SOCCER chiefs at Morecambe football club are gearing up for a new season following the unveiling of the Vauxhall Conference fixtures list this week. For a start their top player Michael Knowles has decided to stay with the Shrimps despite rumours of being linked with a move to Barrow. The midfielder, who was awarded the supporters' top award last year and has also had trials for Liverpool and Blackburn, has signed up for a two-year deal.

Meanwhile players and coaches alike have been pouring over the 1997-8 fixtures list. The first match will be at home against Leek Town on August 16.

Leek won the Unibond Premier Division last year by a staggering 10 points against Bishop Auckland.

Next, comes a Wednesday match against Gateshead away.

Then, the Shrimps will meet Hayes away followed by Kidderminster Harriers at home and Telford United at home.

The derby games with Southport are pencilled in for Boxing Day and New Year's Day and the final game of the season is at home against Farnborough Town.

The Shrimps are exempt from the FA Cup until the fourth qualifying round which is expected to help avoid any fixture build ups at the end of the season.

Knowles in action for the Shrimps

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