FORMER Lancaster City captain Martin Eatough will not be applying for the vacant manager's job at the Giant Axe club despite being linked with the post by outgoing boss Alan Tinsley.

The Great Harwood Town supremo said he thought long and hard about returning to the Dolly Blues but decided his loyalty must remain with the Unibond League Division One side.

He told the Citizen: "I had three great years at Lancaster and I'm very flattered just to be linked with the job. But Great Harwood gave me my first managerial chance and I owe it to them to repay that trust.

"I have said to a few of my players who have not been able to get into the side to remain loyal to the club. Now it is my turn to show that same commitment."

Apart from Eatough, there has been plenty of speculation about possible new bosses for the team currently being run by caretaker-manager Mick Hoyle.

Morecambe's assistant manager Tony Hesketh, current Lancaster captain Barrie Stimpson, midfielder Paul Lodge and former Morecambe manager Leighton James have all been linked with the job.

Martin Eatough added: "I'm not going to apply for the post and will not accept it if approached.

"They are a big club and I am sure they will be inundated with applicants. They will not have a problem filling the position."

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