MANAGERLESS Morecambe could be on the verge of making a move for 1,000-game veteran Graham Alexander as they seek a replacement for Sammy McIlroy.

The Shrimps are understood to be keen to make the 39-year-old Burnley midfielder their player-manager after former Manchester United man McIlroy left the Globe Arena on Monday, almost five years to the day since replacing Jim Harvey.

Alexander, who is due to complete his UEFA Pro Licence coaching badge next summer, was yesterday Sky Bet’s 3/1 joint favourite with Morecambe club captain Jim Bentley.

The Shrimps had a torrid fourth season in the Football League, finishing just three places and four points above the drop zone.

That was a major disappointment for the ambitious Shrimps and prompted the departure of McIlroy and his assistant, Mark Lillis.

Morecambe chairman Peter McGuigan wants a new man at the helm sooner rather than later, and the board are believed to see Alexander as an ideal candidate.

The former Preston North End right back hit the headlines last month when he became only the second outfield player in the history of English football to reach 1,000 games, after coming off the bench in Burnley’s home game against Swansea.

He has held the title player-coach in the last two seasons at Turf Moor, although coaching duties have been limited this season.

Alexander has also been linked with a playing return to Deepdale under Phil Brown.

However, a move into player-management could prove attractive to the Coventry-born star as, although he is keen to carry playing for at least another season, he is contemplating life after hanging up his boots.