the reins.

He says: "Jim has also been a major influence on our football academy, and last season no fewer than 10 graduates from the academy made appearances for the first team.

"We have backed him by strengthening the playing squad in the summer and we are now very optimistic."

McGuigan adds: "Now we are looking to supporters to lift our crowds above last season's record levels. We would hope to be getting gates above 2,000 regularly as we drive towards our goal of a place in the Football League."