‘Crisis point’ - Morecambe FC owner sacks board of directors as administration row rumbles on

The Morecambe FC owner has sacked the club’s board of directors as the future of the Shrimps remains uncertain.

Jason Whittingham also denied claims that he was "stalling" over the sale of the club.

This came after it was announced on Tuesday that the board had informed Bond Group - of which Mr Whittingham is sole director - that they intended to put the club into administration.

This was due to the proposed sale of the Shrimps to prospective new owners, Panjab Warriors, not being completed and claims that Bond Group's director was now "refusing to sell his shares in the club" to the buyers.

But on Wednesday morning, in a statement on the Morecambe FC website, Mr Whittingham (below) said he wished to "take control over the situation", so he can "resolve the matter of staff salary and the sale".

All employees are still awaiting two thirds of their June wages.

He also said he wanted to "avoid administration at all costs".

"There is no doubt that the club is in a precarious position and is at a crisis point," said the statement.

"We also appreciate the stress this is causing for all connected with Morecambe FC. 

"As majority shareholder we are making every effort to resolve any issues that have arisen and are working to protect the best interests of the club. 

"Bond Group Investments has started the process to dismiss the board of directors with immediate effect in order that we can take control over the situation giving us the required additional time to ensure that the club has the best chance to avoid administration.

"We hope the board of directors put the interest of the club before any personal grievances and during this delicate time of negotiation to save the club, refrain from their propensity of issuing negative statements."

According to Companies House, Rod Taylor, fellow co-chairman Graham Howse - who was also company secretary - and fellow board members James Wakefield, Charles Appleyard and Michael Horton, were terminated as directors on Wednesday. 

On Tuesday evening, Mr Taylor, in a statement on behalf of the board, accused Bond Group of "stalling for time and attempting to drag out what is a truly horrible situation and decision for as long as possible".

Below, Rod Taylor and Graham Howse

But Mr Whittingham said: ‘’The notion that Bond Group Investments is stalling is not true.

"Bond Group Investments need to ensure that any transfer of shares, in a sale, is done in a way that holds no recourse for either the club or Bond Group. The safety of the club’s future is paramount.

"Our focus today is to work to find solutions to resolve the matter of staff salary and the sale of the club to avoid administration at all costs.

"The staff, players and management team at the club have all been notified as have the National League. We will be communicating with the Supporters Trust.

"We are deeply sorry for the distress and uncertainty this is causing. Our next communication will be tomorrow morning to confirm the outcome.’’

In response, the Shrimps Trust supporters group said they were "disturbed to learn of Jason Whittingham’s intentions to sack the club’s board of directors".

"Timescales and promises provided by Bond Group over the course of the sale process have previously failed to come to fruition, and we remain doubtful over this latest assurance that Bond Group will successfully complete the sale of the club.

"We will do what we can to update fans as the situation progresses."

Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said the sale had been "scuppered by the current owner's pig-headedness".

"I am horrified to hear that Bond Group has dismissed the board of directors at Morecambe FC," said Ms Collinge on Wednesday.

The MP is pictured, second left, during a visit to the Mazuma in 2024.

"It is incredible that Jason Whittingham and Bond Group are taking this step when we have EFL-approved buyers ready and waiting.

"The club is a cornerstone of our community, providing jobs and opportunities for local people and a brilliant match day experience. I'll never forget the first time I was in that sea of red or the first time I took my kids to a match.

"The club also supports the Community Foundation which provides invaluable support to many groups including young people and veterans.

"The club is a source of pride for so many in Morecambe and I am gutted that the current owners have let it get to this point.

"To be clear, there were buyers ready and willing to take ownership of this club, EFL clearance had been granted and significant funds had been transferred however Bond Group has obfuscated and refused to engage honestly with the sale process.

"The board, the new potential owners, and the Shrimps Trust fans group have done everything they can to finalise the sale, but it has been scuppered by the current owner's pig-headedness.

"Throughout I have been supporting the club and raising its plight at the highest levels, with the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy MP (who visited the club last year) taking a close interest.

"i will continue to support staff, players and fans during this difficult time."

Mr Taylor said on Tuesday: "Following further discussions with Jason Whittingham this afternoon and evening, it is apparent to the board of directors that he is, for some reason, stalling for time and attempting to drag out what is a truly horrible situation and decision for as long as possible.

"We must emphasise that this is without providing the board with any substantive or convincing reasons for us to responsibly delay triggering the administration process.

"The board of directors have, this evening, informed Jason that administrators will be called, at the earliest opportunity, tomorrow morning.

"Jason still has the chance to do the right thing, agree to sell his shares tomorrow morning, but that opportunity expires once and for all after that."

Panjab Warriors were given clearance by the English Football League to complete the purchase of the club in June.

Below, Gurpreet Singh from Panjab Warriors with Mr Taylor and Mr Howse after the EFL gave approval for the takeover.

But on Friday, the board accused Bond Group of "considering reneging on the deal" after previously agreeing to it 

It was also announced that monthly staff salaries, the responsibility of the owner, had not been paid.

Further statements from the board on Tuesday gave Mr Whittingham ultimatums to complete the deal by first 4pm and then 6pm on Tuesday, or the board would begin the process of putting the club into administration.

An initial statement released by the board on Tuesday said Bond Group risks "the destruction of people's livelihoods, the truly wonderful football club that we love, the community that it sits at the heart of, and 105 years of proud history.’’

Morecambe FC has been up for sale since September 2022.

In that time, the club has twice been relegated and is due to start next season in non league football, in the National League.

Bond Group has owned the club since 2018.

Beyond Radio went to the club on Wednesday, where there was no comment from staff.

Read more about the full background: Administration threat as Morecambe FC owner given sale ultimatum