TWO former Morecambe FC favourites are on the verge of signing for Lancaster City.

Jamie Murphy, released by the Shrimps at the end of last term, and Ryan Zico-Black have both been training with the Dolly Blues ahead of the season.

Manager Phil Wilson hopes to sign both players to add to a squad already boosted by the addition of goalkeeper Jamie Speare from Accrington Stanley and Joe Mcmahon, a 20-year-old centre back.

The six-feet-four defeender, who was at Crewe as a YTS player and played with Colwyn Bay last season while attending Liverpool University, is seen as a ready-made replacement for the departed Farrell Kilbane.

He represented Wales non-league in a tournament at the end of last season and Wilson says he has high hopes for him in the blue shirt of City.

City were due to kick off their pre-season warm-up programme with a game against Crewe Alexandra last night (Wednesday). The next two home games will see Carlisle United at the Giant Axe on Tuesday, July 27, and Morecambe on Tuesday, August 3, kick-offs at 7.45pm.

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