SAMMY McIlroy and Mark Lillis will stay in charge of Morecambe until the end of the season and hope to steer the Shrimps into the Football League before handing the reigns back over to Jimmy Harvey.

McIlroy has been in charge of Christie Park since boss Harvey suffered a heart attack in November and will now stay on while Harvey steps up his return to the club.

A spokesman for the Shrimps says: "This decision gives clarity to all concerned at Christie Park, the management team, playing squad, officials, staff and the supporters of the Shrimps.

"Jim will play his part over the next few months at a pace at which he is comfortable with."

McIlroy says: "I am delighted with this decision and I am 100 per cent committed to the job here, together we are aiming to get Morecambe into the Football League."

And Harvey himself is happy enough with the decision, saying: "I would like to thank the chairman and board of directors for their support and understanding over the past few weeks and allowing me the time to recover from my recent illness.

"I am recuperating well and looking forward to getting back to work when the time is right. "Special thanks must go to Sammy and Mark for their sterling work since taking over the reigns and to our players for their effort and messages of support.

"Can I also take this opportunity to thank everyone who has sent messages of support to me, Wendy and our family since my heart attack."