KENDAL Town boss Lee Ashcroft (right) is backing Morecambe to go all the way and win Football League status in a move that will reshape the footballing landscape of the region.

He said: "It's fantastic for the town that Morecambe are going to Wembley and we at Town wish to congratulate them as a club for their achievement."

Ashcroft is an old mate of Morecambe player Ged Brannan and knows manager Sammy McIlroy from his Preston days, when the ex-Manchester United star gave him a pair of his old boots!

Ashcroft's verdict on the Conference Play-off Final against Exeter City on May, May 20 - the day after the FA Cup final - gives the Shrimps the edge: "I really think they can do it this time and get promotion from the Conference they deserve. They've gone close on several occasions and in Sammy McIllroy they've the man to do it - I hope they go up."

Meanwhile, Ashcroft spoke yesterday with Preston North End manager Paul Simpson and was "hopeful" about a pre-season friendly against the club at the Planet Conservatories Stadium.

"I'm hoping to arrange home friendlies with Preston, Everton and Wigan in a thorough preparation for the new season. My aim is to have a good look at everyone in the playing squad so we know what we are working with."

Town striker Peter Wright has undergone an operation for a double hernia in Manchester this week.

Ashcroft said: "He told me he was struggling a bit when he came, but he scored eight times for us in 11 matches - so what can we expect next season?"

The Town players awards will be handed out tomorrow night (Saturday) from 7pm onwards at The Park nightclub and Ashcroft welcomes all the club's fans to come down to the party, which continues with live music (admission £5).

"We're celebrating staying up in the Premier Division and want as many people as possible to share the moment with us," he said.