ONE story alone dominated Morecambe's pre-season preparations.

The leadin+g scorer in non-league football left Christie Park for the nouveau-riche football league wannabes of Rushden & Diamonds, smashing the non-league transfer record in the process.

And it was a deal which reflected the growing wealth -- not to mention prestige -- the Nationwide Conference enjoys.

But Jackson's sale might not have been the most significant transfer deal since Morecambe finished an excellent third in the conference last year.

One of the best midfielders outside the football league checked in for just £25,000 from Northwhich.

It might have been a Morecambe record, but in terms of the modern game, it's peanuts.

But the tough tackling midfielder should perfectly complement the powerhouse of the Morecambe side, his fellow non-league international Stewart Drummond. He replaces Michael Knowles, departing for the USA.

The signing of Andy Lyons could prove just as important. The tricky left winger has added a wealth of experience since his last spell at Christie Park.

He starred for Wigan Athletic, in Scotland for Partick Thistle and his pre-season performances show extreme promise.

Former Marine players Adriano Rigoglioso and Chris Price will both increase competition for places. Big Rigoglioso looks like a real find, a tall and physical player who can fit in across the midfield or attack.

As Harvey adds: "We bought him as one for the future, but it might not be long before we see him starting games."

Completing the new recruits is keeper Mark Smith. The former Crewe keeper never quite made it in the league, but his talent is undoubted. Andy Banks will also hope to put his hands on the number one shirt, while Steve McIlhargey hasn't gone anywhere yet.

At the back, the likes of Andy Fensome, Greg Brown and Dave McKearney have all had good football league careers, while young John Hardiker has had scouts sniffing around like bees on a honeypot. This season gives him a chance to establish himself.

A question mark remains over the attack, but John Norman and Phil Eastwood both, potentially at least, 20 goals a season man.

And then, of course, there are the youngsters. With a name like Ryan-Zico Black, the young Northern Ireland star could hardly of become anything but a footballer and, along with the like of Leon Smith and Garry Thompson, this could be his year to stake a real claim.

The youth academy puts similar set-ups at many football league clubs to shame, and it's products represent the best chance of putting together a team which can bring league football to this part of the world for the first time.

But Jim Harvey adds a note of caution amidst the sense of optimism currently around the club: "Generally, across the board, I think we are as strong a squad as this club has ever had. But you've got to temper that with the quality of the opposition."

Or, to put it another way, while Morecambe are strengthening, so is virtually every other club in the division -- many throwing around the kind of money which Harvey can only dream of. In short, this season it looks like Morecambe will have to run just to stand still.